Bermuda – Residency

What types of residency are available in Bermuda?

The Department of Immigration has the responsibility of administering and enforcing the tenets of the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Act 1956 and its related policies. Foreign nationals who wish to reside in Bermuda have several immigration pathways available, ranging from traditional work permits to new residency certificate programmes. Unlike some countries with straightforward skilled-worker visa systems, Bermuda’s approach prioritises local employment first and places strict limits on who can live and work on the island long-term.

Work Permits

To work in Bermuda, you must have a valid work permit granted by the Bermuda government. Work permits are issued to foreign nationals who are hired by an employer in Bermuda, and the employer must demonstrate that the position cannot be filled by a qualified Bermudian or permanent resident. Effective 1 November 2025, Bermuda’s Department of Immigration introduced significant revisions to its Work Permit Policy, which introduce new compliance obligations, clarify existing requirements, and may impact hiring practices and workforce planning.

There are several distinct categories of work permit:

• Standard Work Permit: A general work permit that can be granted for one to five years and may be renewed. As of 2025, a one-year Standard Work Permit costs BMD $1,015. Fees are paid by the employer.
• Short-Term Work Permit: Issued for a period not exceeding six months. A Short-Term Permit (up to 3 months) costs BMD $705.
• Periodic Work Permit: Allows a person to work for one employer who will make multiple visits over a specific time and stay no more than 30 days on each visit. Periodic permits are now limited to maintenance, warranty, training, or similar service agreements, and holders cannot fill permanent, short-term, or part-time roles.
• Global Work Permit: Allows a person already employed by a global company in another jurisdiction to transfer to the Bermuda office without the requirement to advertise the position.

A work permit can include sponsorship for a spouse and minor children to reside in Bermuda as dependants — they receive residential status but not the automatic right to work. A work permit cannot result in immigration or an automatic right of abode, even if you remain in Bermuda for many years.

Permission to Reside on an Annual Basis

If you are financially independent or retired and wish to live in Bermuda long-term without seeking local employment, you can apply for permission to reside on an annual basis (renewable). You must show evidence of sufficient income or savings, health insurance, good character, and that you won’t seek local employment. In practice, such permission can be obtained for a period of up to five years.

The key restriction is that you cannot work for a Bermuda employer, though working remotely for an overseas employer is permitted. This permission is discretionary and does not lead automatically to permanent status, but it can be renewed indefinitely.

Permission to Reside and Seek Employment

There are several types of residence you can apply for, including permission to reside and seek employment (which covers seeking alternate employment). This category is relevant for those transitioning between work permit roles or who have recently completed a work contract. The Permission to Reside allows a person to reside in Bermuda for a set period at the completion of a work contract if they do not have another job.

Student Residence

International students can obtain temporary residence to study at approved institutions, such as Bermuda College. They must show proof of admission, financial capacity, and health insurance. Student residence is for study only; working requires a separate permit.

Important note: The Work from Bermuda Certificate has closed

The One Year Residential Certificate programme for digital nomads officially ended on 28 February 2025, and applications for this certificate are no longer being accepted. Foreign nationals who want to remain in Bermuda may be eligible to apply for Permission to Reside on an Annual Basis, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

What is the Economic Investment Residential Certificate?

Under the current Economic Investment Residential Certificate (EIRC) policy, which replaced earlier versions in June 2024, a successful applicant receives a Residential Certificate directly — rather than first obtaining a five-year interim certificate as the older policy required. This is Bermuda’s residency-by-investment route, aimed at high-net-worth individuals.

The EIRC pathway requires a minimum investment of at least BMD $2.5 million into the local economy. Qualifying investments include purchasing residential or commercial real estate, investing in a new or existing Bermuda-based business, buying Bermuda Government bonds, contributing to the Bermuda Sinking Fund or Trust Fund, or donating to a registered Bermuda charity.

Once granted, the Residential Certificate allows the holder, their spouse, and dependants to live in Bermuda indefinitely. The current EIRC policy also grants the right to seek employment and provides automatic work permit approval for any business in which the holder has invested.

Holders must maintain the BMD $2.5 million investment for at least five years and reside in Bermuda for a minimum of 90 days each calendar year during that period. The government verifies both conditions at the end of the fifth year.

How can I get permanent residency in Bermuda?

