Working legally in Bermuda as a foreign national requires a valid work permit, and in almost all cases it is the employer — not the individual — who must apply. Bermuda’s Department of Immigration administers several permit types to suit different roles and durations, from short-term contracts to multi-year placements. The process involves local job advertising, document submission, and government fees paid by the employer.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Who applies | The employer (not the individual worker) |
| Standard Work Permit validity | 1–5 years (as of 2025) |
| Short Term Work Permit validity | Up to 6 months (as of 2025) |
| Standard Work Permit fee (1 year) | Approx. BD$1,015 (as of 2025) — paid by employer |
| Short Term Work Permit fee (up to 3 months) | Approx. BD$705 (as of 2025) — paid by employer |
| Typical processing time | 4–8 weeks after full application received |
| Current policy | Work Permit Policy 2025 (effective 1 November 2025) |
Working Legally in Bermuda: Who Must Apply, and Are There Exemptions?
To work in Bermuda, you must be Bermudian, married to a Bermudian, or be a Permanent Resident’s Certificate (PRC) holder. If you are not, you must have a valid work permit. This framework is governed by the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Act 1956 (BIPA), which is the primary statute that governs corporate immigration in Bermuda, supported by a Work Permit Policy that provides guidance on how the Department of Immigration and Board of Immigration administer BIPA.
Only an employer can apply for a work permit. The employee can only enter the country to work after receiving permission, and you cannot seek employment while visiting as a tourist. This is a fundamental difference from some other jurisdictions — unlike countries such as Australia or Canada, where skilled migrants can lodge their own visa applications independently, Bermuda’s system places the entire legal responsibility on the hiring organisation.
The employer who signs the application documentation is responsible for its contents, and in accordance with the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Amendment (No. 2) Act 2013, this responsibility cannot be delegated. Employers must also keep records of their hiring process. Employers are required to inform all unsuccessful Bermudians, Spouses of Bermudians and PRC holder candidates of the outcome of their application prior to submitting work permit applications to the Department of Immigration, and may be asked to provide evidence of such notification. A letter or email to the unsuccessful applicant will suffice.
There are limited exemptions from needing a work permit. Business visitors generally do not require permission to visit Bermuda provided they hold a return ticket, comply with a total stay not exceeding 21 consecutive days, and their activities are limited to those specified in the Work Permit Policy — such as attending general business meetings with employees of an organisation where the visitor is not being remunerated by the Bermuda-based organisation. If planned activities go beyond these permitted categories, a Short Term or Periodic Work Permit will be required.
Visitors cannot work during their stay — even unpaid consulting or freelance work performed for a non-Bermudian client requires a permit. It is also worth noting that Bermuda’s “Work from Bermuda” digital nomad certificate, which once allowed remote workers to live on the island for up to a year, was discontinued in February 2025.
What Types of Work Permits Are Available in Bermuda?
There are various types of work permits depending on the type of work and the length of time the person will be working in Bermuda. The Department of Immigration introduced significant revisions to its Work Permit Policy effective 1 November 2025, introducing new compliance obligations, clarifying existing requirements, and impacting hiring practices and workforce planning. Here is a breakdown of the main permit categories:
Standard Work Permit
The purpose of a Standard Work Permit is to allow all organisations in Bermuda to employ foreign nationals if they can demonstrate that a Bermudian, Spouse of a Bermudian, Belonger, Spouse of a Belonger, or PRC holder was not suitably qualified or available to be hired. A Standard Work Permit can be issued for periods of one, two, three, four, or five years, with the possibility of renewal. Employers are permitted to apply for Standard Work Permits for jobs that are in the open, special or restricted category, but applications are not allowed for closed category jobs.
An employer can also apply for a Standard Permit for a person who is already employed by a global company in another jurisdiction to transfer to the Bermuda office, without the requirement to advertise the position. This intra-company transfer route was previously called the Global Work Permit but was absorbed into the Standard Work Permit framework under the 2025 policy.
Short Term Work Permit
The Short Term Work Permit is used by all employers, including not-for-profit organisations, registered charities and religious institutions, to employ an individual to work for periods of up to six months. Applications are accepted for terms of up to three, four, five or six months. An extension can only be sought if the first Short Term Work Permit was valid for less than 180 days. This type of permit is commonly used for specialist consultants, service providers, trainers, locum professionals, and emergency situations. Importantly, many short-term use cases do not require local advertising.
