Residence in Brunei: permits and requirements
Living legally in Brunei is possible through 4 permit types: work, permanent, study. Each program has its own requirements; below are the duration, renewal, costs and documentation according to the country's official sources.
Work Pass (Employment Pass / Work Pass)
Residence type #1 of 4
Residence permit for foreigners legally employed in Brunei Darussalam.
Requirements
- Employment contract with a company registered in Brunei
- The company must hold a valid Business License
- The company must have a Local Sponsor
- Medical certificate
- Clean criminal record
- Degree or qualification relevant to the position
- Approval of the Immigration Department and the Ministry of Labor
Documentation
- Valid passport
- Work Pass application form
- Signed employment contract
- Employer's business license
- Local sponsor letter
- Medical certificate (from a Brunei government hospital)
- Criminal record certificate from the country of origin
- Passport-size photos
- Certified academic degrees
Frequently asked questions about residence in Brunei
How many types of residence permits are there in Brunei?
Brunei offers 4 residence permit types, grouped into the categories work, permanent, study. 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 Brunei last?
Durations vary by permit type: 1 to 3 years renewable; 1 to 5 years renewable (case by case); 1 to 2 years renewable; 1 year renewable (until completing the study program). The exact details of each type appear in the corresponding fact sheet.
Can residence permits in Brunei be renewed?
Yes. All residence permit types of Brunei (4 in total) are renewable before their expiration, according to the rules of each program.
What documentation is usually required to reside in Brunei?
Although each permit requires its own file, the most recurrent documents are: Valid passport; Formulario de solicitud; Certificado médico; Certificado de antecedentes penales; Passport-size photos. The complete list by residence type appears in each fact sheet, together with the corresponding official link.
Does residence in Brunei lead to nationality?
Yes, through the Naturalization by residence pathway, which requires 20 years in aggregate within the prior 25 + 2 continuous years before applying (Act Cap 15, s. 8(1)) of legal residence. The complete requirements are in the nationality fact sheet of Brunei.
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Anything to correct or add about Brunei?
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