If you hold a Permanent Resident’s Certificate (PRC), you have the right to live and work in Bermuda and to purchase Bermuda property at a lower Annual Rental Value (ARV) threshold. While not the same as possessing Bermudian Status, non-Bermudians who hold a PRC experience certain advantages over those who do not, including the right to reside and work in Bermuda without needing a work permit. Unlike most temporary permit categories, a PRC offers a stable, long-term footing — broadly comparable to indefinite leave to remain in the UK or a Green Card in the US, though without the same route to citizenship.

The residency thresholds for a PRC depend on your circumstances:

• General route: At least 20 years of ordinary residence in Bermuda, including the two years immediately before the application.
• 15-year route: Available to a non-Bermudian parent whose son or daughter holds Bermudian status, provided the applicant has been ordinarily resident for at least 15 years including the two most recent years.
• 10-year route: Available to individuals who have been exempted from Part V of the Immigration Act under the Economic Development Act 1968 for at least 10 years, and who have been ordinarily resident for at least 10 years including the two most recent years.

The PRC application fee under the job-makers (Economic Development Act) route is BMD $50,000. Under the general 20-year route, the application cost is BMD $10,000. Always check the official Government of Bermuda PRC page for current figures.

The Permanent Resident’s Certificate grants indefinite stay but not voting rights or citizenship. A PRC can also provide the holder with a route to obtaining British Overseas Territory Citizenship (BOTC) via naturalisation, although additional criteria must be satisfied.

How do I apply for residency in Bermuda?

The application process varies by residency type. For work permit holders, the employer leads the process; for other categories, you apply directly. Here is how the process typically works for those applying independently (e.g. Permission to Reside or PRC):

1. Determine your route. Decide whether you are applying for a work permit (employer-led), Permission to Reside, the EIRC, or a PRC. Each has different eligibility criteria and timelines.
2. Gather your documents. Collect passports, police certificates, medical records, financial proof, and employer sponsorship or admission letters as relevant to your category.
3. Complete the application form. Download the correct form from the Department of Immigration website. Print and complete the form in black or blue ink.
4. Submit your application. Applications are placed in the Immigration drop box on the first floor of the Government Administration Building. For work permits, the employer submits on your behalf.
5. Pay the applicable fee. The Department of Immigration only accepts payment via bank transfers or online payments. Fees vary by category and duration — check the official fees page for current amounts.
6. Await a decision. At a minimum, the Department of Immigration will take 4–6 weeks to process an application. In normal circumstances, the department aims to issue work permits within 20 working days.
7. Comply with conditions and renew on time. Overstaying may result in fines, deportation, or bans on re-entry. Always renew on time.

For work permits specifically, before applying, the employer must advertise the position in a local newspaper at least three times over an eight-day span and on the government’s Job Board for eight consecutive days. Both sets of ads must start within two weeks of each other. The work permit application itself must be submitted within three months of the last advertisement date.

What documents do I need for my residency application?

The exact documents required depend on your residency category, but the core set is consistent across most applications. The Government of Bermuda’s official residence application guidance lists the following:

• Completed application form
• Police clearance certificate
• Medical clearance (required for first-time residents)
• A medical examination completed by a certified doctor, and a chest X-ray if you are from or have lived in a jurisdiction identified as high-risk for tuberculosis. No blood tests are required.
• Employment references and character references
• Copies of qualifications
• Passport-sized photographs and a copy of your passport’s signature page
• Birth certificate and, where applicable, marriage certificate
• Proof of citizenship and, if required, proof of a multi-entry visa issued by the USA, Canada, or UK
• CV/résumé for the applicant

All original or notarised documents should be sent by courier, not regular postal mail. If documents are not in the local language, ensure you include certified translations. Submitting documents without an apostille or certified translation is a common error that can delay or invalidate an application.

Private health insurance is mandatory for work permit holders, and employer-provided coverage is common — but make sure your policy meets comprehensive coverage requirements.

Do I need to register on arrival in Bermuda?

Since November 2022, Bermuda no longer requires a pre-arrival travel authorisation. Instead, visitors arriving by air or yacht complete a free digital Bermuda Arrival Card online and present it to immigration officers upon landing. This applies to all arrivals, including those moving to Bermuda on a new work permit or residency permission.

It is strongly advisable to book your flight to Bermuda only once you have the letter confirming that your application has been approved — arriving without this could result in being turned away at the port of entry.