Periodic Work Permit
A Periodic Work Permit is used by employers seeking to hire non-resident individuals who will make multiple visits to the island over an extended period, staying no more than 30 days for each visit. Advertising is not required. The Periodic Work Permit holder must not be in Bermuda for more than a total of 180 days in any 12-month period, and must only be coming to Bermuda to fulfil maintenance agreements, equipment warranties, training contracts, or similar service agreements. Periodic Work Permits may be granted for periods of one, two, three, four, or five years.
New Business Work Permit
A New Business Work Permit allows an exempted company (per the definition in the Companies Act 1981) that is new to Bermuda to receive automatic approval of work permits within the first nine months of obtaining the first new business permit. If the New Business Work Permit holder falls within a job category where a statutory council must be consulted, that consultation must still occur. Although the number of permits issued under this policy is not capped, new businesses that anticipate requiring more than five work permits within the first nine months of operation will be required to present additional information to the Minister.
Global Entrepreneur Work Permit
The revised policy clarifies that a Global Entrepreneur Work Permit is used where a business service company has a business relationship with a global investor who wishes to domicile a company in Bermuda. The applicant will need to satisfy the minister that they are a bona fide investor, and will be required to meet compliance or financial requirements or demonstrate proof of their ability to raise capital. Advertising is not required for this permit type.
Fintech Business Work Permit and Family Office Work Permit
A Fintech Business Work Permit allows a Fintech company that is new to Bermuda to receive immediate approval of five work permits within the first six months of obtaining the first Fintech Business Work Permit. Similarly, a Family Office Work Permit allows a family company that is new to Bermuda to receive automatic approval of five work permits within the first six months of obtaining the first Family Office Work Permit. Both categories are designed to help specialised new businesses become operational quickly without the full standard advertising process.
Seasonal Work Permit
Hotels and restaurants can hire staff using a Seasonal Work Permit. This permit allows an employee to work for up to eight months during the peak season, specifically between 1 April and 30 November in any given year. The application process follows the same procedure as a Standard Work Permit, which usually involves advertising by the employer.
Note that certain job categories in Bermuda are designated as “restricted” — meaning work permits are limited to one year and subject to enhanced scrutiny — or “closed,” meaning work permits are limited to one year and subject to enhanced consideration of Bermudian applicants, or work permit applications are not accepted at all for specific roles. The Bermuda government can and does extend the list of affected jobs from time to time to reflect Bermuda’s job market and economic conditions.
What Is the Procedure to Apply for a Work Permit in Bermuda, and How Long Does It Take?
Because the employer is always the applicant, the process begins well before you arrive in Bermuda. Your future employer leads each step. Here is how the Standard Work Permit process typically unfolds:
- Secure a job offer. You must have a confirmed offer of employment before any permit process can begin. You cannot seek employment while visiting as a tourist.
- Employer advertises the position locally. Before applying for a standard or short-term work permit, 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 (bermudajobboard.bm) for eight consecutive days. Both sets of ads must start within two weeks of each other; if they don’t, both are invalid and must be rerun.
- Advertisements meet content requirements. Each ad must include the job title, employer contact information, minimum qualifications, a brief description of duties, and an application deadline with at least five working days of grace after the last ad runs.
- Employer notifies unsuccessful local candidates. Employers must more clearly state in work permit applications why a Bermudian, spouse of Bermudian, or PRC holder was not selected over a work permit applicant, specifying the skills or experience lacking. Under the 2025 policy, this disclosure requirement is more stringent than before.
- Gather your supporting documents. The employer sends you the application forms to complete and requests your supporting documents (see the documents section below). It is best to assemble the relevant paperwork and submit it to your new employer as a single package rather than submitting documents separately.
- Employer submits the full application. The work permit application itself must be submitted within three months of the last advertisement date. If the hiring process takes longer, an Advertisement Extension Fee extends the window to six months. The employer pays the required fees at this stage.
- Application is reviewed by the Department of Immigration. The Department carefully scrutinises the application. If the role falls within a category where a statutory council must be consulted, this adds to the timeline.
- Permit issued and work permit card produced. Work permit cards are automatic by-products for applications for Standard, Global, New Business, and Periodic Work Permit holders, and for sponsored dependants. The card is to facilitate travel to and from Bermuda.
It can take typically anywhere from 4–8 weeks on average to get final approval after your completed application has been received on the island, so it is important to get the ball rolling as soon as possible once you have the job offer in writing. Incomplete or incorrectly completed forms will be returned, which can add significant delays.
