Brunei – Residency

What types of residency are available to foreign nationals in Brunei?

Officially known as the Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam, this small Southeast Asian nation operates an immigration framework that tightly controls how foreign nationals enter, remain, and establish residence within its borders. Rather than offering a broad menu of points-based schemes or investor visa pathways found elsewhere, Brunei’s system centres on demonstrable ties — whether through employment, family connection, or professional contribution — before any form of long-term stay is considered.

Employment Pass (Temporary Residency via Work)

Foreign nationals who intend to work in Brunei must first obtain an Employment Pass. These permits are tied to a particular employer and issued for fixed periods of up to two years. The applicant must have secured a confirmed position with a Bruneian company, and that employer must satisfy specific criteria set by the Ministry of Home Affairs. For most foreign nationals, this is the primary gateway to long-term residence in the country.

Dependent Pass

Immediate family members — spouses and children — of foreign workers may apply for a Dependent Pass, which permits them to remain in Brunei for the duration of the principal holder’s Employment Pass. This pass grants the right to reside but does not extend to work entitlements. Dependants wishing to take up employment must seek separate authorisation to do so.

Long-Term Pass (LTP) — introduced December 2024

A new policy framework was unveiled to accommodate foreign nationals who have developed meaningful connections to Brunei through family relationships, commercial activities, or investment interests. Coming into effect on 31 December 2024, the Long-Term Pass allows qualifying individuals to remain in Brunei for up to five years and includes multiple re-entry privileges. For expatriates seeking greater certainty before they qualify for permanent status, this represents a significant step forward.

The LTP is structured around three distinct categories: the Long-Term Social Visit Pass, designed for those with family ties to Bruneian citizens or permanent residents; the Long-Term Business Visit Pass, aimed at foreign investors and entrepreneurs whose activities generate local employment and tax contributions; and the Long-Term Professional Visit Pass, targeting foreign specialists in fields where local expertise is in short supply. Grants under each category are made according to national priorities, with input from the relevant regulatory authorities.

Permanent Residency (PR)

Brunei adopts a notably cautious and selective stance when it comes to awarding permanent residency. Successful applicants are generally those who have demonstrated substantial and sustained contributions to the economy, or who hold close personal ties to the country. This stands in marked contrast to jurisdictions such as Canada or Germany, where qualifying through a defined residence period creates a straightforward entitlement to apply — in Brunei, the decision remains entirely discretionary.

Permanent residence is granted to foreign nationals who have maintained continuous lawful residence over an extended period through a succession of renewable temporary permits. Once awarded, it enables holders to live, work, and conduct business without restriction, to sponsor family members, and ultimately to pursue naturalisation after an additional qualifying period.

No formal golden visa route or investment-linked PR programme exists. The standard threshold is at least 15 years of uninterrupted lawful residence on valid temporary permits. For those married to a Bruneian citizen or born in Brunei to non-citizen parents, the required period is reduced to 10 years of continuous lawful residence.

Retirement and Digital Nomad Visas

Brunei has not established a dedicated retirement visa category, though retirees may in principle qualify through independent means or investment. Similarly, no digital nomad visa exists. Those seeking to reside in Brunei in retirement or as self-employed remote workers must therefore qualify under one of the standard permit categories or the new Long-Term Pass, and are advised to consult the official immigration website to confirm current requirements.

Special Contribution Category

Foreign nationals who have provided exceptional service to Brunei — for instance in the fields of science, the arts, or matters of national importance — may be considered for long-term residence or even nationality on a discretionary basis. This pathway operates entirely at governmental discretion and is not open to general public applications.

How does temporary residency work in Brunei, and how can it lead to permanent residency?

Brunei does not operate a system in which permanent residency is automatically triggered after a prescribed number of years on a temporary permit. Instead, residency advancement depends on meeting specific criteria — principally employment, investment, or direct family ties to Bruneian citizens or permanent residents. This is a fundamental distinction from frameworks in countries like France or the Netherlands, where a legally defined period of residence creates an automatic right to apply for settled status.

Skilled professionals, managers, and specialists entering through the employment route typically hold an Employment Pass valid for two years, renewable upon application. The process is driven primarily by employers, meaning that securing a job offer from a Brunei-registered company is the essential first step. Once an offer has been confirmed, the sponsoring employer ordinarily manages the permit application on the employee’s behalf.