When you enter Bermuda, you should carry the original work permit and any required visa documentation relevant to your nationality. An Entry/Re-entry Permit allows a sponsored dependant (spouse, partner, or child) to land in Bermuda and live with you as a resident. Generally, this permit also allows the holder (except dependant children) to seek employment, unless specifically stated otherwise on the permit itself.

The Department of Immigration administers all residency and employment permissions and also serves residents with respect to travel documents. There is no separate registration system akin to the Registro Central de Extranjeros in Spain or the Anmeldung in Germany — your immigration status is managed entirely through the Department of Immigration, and compliance with your permit conditions is your ongoing responsibility.

Work permit holders are encouraged to take greater responsibility for understanding their obligations under the Policy and the Act. Individuals without a valid work permit must not work and should seek immediate guidance by contacting the Department of Immigration.

Where can I find reliable information on Bermuda residency?

For anything related to residency and immigration in Bermuda, the primary source of accurate, up-to-date information is the Government of Bermuda’s own Department of Immigration. Policy details, fees, and requirements can change, so always consult official sources before making decisions or travel arrangements.

• Department of Immigration (official hub): gov.bm/department/immigration — forms, policies, fee schedules, and contact details
• Residence permit application: gov.bm/online-services/apply-residence
• Permanent Resident’s Certificate: gov.bm/online-services/get-permanent-residents-certificate
• All immigration fees: gov.bm/all-immigration-fees
• Bermuda laws (BIPA and related legislation): bermudalaws.bm
• Bermuda Job Board (for employer advertising requirements): bermudajobboard.bm

Many government services are also accessible digitally via portal.gov.bm, where permits, taxes, and the business registry can be managed, and appointments booked online. For complex personal situations — especially those involving PRC applications or investment residency — it is strongly recommended to seek advice from a qualified Bermuda immigration lawyer.

Frequently asked questions

Can I move to Bermuda without a job offer?

Yes, in limited circumstances. If you are financially self-sufficient and do not intend to work locally, you can apply for Permission to Reside on an Annual Basis. When applying, you must demonstrate good character, adequate financial resources, and continued medical insurance coverage. You cannot, however, simply arrive and search for work — you must secure a job in Bermuda before coming to the island if you intend to work.

Does my employer or do I pay for the work permit?

The employer is responsible for submitting the work permit application to the Department of Immigration on your behalf. Employers also handle the fees, both of which can be significant. You should confirm with your prospective employer that the work permit has been approved before travelling.

Can my family join me in Bermuda on a work permit?

An Entry/Re-entry Permit allows a sponsored dependant — spouse, partner, or child — to land in Bermuda and live with you as a resident. Seeking employment is different from actually working — a separate work permit is needed to work. Your employer typically requests the dependant permit when applying for your work permit.

Does a work permit lead to permanent residency?

PRC holders can live and work in Bermuda without a work permit and are treated similarly to Bermudians in the job market. Because of the long residency requirements, most people on work permits won’t qualify for a PRC for decades. Time spent on a work permit can count toward the residency threshold, but it is a lengthy process requiring careful long-term planning.

Is there a digital nomad visa for Bermuda?

The One Year Residential Certificate programme for digital nomads officially ended on 28 February 2025, and applications are no longer being accepted. Those wishing to live in Bermuda while working remotely for an overseas employer should now explore the Permission to Reside on an Annual Basis route, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.

Can I buy property in Bermuda as a foreign national?

Non-Bermudians need a licence from the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) to purchase property — though this is routine and fee-based. PRC holders have the right to purchase Bermuda property at a lower Annual Rental Value (ARV) threshold, making property acquisition somewhat more accessible once long-term status is achieved.

What happens if I overstay my permission to remain?

Visitor arrival and departure information is tracked by Bermuda’s border management system. Individuals who overstay are automatically flagged and referred to the Immigration Compliance section. Civil penalties for working without a valid permit are BMD $5,000 per party for a first offence and BMD $10,000 for any subsequent offence within seven years.

Can residency in Bermuda lead to citizenship?

Acquiring Bermudian Status is highly challenging for foreigners, as there are no direct pathways like citizenship-by-investment. Bermudian Status can typically be attained through birth, descent, or marriage to a Bermudian. Once applicants have held residency in Bermuda for ten years, they may be eligible to apply for British Overseas Territories Citizenship (BOTC). BOTC does not automatically confer full Bermudian Status or voting rights.