It is also important to note that except for renewals, applicants cannot visit Bermuda while their application is pending. Work permit holders also cannot change roles within the first year of a new permit or six months after renewal. The restriction on changing employers within the first two years of employment in Bermuda remains, except accountants may switch after 18 months.
What Documents Do You Need to Apply for a Work Permit in Bermuda?
While your prospective employer is responsible for submitting the actual work permit application form and paying the associated government fees, they will require you to provide several crucial supporting documents. Understanding what might be requested allows you to prepare in advance and helps streamline the process. The employer manages the application, but your timely provision of accurate documents is essential for them to proceed.
The following documents are typically required from the prospective employee:
- Valid passport copies. Clear, legible copies of your passport’s identification pages are required. Your passport should have sufficient validity remaining — often at least 6 months beyond the intended permit duration, though your employer will confirm the exact requirement.
- Certified proof of qualifications. Academic certificates, professional diplomas, and any relevant licences must be submitted in certified form.
- Police certificate(s). Police certificates are required for work permit applicants coming to Bermuda for the first time. They are required from the applicant’s home country, plus any country of residence for the two years immediately preceding the work permit application. Note that obtaining police certificates can take time in some countries, so begin this process early.
- Medical clearance. A certificate or letter confirming good general health is typically required. For certain regulated professions, more detailed health checks may apply.
- Passport-sized photographs. Two recent passport-style photographs are required for the issuance of a Work Permit Card.
- Proof of professional registration. For regulated professions — such as doctors, nurses, lawyers, accountants, and engineers — proof of registration and good standing with the relevant Bermuda professional body or council will be essential in addition to the immigration requirements. Your employer and the relevant council will guide this process.
- Medical insurance confirmation. Confirmation that you have healthcare coverage valid in Bermuda for the duration of your stay is required.
- Family documents (if applicable). A marriage certificate is required if your spouse will be accompanying you as a dependent, and birth certificates are required for any children accompanying you as dependants.
When your future employer sends you the immigration paperwork to complete, it is critical that you complete the forms exactly as requested and provide all the information requested. If you do not, your form will be rejected and sent back to you for resubmission, however minor your omission. Always send documents via tracked courier rather than standard post, and submit your full package at once rather than in instalments.
Be prepared to cover the costs associated with obtaining your personal documents — for example, fees for police certificates, medical examinations, and translations. The employer typically covers the government work permit application fees themselves.
What Costs Are Involved in Applying for a Work Permit in Bermuda?
Work permit fees in Bermuda are set by the government and are paid in Bermuda dollars (BD$), which are pegged 1:1 to the US dollar. The employer is responsible for paying all work permit fees. This differs from some jurisdictions — such as the UK’s skilled worker visa system, where the individual applicant bears part of the cost — and means that in Bermuda, direct government fees are generally not a financial burden on the employee.
Based on the most recently published figures, the following fee schedule applies (as of 2025):
| Permit Type | Duration | Fee (BD$) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Work Permit | 1 year | Approx. $1,015 |
| Short Term Work Permit | Up to 3 months | Approx. $705 |
| Periodic Work Permit | Varies (1–5 years) | Check gov.bm/all-immigration-fees |
| Standard Work Permit | 2–5 years | Check gov.bm/all-immigration-fees |
As of 2025, a one-year Standard Work Permit costs BD$1,015, and a Short Term Permit of up to three months costs BD$705. The employer is responsible for paying all work permit fees. Fees scale with the duration of the Standard Work Permit, so multi-year permits will carry higher charges — always check the official Government of Bermuda immigration fees page for the full up-to-date schedule, as these figures can change.
Beyond the government permit fee, there are additional costs to factor into the overall picture. Employers must budget for the cost of placing local newspaper advertisements (required at least three times over an eight-day period) and the government Job Board listing. If additional time is needed beyond the standard three-month submission window, an Advertisement Extension Fee applies. The cost of a work permit card is also levied separately, as it is issued automatically alongside Standard, Global, New Business, and Periodic permits.
The Department of Immigration will only accept payment via bank transfers or online payments. Cash and cheque payments are not accepted, so employers should ensure their banking arrangements are in place before submitting an application.
From the employee’s side, the main personal costs to plan for include obtaining police certificates from your country of origin (and any country of recent residence), medical examination fees, document translation costs if applicable, and the courier charges for sending your documents securely to your employer.