Each renewed Employment Pass extends the individual’s authorised stay, and the cumulative total of legally spent years counts toward the permanent residency eligibility threshold. Employment-route applicants therefore accrue qualifying residence incrementally, becoming eligible to apply for permanent status after 15 years of continuous lawful residence.

Foreign nationals in a registered marriage to a Bruneian citizen may apply for PR after a minimum of 10 years of continuous residence in Brunei. This shorter pathway acknowledges the strength of direct familial bonds with Bruneian nationals and reflects the significance the government places on such ties.

Permanent residence, once granted, is open-ended in nature but the supporting documentation must be renewed every five years. It may be revoked as a consequence of prolonged absence from the country or a breach of Bruneian law. PR holders enjoy freedom to live and work without restriction but are expected to maintain compliance with all local regulations and keep their registered address current.

Following a period of 15 years of permanent residence — or 10 years for those married to a Bruneian citizen — holders become eligible to apply for full citizenship. Candidates must demonstrate sound character, a commitment to settling permanently, and competency in the Malay language. In practical terms, individuals who eventually naturalise will typically have spent multiple decades in the country, a considerably longer journey than the standard five-year naturalisation timelines common across much of Europe.

How do you apply for residency in Brunei?

Immigration matters in Brunei fall primarily under the jurisdiction of the Department of Immigration and National Registration, working in coordination with JobCentre Brunei and Tabung Amanah Pekerja (TAP). The system underwent significant reforms during 2025, streamlining certain procedures for skilled workers while preserving rigorous regulatory oversight. All applications are submitted in-country, and the sponsoring employer occupies a central role in initiating and processing the initial work permit documentation.

The steps outlined below describe the typical journey toward obtaining an Employment Pass as the foundation for long-term residency in Brunei. Always consult the official Department of Immigration and National Registration website for current requirements, applicable fees, and up-to-date processing times before lodging any application.

1. Secure a job offer from a Brunei-based employer. Since the process is fundamentally employer-led, obtaining a confirmed position is the indispensable starting point. The sponsoring employer must demonstrate that the role in question cannot readily be filled by a local candidate.
2. Employer initiates the work permit application. Having accepted a job offer, the employer will typically assume responsibility for lodging the work permit application with the Department of Immigration and National Registration. This submission will include your passport, academic and professional certificates, employment contract, and any other documentation stipulated by the department.
3. Await processing and approval. Under normal circumstances, a complete application takes approximately two weeks to process. Applications involving more senior roles or complex circumstances may require additional time. Applicants should verify current processing timescales directly with the immigration department, as these are liable to change.
4. Enter Brunei and complete arrival registration. The E-Arrival Card is an electronic registration portal for all foreign nationals entering or departing Brunei Darussalam, superseding the former paper-based Form 19. Every foreign national arriving through sea, air, or land border crossings is obliged to complete it, either in advance of or upon arrival. Registration is carried out through www.imm.gov.bn.
5. Complete the health declaration via BruHealth. With effect from 7 September 2024, all travellers arriving in Brunei are required to complete a Health Declaration Form through the BruHealth application upon arrival. The app is available for download from both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
6. Register for a Residence Identity Card. Foreign nationals remaining in Brunei for more than three months are legally required to obtain either a Green Identity Card or a Smart Identity Card. Registering in the national electronic identity system carries a fee of BND 204 (approximately USD 150 as of 2025) and is mandatory for all foreign residents, including workers, students, and dependants.
7. Apply for permanent residency once eligible. On reaching the qualifying threshold — 10 years for those with a Bruneian spouse, or 15 years via the general employment route — applicants may submit a permanent residence application to the Department of Immigration and National Registration. Supporting documentation must demonstrate continuous residence, financial stability, and integration. Given that approval is discretionary, the department may request an interview as part of the review process.

As fee schedules and processing timelines are subject to revision at any time, applicants are strongly encouraged to consult the Department of Immigration and National Registration’s official website for the current fee schedule before proceeding with any submission.

What documents do you need to apply for residency in Brunei?

