If you are just visiting Brunei for a short period of time then you may not need a visa. If your country of origin does not qualify for a visa-free visit then you can apply for either a short stay visa or a business visa. Both of these visas are valid for only 3 months though may be extended once you are in the country. One of these visas can be issued within 3 days of the application being received and the applicant must pay between B$20 or B$50 depending on how long the visa is to last and whether it will apply to more than one entry. A list of countries exempt from these visas is available on the Brunei government website.

In order to apply for any type of visa your passport must have at least six months left to run. Sponsorship letters from the relevant businesses must be supplied in the case of a business visa. Those who need a short stay visa must be in possession of a return ticket. Citizens of Israel will not be granted entry into Brunei.

Anyone who is planning on working in Brunei will need to apply for a work permit. These permits are valid for two years. The application needs to be made to the country’s labour department. If it is approved then the Immigration department will give permission for the worker to enter the country. Permission will not be granted if the intention is to work for a company that has yet to be formed or for a foreign company which is not yet officially recognised. The work permit also grants residency for the same period of time. Once the permit has been issued the worker can apply for the Brunei Identity Card which is mandatory for anybody in the country for more than three months.

Workers must deposit the cost of return air fare home, this is to ensure that workers do not stay beyond their allotted period of time and cannot use poverty as an excuse to stay. Employers must obtain passes for their foreign workers and the families of foreign workers will need dependents’ permits.

It is possible for an expat to apply for citizenship. In order to achieve this they must be prepared to study for and pass exams in the Malay language, customs and culture. If a resident is considered ‘stateless’ then they can be issued with an International Certificate of Identity which can allow them to travel.