Brunei – Work Permits and Working Legally

Do expats need a work permit to work legally in Brunei?

Work authorisation is mandatory for all foreign nationals in Brunei, regardless of the industry or how long they intend to be employed. Although certain nationalities may enter the country without a visa for short tourism or business visits, that entry permission does not extend to paid employment. A separate and specific work authorisation must be in place before any work begins.

Both the employer and the employee have roles to play in obtaining a work permit in Brunei. The employer must take the lead by initiating the application and acting as the official sponsor, while the employee contributes required documentation and personal information. This distinguishes Brunei’s approach from systems in which employees can independently lodge their own applications — here, the employer must complete the most substantial steps before the worker can proceed at all.

Bruneian employers bear the primary responsibility for ensuring their foreign staff have appropriate authorisation. They must demonstrate that the vacancy cannot be filled by a local worker and that the foreign candidate is suitably qualified. The government closely monitors hiring practices to confirm that Bruneian citizens have first access to job opportunities unless genuinely specialised expertise is required from abroad.

Certain categories of individuals may benefit from exemptions or streamlined processes. These depend on the type of work, intended length of stay, and the individual’s nationality. Citizens of ASEAN member states may experience simplified procedures under the ASEAN Agreement on Services. Holders of an endorsed APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) may enter Brunei for business purposes without a visitor visa, though this falls short of permission to take up formal employment. Nationals of neighbouring Singapore and Malaysia may be subject to more favourable conditions that ease access for citizens of those countries. Because exemptions are periodically revised, individuals should always confirm their specific situation with the relevant Bruneian authority.

What types of work permit are available in Brunei?

Brunei provides several work authorisation options, including the Foreign Workers Licence, Business Visit Visa, Professional Visit Visa, and Special Authorisation Work Pass, each designed to address different professional circumstances. The categories most relevant to expats taking up employment are described below.

Lesen Pekerja Asing (LPA) — Foreign Workers Licence
The LPA is a foundational requirement for employers who wish to hire foreign staff in Brunei. Typically valid for up to two years, it authorises the employer to bring in and retain a foreign worker for the specified period. The LPA must be obtained before the prospective employee can begin any work, and it is renewable upon satisfying the applicable criteria.

Employment Pass (EP)
The Employment Pass is the standard work authorisation for foreign nationals employed in Brunei. It is issued to skilled professionals, managerial personnel, and specialists working with registered companies, and it is subject to approval by the Prime Minister’s Office, the Labour Department, and the Immigration Department. The EP is normally valid for two years and can be renewed. An LPA must already be in place before an Employment Pass application can be lodged.

Special Authorisation Work Pass (SAWP)
The SAWP is intended for foreign nationals engaged in short-term assignments of up to six months. It applies specifically to particular sectors such as oil and gas, petroleum, information technology, and construction. This pass is non-renewable and is not a route to longer-term residency. It is broadly comparable to short-term project visas offered in other countries but is strictly limited to designated industries.

Professional Visit Visa (PVV)
The Professional Visit Visa is designed for foreign experts and professionals who are providing specialist services to a Bruneian organisation on a temporary basis. A local sponsor or formal company invitation is required, and the visa is ordinarily granted for between one and three months. Extensions may be granted where necessary, though the PVV is classified as non-renewable in standard circumstances.

Business Visitor Visa (BVV)
The Business Visitor Visa is a short-term pass permitting holders to conduct business activities such as attending meetings, negotiating contracts, or exploring commercial opportunities in Brunei. It may also cover short-term training or similar engagements that fall outside formal employment. Crucially, the BVV does not authorise the holder to take up salaried employment within the country.

Green Smart Identity Card
Foreign nationals who intend to remain in Brunei for more than three months are required to register within the national identity card system. The Green Smart Identity Card functions as an official identification document for foreign residents and is a necessary step for those on longer-term work assignments.

Sector-specific considerations and quotas
Certain industries carry additional requirements reflecting their economic significance or particular workforce demands. In the construction sector, employers must comply with labour quotas and are required to provide appropriate accommodation and welfare for their workers in line with labour legislation. The oil and gas industry applies rigorous vetting to foreign worker applications; employers must demonstrate that no suitably qualified Bruneian professional is available before approval is granted, and the thoroughness of this scrutiny can extend processing timelines. Healthcare and education sectors often see faster approvals owing to acknowledged local skills shortages, but foreign professionals must have their qualifications recognised by the relevant Bruneian authority — whether the medical board or the education department — before commencing work.