Navigating Brunei’s residency process demands careful attention to documentation, and requirements may evolve over time. Prospective applicants are always advised to seek guidance from the official Brunei immigration authorities or a qualified legal practitioner for the most current information. The lists below represent documents commonly required across residency categories, though exact requirements will vary — the official immigration authority website should be treated as the definitive reference for any specific application.

Documents typically required for an Employment Pass

• Valid passport with sufficient remaining validity beyond the intended period of stay
• Completed application form, ordinarily provided by or through the sponsoring employer
• Confirmed employment contract or letter of appointment from a Brunei-registered employer
• Academic qualifications and professional credentials
• Passport-sized photographs
• Evidence of health insurance coverage — applicants for residence or work permits may be required to demonstrate that appropriate health insurance is in place

Documents typically required for Permanent Residency

• Valid passport together with all previous residence permits, demonstrating an unbroken record of lawful stay
• Full residence permit history and comprehensive entry and exit records
• Clean police clearance certificate from all countries of previous residence
• Medical certificate and documentation of current health insurance arrangements
• Evidence of financial means or current employment
• Proof of a registered residential address in Brunei
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate, where applicable, with registration in Brunei
• Supporting evidence of continuous residence, including entry and exit records, alongside character references from Bruneian citizens

Additional notes on documentation

Any documents not produced in Malay or English must be accompanied by certified translations into one of those languages. No formal Malay language assessment is required at the permanent residency stage, though Malay proficiency becomes a prerequisite for citizenship. For a complete and category-specific document checklist, refer directly to the Department of Immigration and National Registration or engage the services of a qualified immigration adviser.

Do you need to register with any government department or authority after arriving in Brunei?

Yes. Several registration obligations apply to foreign nationals in Brunei, and failure to comply can create complications when renewing passes or, in more serious cases, may result in enforcement action. These obligations begin from the moment of arrival and remain in effect throughout a person’s stay.

E-Arrival Card (on arrival)

The E-Arrival Card is an electronic registration system that all foreign nationals arriving in or departing from Brunei Darussalam must complete, having replaced the previous paper-based Form 19. It should be submitted prior to or at the point of arrival and is accessible through www.imm.gov.bn.

BruHealth health declaration (on arrival)

Since September 2024, Brunei has required all incoming travellers to submit a health arrival declaration through the BruHealth mobile application before entering the country, replacing earlier manual procedures. This applies to all arrivals regardless of nationality or immigration status and is integrated with the existing E-Arrival Card submission process.

Residence Identity Card (within three months of arrival)

Foreign nationals who remain in Brunei for longer than three months are required to obtain either a Green Identity Card or a Smart Identity Card. Those granted permission to reside in Brunei for a defined period will receive a green residence card, while a red card is issued to permanent residents. This card functions as the primary identity document for foreign residents and is needed for a wide range of routine transactions.

Enrolling in the national electronic identity system costs BND 204 (approximately USD 150 as of 2025) and is a legal requirement applicable to all foreign residents, whether present as workers, students, or dependants.

Keeping details up to date

Residents bear a responsibility to keep their records current and to inform the immigration department promptly of any change in circumstances, such as a new address, a different employer, or an alteration in family status. Neglecting to report material changes to the immigration authorities can undermine residency status and jeopardise future permit renewals. Foreign nationals may face deportation in circumstances such as overstaying a visa or permit, committing criminal offences, or engaging in work without a valid permit.

What are the rights and restrictions that come with residency in Brunei?

The entitlements associated with residency in Brunei are closely tied to the specific permit category held. Holders of temporary permits enjoy more limited rights than permanent residents, who in turn hold fewer privileges than full citizens — a tiered structure broadly comparable to that found in Singapore or the UAE, where citizenship confers substantially greater benefits than any form of long-term residency.

Right to work

Brunei’s labour market is governed by a work permit regime. Foreign workers must hold a valid work permit before taking up employment in the country. Employment Passes are linked to a specific employer and do not carry an automatic entitlement to change jobs without fresh authorisation. Permanent residents enjoy an unrestricted right to work and conduct business. Dependent Pass holders receive no automatic work entitlement and must make a separate application if they wish to be employed.

