Visa & Residency

Typically 3–8 weeks from when your employer submits the application. The process involves: employer obtains LPA (Foreign Workers Licence), you undergo medical screening, the Labour Department approves the Employment Pass, and Immigration issues entry authorisation. Most of the paperwork is handled by your employer's HR department. Oil and gas companies with established LPA quotas can process visas faster - sometimes within 2–3 weeks.

Yes, but the process requires your current Employment Pass to be cancelled and a new one issued by your new employer. There is no automatic transfer mechanism. Your new employer must hold a valid LPA and go through the full application process. During the transition, you may need to exit and re-enter Brunei. It is advisable to have the new Employment Pass confirmed before resigning from your current position.

No - Brunei does not offer a retirement visa or long-stay visa for retirees. The only pathway to long-term residence is through employer-sponsored Employment Passes or through Brunei Permanent Residence, which is extremely difficult to obtain and typically reserved for those who have lived and worked in Brunei for 20+ years. Retirees looking for Southeast Asian options should consider Malaysia's MM2H or Thailand's LTR visa instead.

Yes. Once your Employment Pass is issued, your employer can apply for dependent passes for your spouse and children. The process typically takes 2–4 weeks. Dependents receive Green Identity Cards and can access Brunei's education and healthcare systems. Spouse work rights are limited - your partner will need a separate Employment Pass from their own employer to work legally. International schools in BSB (Jerudong International School, International School Brunei) accept dependent children.

Overstaying is a serious offence in Brunei. Penalties include fines of BND 4,000–8,000, imprisonment for up to 3 months, and deportation with a re-entry ban. Immigration enforcement is strict. If your Employment Pass is about to expire and your employer has not renewed it, contact the Immigration Department immediately. For tourist visas, ensure you depart before the expiry date stamped in your passport.