Residence in Bhutan: permits and requirements
Living legally in Bhutan is possible through 4 permit types: work, family, entrepreneurship. Each program has its own requirements; below are the duration, renewal, costs and documentation according to the country's official sources.
Work Permit
Residence type #1 of 4
Permit for foreign workers with a Bhutanese employer; prior approval from the Department of Labor (DOI/MoICE).
Requirements
- Department of Labor approval (Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment)
- Contract with a Bhutanese employer and foreign worker quota
- Medical certificate issued in Bhutan (includes drug test)
Documentation
- Work permit form and employer and employee commitments
- Passport with employment visa
- Medical certificate
- Photographs
Frequently asked questions about residence in Bhutan
How many types of residence permits are there in Bhutan?
Bhutan offers 4 residence permit types, grouped into the categories work, family, entrepreneurship. Each permit has its own requirements, duration and documentation, detailed in this fact sheet according to the country's official sources.
How long do residence permits in Bhutan last?
Durations vary by permit type: Tied to contract (periodic renewal); For the approved period; Same as the main visa; Up to 1 year depending on category. The exact details of each type appear in the corresponding fact sheet.
Can residence permits in Bhutan be renewed?
Yes. All residence permit types of Bhutan (4 in total) are renewable before their expiration, according to the rules of each program.
What documentation is usually required to reside in Bhutan?
Although each permit requires its own file, the most recurrent documents are: Formulario de solicitud; Photographs. The complete list by residence type appears in each fact sheet, together with the corresponding official link.
Does residence in Bhutan lead to nationality?
Yes, through the Naturalization by residence pathway, which requires 20 years (15 for Government employees or children of a Bhutanese citizen) (Citizenship Act 1985, s. 3(c)) of legal residence. The complete requirements are in the nationality fact sheet of Bhutan.
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Anything to correct or add about Bhutan?
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