Healthcare

Brunei has historically maintained one of the most developed healthcare systems in Southeast Asia, supported by revenues from the country’s oil and gas sector. With approximately one doctor for every 833 residents and among the region’s lowest infant mortality figures, the country provides high-quality care through well-equipped hospitals and medical facilities. However, the landscape for foreign nationals accessing public healthcare has shifted considerably.

From July 2025, the government ended the provision of free public healthcare for foreign national permanent residents, a policy shift driven by rising medical expenditure and the need to manage public finances more sustainably. Foreign permanent residents are now required to contribute toward the cost of medical treatment according to an established fee schedule.

Since 1 July 2025, foreign nationals are obliged to hold health insurance meeting specified minimum coverage thresholds. The first phase of implementation covers Domestic Service Work Pass holders, Social Visit Visa holders, Professional/Business Visit Pass holders, and foreign national permanent residents. A second phase, planned for January 2026, will bring additional categories within scope. The minimum coverage requirement is BND 100,000 (approximately USD 74,000) for work pass holders and long-term professional visitors, and BND 10,000 (approximately USD 7,400) for Social Visit and Dependent Pass holders.

Education

Children of foreign residents may access schooling in Brunei, primarily through private or international institutions. Full citizenship confers entitlement to fully subsidised healthcare and tertiary education — benefits that do not extend to residents. Foreign residents generally bear the cost of education themselves and should verify current provisions with the Ministry of Education.

Property ownership

The ability to purchase property without foreign ownership constraints is a privilege reserved for Bruneian citizens. Both temporary residents and permanent residents are subject to restrictions on real estate acquisition and should obtain qualified legal advice before proceeding with any property transaction in Brunei.

Travel and re-entry

Permanent residence is open-ended by nature, but the associated documentation requires renewal every five years. PR status may be withdrawn following prolonged absence from the country or as a result of legal breaches. Temporary permit holders must ensure their Employment Pass or other permit remains valid ahead of any international travel, since lapsed documentation may result in refusal of re-entry.

Path to citizenship

A qualifying resident who has spent 20 of the preceding 25 years living in Brunei — including the two years immediately before applying — may seek naturalisation, provided they can demonstrate good character, are not at risk of becoming a burden on the state, have attained proficiency in the Malay language, and intend to make Brunei their permanent home.

Brunei does not permit dual nationality. A Bruneian citizen who acquires citizenship elsewhere automatically forfeits their Bruneian status. This carries significant implications for anyone contemplating naturalisation, given that it entails the formal relinquishment of any existing citizenship — unlike countries such as Australia, Canada, or Portugal, where holding dual nationality is entirely permissible.

Tax

One of the most attractive features of residing in Brunei is the complete absence of personal income tax. There is similarly no capital gains tax. Residents in formal employment do, however, remain subject to mandatory contributions to Tabung Amanah Pekerja (TAP), Brunei’s national provident fund, shared between employer and employee.

Where can you find reliable, up-to-date information on residency in Brunei?

Brunei’s immigration landscape has undergone meaningful change in 2024 and 2025, encompassing the debut of the Long-Term Pass, the introduction of mandatory health insurance requirements, and revisions to healthcare access for permanent residents. It is essential to verify all requirements directly from official sources before submitting any application or making travel arrangements.

Primary official sources

• Department of Immigration and National Registration (DINR): The foremost authority on all matters relating to residency, visas, and permits. Official website: www.immigration.gov.bn
• Ministry of Home Affairs, Brunei: Responsible for overseeing immigration policy. www.moha.gov.bn
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Brunei: Provides visa information and consular services for applicants based overseas: www.mfa.gov.bn
• JobCentre Brunei: Handles employment-related pass applications and offers labour market guidance: www.jobcentrebrunei.gov.bn

Applying from abroad

Foreign nationals from countries that require a visa to enter Brunei Darussalam may submit their application through the nearest Bruneian diplomatic mission. A full directory of Brunei’s overseas missions is available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. For employment passes, the Brunei-based sponsoring employer will normally set the process in motion prior to the applicant’s arrival in the country.

A note on changing requirements

Residency rules, fee structures, minimum insurance thresholds, and processing timelines are all subject to revision with limited forewarning. The figures and details cited in this article reflect information available as of 2025. Readers are strongly advised to consult the official sources listed above — in particular the Department of Immigration and National Registration — before relying on any specific detail for practical decision-making.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the residency application process take in Brunei?