Permanent residency pathway
Brunei maintains an exceptionally restrictive approach to granting permanent residency to foreign nationals. There is no direct or automatic route to PR through years of holding a work permit. Permanent residency is considered only in narrowly defined situations, most commonly marriage to a Bruneian citizen, outstanding contributions to national development requiring senior government endorsement, or being the foreign-born child of a Bruneian citizen.

How do you apply for a work permit in Brunei, and how long does it take?

The process involves obtaining the correct visa to enter Brunei and then securing work authorisation that specifies both the permitted role and the employing organisation. Unlike jurisdictions that allow employees to self-sponsor their work applications, Brunei operates a sequential, employer-driven system in which each stage must be completed before the next can begin. The employer acts from within Brunei while the employee may need to engage with a Brunei consulate or embassy in their home country.

Two government bodies oversee the framework: the Department of Immigration and National Registration administers immigration matters, while the Labour Department handles work permit approvals. Both must be satisfied before an Employment Pass is issued.

The step-by-step process is as follows:

1. Secure a job offer. Before anything else can proceed, the expat must receive a formal job offer from a Bruneian employer. This offer underpins every subsequent step in the application.
2. Employer registers and advertises the vacancy. The employer must register with the Registry of Companies and Business Names, list the vacancy through JobCentre Brunei (JCB), and obtain the necessary endorsement from Tabung Amanah Pekerja (TAP). This demonstrates that the role has been made available to local candidates first.
3. Employer obtains Labour Quota approval. The employer must secure Labour Quota approval from the Brunei Department of Labour, providing evidence that hiring a foreign national is genuinely necessary. This is functionally equivalent to a resident labour market test used in many other countries.
4. Employer applies for the LPA and pays the security deposit. Once quota approval is granted, the employer applies for the LPA. A refundable security deposit is paid at this stage, and the LPA is typically issued within two weeks. This licence formally authorises the employer to engage the foreign worker.
5. Employee undergoes a medical examination. The prospective employee must complete a medical assessment at a health centre accredited by Brunei’s Ministry of Health, confirming that they meet the applicable health standards.
6. Employer submits the Employment Pass application. Armed with the LPA and medical clearance, the employer submits the Employment Pass application to the Department of Immigration and National Registration. This submission must include a signed employment contract, company registration documentation, and the applicant’s credentials.
7. Employee applies for the Employment Visa at a Brunei consulate abroad (if applicable). Following approval of the Employment Pass application, the employee may apply for the corresponding visa at the nearest Bruneian embassy or consulate in their country of residence, using the approval documentation issued by the Immigration and National Registration Department.
8. Register for the Green Identity Card on arrival (if staying over three months). Workers who will remain in Brunei for more than three months must register with the national identity card system and obtain a Green Smart Identity Card upon arrival.

Processing times (as of 2025): The LPA process typically takes around two weeks. Employment Pass applications are generally processed within five working days, with expedited processing available for certain permits. However, verifying educational credentials and professional expertise can lengthen timelines for specialist roles. Always begin the process well before the intended start date. Check the Department of Labour website and the Department of Immigration and National Registration for the most current guidance.

What documents do expats need to apply for a work permit in Brunei?

The precise documentation required depends on the permit category, the applicant’s profession, and their country of origin. The lists below reflect typical requirements — always confirm the current checklist directly with the Department of Immigration and National Registration or the relevant Brunei embassy before submitting any application.

Documents typically required from the employee:

• A valid passport with at least six months’ remaining validity, accompanied by a formal job offer or signed employment contract from a Bruneian employer.
• Certified copies of educational certificates and professional qualifications.
• A medical certificate issued by an accredited health centre.
• A police clearance certificate obtained from the applicant’s home country.
• Recent passport-sized photographs.
• Any approval letters from relevant government bodies, once these have been issued.

Documents typically required from the employer:

• Confirmation from JobCentre Brunei (JCB) and an endorsement from Tabung Amanah Pekerja (TAP), along with proof of registration with the Registry of Companies and Business Names.
• Company registration documents and evidence of the organisation’s financial standing.
• Labour Quota approval from the Department of Labour, substantiating the need to recruit a foreign national.
• A signed employment contract together with a supporting job description for the role.

Requirements can and do change, so any third-party checklist should be treated only as a starting point. Where documents are not in the Malay language, certified translations may be required, and this should be factored into preparation timelines.

What does a work permit cost in Brunei?

