Working Legally in Brunei
It is necessary for expats to obtain a work permit to work legally in Brunei. The application for a work permit must be made by the expat’s employer. There are some exemptions for certain categories of professionals, such as those working for international organizations and those under bilateral agreements between Brunei and their country of origin.
Types of Work Permits for Expats in Brunei
There are two main types of work permits for expats in Brunei:
- Temporary Work Visa
- Permanent Residence Visa
Temporary Work Visa: This type of visa is granted for a specific period of time, usually up to two years, and is renewable. It is suitable for those expats who will be working in Brunei for a limited period of time
Permanent Residence Visa: This type of visa is granted for an indefinite period of time and is suitable for expats who will be working in Brunei for an extended period of time or permanently
Eligibility: To be eligible for a work permit in Brunei, expats must have a job offer from a Bruneian company and must meet the requirements set by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Work Permit Application Process in Brunei
The procedure to apply for a work permit in Brunei involves the following steps:
- The employer submits a request for a labor agreement to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
- After approval of the labor agreement, the employer must request a work visa at the nearest Bruneian consulate.
- Once the visa is granted, the expat must travel to Brunei and apply for a work permit.
- The expat must then obtain a permanent tax ID number and register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The process can take several months and is subject to various bureaucratic delays. It is advisable to start the process well in advance of the intended start date for the job in Brunei.
Work Permit Documents in Brunei
Foreign nationals who wish to work in Brunei must obtain a work permit or a Labor Certificate. The work permit application process is administered by the Brunei Immigration and National Registration Department. The documents required for a work permit application may vary depending on the type of work permit and the nationality of the applicant. However, some of the common documents required include:
- A valid passport or travel document
- A job offer letter or a contract of employment from a company in Brunei
- Educational certificates, qualifications, and any other relevant documents
- A medical examination certificate from an approved clinic in Brunei or the applicant’s home country
- A police clearance certificate from the applicant’s home country or the country of residence
- A completed work permit application form
- A copy of the company’s business license and registration certificate in Brunei
Additional documents may be required depending on the individual case.
What Costs Are Involved in Applying for a Work Permit in Brunei?
The cost of a work permit in Brunei depends on the type of work permit and the duration of stay. Some of the common costs associated with work permit applications include:
- A work permit processing fee, which ranges from BND 20 to BND 500, depending on the type of work permit and the duration of stay
- A foreign worker levy, which ranges from BND 200 to BND 400 per year, depending on the type of work permit and the employer’s industry
- A medical examination fee, which varies depending on the medical center and the type of examination required
- Translation and notarization fees for required documents
- Travel expenses to and from the Brunei Immigration and National Registration Department for document submission and collection
It is important to note that these fees are subject to change and additional fees may apply depending on the individual case.
Where Can Expats Go for Reliable Information on Working Legally in Brunei?
Expats who wish to work legally in Brunei can find reliable information and guidance from the following websites:
- Ministry of Home Affairs, Brunei Darussalam (http://www.moha.gov.bn/SitePages/Labour%20Department.aspx) ‘s the official website of the Ministry of Home Affairs in Brunei provides information and resources for foreign workers in Brunei, including work permits, employment contracts, and labor rights.
- Brunei Immigration and National Registration Department (http://www.immigration.gov.bn/Pages/Overview.aspx) ‘s the official website of the Brunei Immigration and National Registration Department features information on visa and work permit requirements, procedures, and fees.
- Brunei Economic Development Board (https://www.bedb.com.bn/) ‘s a government agency that promotes investment and business opportunities in Brunei. The website features information on industries, employment, and work permit applications for foreign investors and workers.