Work pass applications are generally processed within approximately two weeks of a complete submission, provided all required documents are in order. Permanent residency applications involve considerably more complexity — the review period following submission may span several weeks or several months. Citizenship applications are lengthier still, with processing typically taking no fewer than 12 to 24 months, and in some instances extending substantially beyond that. Applicants should confirm current timescales directly with the DINR, as these are subject to change.

Can family members be included in a residency application?

The spouses and dependent children of foreign workers in Brunei are eligible to apply for a Dependent Pass, permitting them to remain in the country for the duration of the principal holder’s Employment Pass. Family members may be added as dependants across most permit categories. Relatives of residents and citizens may also qualify for family reunification. Every family member must individually satisfy eligibility criteria and supply the necessary supporting documentation.

What happens if a residency application is refused?

Since permanent residency approval is exercised on a discretionary basis, a refusal does not carry an automatic right of appeal equivalent to those found in EU member states. Applicants who receive an adverse decision should contact the Department of Immigration and National Registration directly to establish the grounds for refusal. In many circumstances, a fresh application may be possible once the reasons for the initial rejection have been addressed. Engaging a qualified immigration lawyer is strongly advisable in such situations.

Can residency be lost through extended absence from Brunei?

Permanent residence is open-ended in nature but requires renewal of the associated documentation every five years. PR status may be withdrawn as a result of prolonged absence or legal violations. Temporary permit holders whose passes expire while they are abroad will need to renew their authorisation before they can re-enter. Because Brunei does not publish a specific minimum presence requirement for PR holders, checking with the immigration department before any lengthy period overseas is strongly recommended.

Does residency in Brunei lead to citizenship?

Yes, but only after a very extended timeline. Permanent residents may apply for citizenship after 15 years of PR status — or 10 years for those married to a Bruneian citizen. Applicants must satisfy requirements relating to good character, Malay language competency, and the intention to settle in Brunei permanently. Under the naturalisation route, a qualifying resident must have spent 20 of the preceding 25 years in the country, including the two years immediately prior to application. From initial arrival to naturalisation, the journey commonly spans several decades in total.

Does Brunei have any tax obligations for residents?

Brunei levies no personal income tax, a feature that makes it particularly appealing to foreign workers and investors. There is likewise no capital gains tax or inheritance tax. That said, employees in formal employment are subject to mandatory contributions to Tabung Amanah Pekerja (TAP), Brunei’s national provident fund. Residents wishing to confirm their specific obligations should consult the Ministry of Finance and Economy at www.mofe.gov.bn.

Is there a retirement visa available in Brunei?

No formal retirement visa category exists, though retirees may in principle qualify through independent means or investment, provided they can demonstrate adequate income or pension to support themselves and any dependants. The Long-Term Pass introduced in December 2024 could offer a viable avenue for retirees who hold qualifying family or business connections. Prospective retirees should consult the DINR directly for current eligibility criteria, as this area of policy continues to develop.

Does Brunei recognise dual citizenship for residents?

Brunei does not recognise dual citizenship. Any Bruneian citizen who acquires the nationality of another country automatically loses their Bruneian status. A limited exception exists for children born overseas to Bruneian parents, who may hold dual citizenship until the age of 18, at which point a formal choice of nationality must be made. This is a critical consideration for long-term residents contemplating naturalisation, as doing so necessitates the formal renunciation of any prior citizenship.

What is the Long-Term Pass (LTP) and who is it for?

Coming into effect on 31 December 2024, the Long-Term Pass allows eligible foreign nationals to remain in Brunei for up to five years with the benefit of multiple re-entry privileges. Three distinct categories exist: the Long-Term Social Visit Pass for individuals with family ties to Bruneian citizens or permanent residents; the Long-Term Business Visit Pass for foreign investors and entrepreneurs whose activities create local employment and generate tax revenue; and the Long-Term Professional Visit Pass for specialists in fields where domestic expertise is insufficient to meet demand. While the LTP does not itself confer permanent residency, it provides a meaningful degree of stability for those on the path toward it.