Obtaining a work permit in Brunei involves several categories of expenditure, including government processing fees, a refundable security deposit, medical examination costs, and potentially translation and notarisation charges. A comprehensive public fee schedule is not consistently maintained in one place, and amounts are subject to revision, so the information below should be used as a general guide only. Always verify current figures directly with the Department of Immigration and National Registration or the Department of Labour.

Types of costs to budget for:

• Government application fees: The Department of Immigration and National Registration levies processing fees for work permit applications. The exact amount varies depending on the permit type and duration.
• Security deposit: A refundable security deposit must be paid as part of the LPA process. This may be covered by either the employer or the employee and is returned upon satisfactory completion of the employment period.
• Medical examination fees: Applicants required to undergo a medical assessment will incur costs at the Ministry of Health-accredited centre where the examination is conducted.
• Police clearance certificate fees: Sourcing a police clearance certificate from the applicant’s home country typically involves a fee payable to the relevant authority there.
• Visa fees: Depending on the applicant’s nationality, additional visa fees may be payable when applying at a Bruneian consulate or embassy abroad.
• Translation and notarisation costs: Documents not in the Malay language will require certified translation, adding to the overall expense.
• Renewal fees: Fees applicable at the renewal stage vary by visa category and can be confirmed with the Department of Immigration and National Registration.

On the matter of who bears these costs, Brunei’s employment legislation is clear: there is no statutory minimum wage in Brunei Darussalam, with remuneration determined by negotiation between employer and employee. However, any employer who collects payments from an employee in contravention of the Employment Act commits an offence. On conviction, the penalty is a fine not exceeding BND$1,000 for a first offence, and for a second or subsequent offence a fine not exceeding BND$2,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year. Expats should ensure that any arrangement under which they contribute to permit-related costs is fully compliant with current Brunei employment law, and should seek legal advice if in any doubt.

Can expats change jobs or employers while on a work permit in Brunei?

Employment Passes in Brunei are tied to a specific sponsoring employer and are issued for a fixed period of up to two years. This employer-linked structure is similar to sponsored visa arrangements in many other countries, where moving to a new employer requires a fresh application rather than simply notifying the authorities of a change.

Because the Employment Pass is bound to both the sponsoring employer and the specific role, switching jobs is not a straightforward administrative update. In practice, the new employer must obtain a fresh LPA and submit a new Employment Pass application on the employee’s behalf. The process begins again from the start, including the requirement for the prospective new employer to demonstrate that no suitably qualified local candidate is available for the position.

Employers sponsoring foreign workers are subject to detailed compliance obligations covering recruitment, documentation, and ongoing adherence to labour regulations. An expat who leaves their sponsoring employer before their permit expires should not remain in Brunei and take up work with another organisation without first obtaining fresh authorisation. Continuing to work under the name of a previous employer, or for an employer not listed on the permit, constitutes a breach of permit conditions.

Any change in employment status — whether through resignation, termination, or redundancy — should be reported to the relevant authorities without delay. Failure to notify the Department of Immigration and National Registration of changes in employment or address can complicate future applications in Brunei. Expats contemplating a job change are strongly advised to seek guidance from the Immigration Department or consult an immigration lawyer before taking any action.

What are the penalties for working illegally in Brunei?

Brunei’s government enforces its work authorisation requirements rigorously, and any foreign national who works without a valid and appropriate permit is exposed to serious legal consequences. All documentation must be properly processed and in order before employment commences.

Consequences for workers: Working without valid authorisation, or in breach of permit conditions, can result in the cancellation of the work permit, substantial financial penalties, and deportation from Brunei. A deportation record has lasting implications: it can affect future applications to re-enter Brunei and may be declared when applying for visas in other countries that ask about prior immigration violations. Working for an unauthorised employer or in a sector not covered by the permit is treated with the same seriousness as having no permit at all.

Consequences for employers: Employers who engage foreign workers who lack valid work permits face fines, legal proceedings, and potential cancellation of their business licences. Sponsors are held to strict standards regarding recruitment practices, documentation, and ongoing compliance. Employers who unlawfully pass permit-related costs to employees also face penalties under the Employment Act.

Brunei’s government conducts regular inspections to verify that recruitment practices favour Bruneian citizens and that foreign workers are employed only where genuinely specialist skills are required. The Department of Labour, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, carries out follow-up inspections after initial permit approval to confirm continued compliance. Non-compliance identified during such an inspection can trigger immediate enforcement action against both the employer and the employee concerned.

Where can expats find reliable and up-to-date information on work permits in Brunei?