Where Can Expats Find Reliable Information on Working Legally in Bermuda?
When researching your options, always prioritise official government sources over forums or third-party summaries, as Bermuda’s work permit rules are updated regularly. The Department of Immigration introduced significant revisions to its Work Permit Policy effective 1 November 2025, and earlier guidance may no longer reflect current rules. The following official and authoritative sources are the most reliable starting points:
- Government of Bermuda — Department of Immigration: The central hub for all work permit types, application forms, fees, and policy documents. Visit www.gov.bm and navigate to the Immigration section. The full Work Permit Policy 2025 is published there.
- Bermuda Government Immigration Fees Page: For the current, official fee schedule for all permit types, visit www.gov.bm/all-immigration-fees.
- Bermuda Job Board: Employers are required to advertise positions here as part of the standard application process. The board is also useful for prospective employees to see which sectors are actively hiring. Visit bermudajobboard.bm.
- Types of Work Permits — Official Government Page: A clear overview of every permit category, with links to each application process: www.gov.bm/types-work-permits.
- Bermuda Immigration and Protection Act 1956: The primary legislation underpinning all immigration rules. Bermuda controls who can enter, work, and live on the island through the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Act 1956, enforced by the Department of Immigration.
- Professional Immigration Lawyers: For complex situations — such as regulated professions, intra-company transfers, or employer compliance queries — consider engaging a Bermuda-based immigration lawyer. Law firms such as Carey Olsen publish regular policy briefings that can help employers and employees understand the practical implications of policy changes.
It is also worth speaking directly with your prospective employer’s HR team before you arrive, as established Bermuda employers — particularly in international business, finance, and insurance — will typically have extensive experience navigating the permit process and will be able to guide you through each step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a Bermuda work permit myself?
Only an employer can apply for a work permit. The employee can only enter the country to work after receiving permission. You must secure a job offer before any application can be made, and you cannot arrive as a tourist and then seek employment on the ground.
How long does it take to get a Bermuda work permit?
It can take typically anywhere from 4–8 weeks on average to get final approval after your completed application has been received on the island. Applications that require referral to a statutory council — as is the case for certain regulated professions — may take longer. Incomplete applications will be returned and will add further delay.
Can I change jobs in Bermuda on a work permit?
Work permit holders are not permitted to change employers during the first two years of employment with the employer who initially sponsored their permit. Exceptions to this two-year rule may be considered if you have been made redundant, if you have a verified grievance against your employer lodged with the Department of Workforce Development, or by making a specific written request to the Minister asking to waive the requirement.
Do all jobs in Bermuda qualify for a work permit?
No. Some job categories are “restricted” — meaning work permits are limited to one year and subject to enhanced consideration of Bermudian applicants — while others are “closed,” meaning work permit applications are not accepted for those specific roles. There are also certain job categories, including childcare giver and family support roles, which have special conditions. The Work Permit Policy contains an extensive list of which jobs fall into the restricted and closed categories.
Is advertising always required before applying for a work permit?
Not always. Advertising is required for Standard and Seasonal Work Permits, but several categories are exempt. Advertising for a Periodic Work Permit is not required. Short Term Work Permits also do not require advertising in many qualifying circumstances, such as emergency roles, specialist consultant deployments, or intra-company secondments. An employer can apply for a Standard Permit for a person already employed by a global company in another jurisdiction to transfer to the Bermuda office without the requirement to advertise the position.
Can I visit Bermuda while my work permit application is being processed?
Except for renewals, applicants cannot visit Bermuda while their application is pending. This is a change introduced under the 2025 Work Permit Policy — previously, applicants could visit as tourists during processing provided they did not work. If you are renewing an existing permit, a landing permit may be issued in the interim.
Does Bermuda have a digital nomad visa?
Bermuda’s “Work from Bermuda” certificate programme was officially discontinued in February 2025 and is no longer accepting new applications. Remote workers who are employed by a non-Bermudian company and do not work for a Bermuda-based employer may have limited options for an extended stay; the Department of Immigration should be consulted directly for current guidance.
How do I renew a work permit in Bermuda?
To renew a work permit in Bermuda, your employer must submit a new application between three months and one month before expiry, using the same process as the original application. Standard, Global or New Business permit holders may continue working while the renewal is pending, provided the application was submitted on time. Employers re-submit the same completed application form, job advertising proof if required, and supporting documentation — just as when the permit was first granted.