Work visa

In Bhutan, a work permit and a work visa are two different documents. Both ones are mandatory for foreigners to work in the country. A work visa is only required to enter the country for the purpose of work, while a work permit is required to perform work within the border.

The government only issues work permits for one year, which means that applicants will have to re-apply every year to maintain their legal employment status. After three years of having a work permit, the permit holder must leave the country for at least six months and re-apply.

Requirements for obtaining a work visa to Bhutan

To get proof of work, applicants must provide a number of documents along with the application for a permit. An employer can help their employee with this process, although this is not necessary. 

Required documents for obtaining a work visa:

• A valid passport.
  
• Coordination with the Department of Labor.
• Completed employer commitment form.
• Health certificate.
• A declaration of conformity has been signed.

The employer's commitment form requires a list of all foreigners that the employer is going to hire. You will also need to sign a declaration of conformity with your employer. You must obtain a certificate of medical fitness from the country's official health professional.

Before traveling to Bhutan, you need to apply for a work visa online or at the nearest consulate.

Some citizens may obtain an entry visa on arrival, including:

• Citizens of India.
• Citizens of Bangladesh and Maldives.
• Citizens of Thailand and Switzerland with diplomatic passports.
• Foreigners with a SAARC Visa Exemption sticker.

To obtain a work visa, applicants will need a permit from the Ministry of Labor, as well as a completed application form and a copy of a valid passport. This permission must be obtained by the employer on behalf of its employee.

Once you enter the country on a work visa, you will need to submit your biometric data to the Immigration Department. Once you get permission to enter the border, they can apply for a work permit. 

What documents are required to obtain a work permit?

• You need to get permission from the Department of Labor, the human resources department, and the Ministry of Labor.
• You must have a properly completed work permit application form. 
• Must have a valid employer obligation. 
• You must have a valid employee commitment. 
• To obtain a work permit in Bhutan, Indians must have a copy of their passport or voter identify card with a work permit. 
• For citizens of other countries, you must have a copy of your passport with a work visa.
• A certificate of Medical Fitness issued by a competent Bhutan public health professional is required. 
• You must provide a photo with the size of passport. 
• You must submit originals or notarized copies of the academic certificate. This is only for citizens of Bangladesh, Maldives and India.

In addition to these documents, other documents may be required during the evaluation.

Official sources that contain comprehensive information about a work visa and work permit.