The Department of Immigration and National Registration oversees immigration matters in Brunei, while the Labour Department is responsible for work permit regulation. These two bodies are the authoritative sources that expats and employers should consult first and most frequently.

Key official sources:

• Department of Immigration and National Registration (DINR) — responsible for issuing Employment Passes, Green Identity Cards, and other entry and residency documents. It operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs and handles work permit applications on the immigration side.
• Department of Labour, Ministry of Home Affairs — administers the LPA, labour quota approvals, and employment conditions for foreign workers. Their Guide to Brunei Employment Laws provides a useful introduction to the regulatory framework.
• JobCentre Brunei (JCB) — the official platform through which employers must advertise vacancies before they are permitted to recruit foreign workers.
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs — provides information on visa categories from the perspective of the Brunei government, including the Employment Visa issued specifically for the purpose of taking up employment in Brunei Darussalam.
• Brunei embassies and consulates abroad — once labour permit approval has been granted, the worker applies for the corresponding visa at the Bruneian embassy or consulate in their home country. Consulates can also advise on country-specific supporting document requirements.

Expats should exercise caution when relying on third-party websites, recruitment agents, or online forums for information on fees and processing times, as these details change regularly and unofficial sources are frequently outdated. Where circumstances are complex — such as intracompany transfers, dual employment arrangements, or roles requiring sector-specific licensing — professional immigration or legal advice is strongly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start work in Brunei while my Employment Pass application is being processed?

No. The LPA must be secured by the employer and the Employment Pass must be fully approved before the foreign employee may begin work. Commencing employment prior to both approvals being in place violates Brunei’s immigration rules and can result in fines, deportation, and a bar on future entry to the country.

How long is an Employment Pass valid, and can it be renewed?

Employment Pass applications are generally processed within approximately five working days. Once issued, the pass is valid for two years and may be renewed as required. The employer must re-engage with the Labour Department at renewal and demonstrate a continued need for the foreign worker. There is no prescribed maximum number of renewals, but the process is not automatic and must be completed before the existing pass expires.

Do dependants of work permit holders need their own authorisation to work in Brunei?

Spouses and children of Employment Pass holders may apply for a Dependent Pass permitting them to reside in Brunei for the duration of the principal worker’s permit. However, a Dependent Pass does not carry permission to work. Any dependent who wishes to take up employment must apply for their own work authorisation through the standard process.

Is there a working holiday visa available for Brunei?

Brunei does not offer a general working holiday programme of the kind operated by countries such as Australia or New Zealand. Work authorisation in Brunei is tied to employer sponsorship, and there is no standalone visa category that allows individuals to arrive independently and seek casual or short-term work. Short-term professional engagements may be covered by the Professional Visit Visa or the SAWP, but both of these require a sponsoring employer.

Can self-employed people or freelancers obtain a work permit in Brunei?

Brunei’s work permit system is structured around employer sponsorship, making it inherently difficult for genuinely self-employed individuals or freelancers to obtain standard work authorisation. Those seeking to operate a business in Brunei independently should investigate the business incorporation pathway and consult the Registry of Companies and Business Names for relevant guidance.

What happens to my work permit if I am made redundant?

Since the Employment Pass is bound to a specific employer, losing that employment effectively renders the work authorisation invalid. The former employee may not take up work with a new employer unless and until the new organisation has obtained a fresh LPA and had a new Employment Pass approved. The Department of Immigration and National Registration should be informed promptly upon any change in employment status, and the individual should clarify their options for continued lawful stay while new authorisation is being sought.

Does holding a work permit for several years lead to permanent residency in Brunei?

For the great majority of foreign workers, accumulating years on a work permit does not create eligibility for permanent residency. Brunei maintains a highly restrictive policy on granting PR to foreign nationals, and there is no automatic or points-based pathway linked to the duration of work permit holding. Permanent residency is considered only in specific and limited circumstances, most commonly where the applicant has direct family ties to a Bruneian citizen or has made exceptional contributions to national development.

Can an employer legally deduct work permit fees from an employee’s salary in Brunei?

Brunei’s Employment Act restricts the deductions that employers are permitted to make from employees’ wages. Any employer who collects payments from an employee in contravention of the Act commits an offence carrying a fine not exceeding BND$1,000 on first conviction, and for a second or subsequent offence a fine not exceeding BND$2,000 or a term of imprisonment. Expats should scrutinise their employment contract carefully and take legal advice if they suspect that costs are being passed to them unlawfully. The Department of Labour is the appropriate body to contact with concerns about unauthorised salary deductions.