A residence permit is issued to individuals that are:

• Non-illegal immigrants;

• Has a family tie with Seychelles;

• Had made or will make a significant contribution to the economic, social or cultural life of the Seychelles.

What are the requirements for the residence permit?

The owner of a residence permit has to reside on the territory of Seychelles not less than five days every twelve months throughout the entire period of validity of the permit.

The owner of a residence permit has to provide a bank guarantee to the head officer of the Immigration Service for an amount not less than 20 000 SCR, and allow the officer to take the money needed for the coverage of the expenses related to medical care, detention in the Seychelles, or removal of the permit owner and his dependents.

The permit owner is not entitled to free medical care in Seychelles or to any social benefits.

How much does it cost to issue a residence permit?

The application processing fee is 5 American dollars and the residence permit fee is 50 000 rupees (main application) and 25 000 rupees for the spouse if the application is submitted simultaneously.

The confirmation fee for each minor who has a residence permit is 1000 rupees.

For more information and relevant documentation on immigration matters, please contact: [email protected] 

Permanent residence permit

General conditions for obtaining a permit:

• The applicant is not an illegal immigrant;

• The period of absence on the island without the consent of the Minister does not exceed 1 year;

• They were not sentenced to imprisonment for more than 1 year.

Who can get a permanent residence permit in Seychelles?

Owners of a permanent residence permit are divided into several categories, which include:

• Married people

• Students

• Priority employees

• Investors.

Residence permit through marriage

A person who is married to a Seychelles spouse and has made the country their legal residence place for at least five years is eligible to become an owner of a permanent residence permit.

A person who was once married to a Seychellois man/woman and has lived in the country for five years is also eligible for a permit.

Students

A foreign student who has legally resided in the country for at least five years while attending school and has a gainful employment permit is eligible to become a permanent residence permit holder.

You must also have a university degree to have a permanent residence permit in this category.

Priority employees 

Prioritized employees who have made the country their legal residence place for at least five years are eligible to become an owner of a permanent residence permit. 

During the immigration process, priority employees have to present significant abilities in the areas like:

• Science; 

• Business;

• Law;

• Sport.

They also have to have a higher education and make a great contribution to the development of the country for successful immigration and perseverance of their status of an owner of the permanent residence permit. 

Permanent residence permit for investors 

Another way to obtain a permanent residence permit are investments.

Investors have to apply for a residence permit if they comply with the following criteria:

• They have invested 1 million American dollars or more into Seychellois business;

• They have the means to support themselves throughout one year in Seychelles after obtaining a permit;

• They have at least five years of  business association or affiliate relationship as a result of direct investment;

• They have resided in Seychelles for at least 5 years on a Dependent Permit or Gainful Occupation Permit (GOP);

• They have not been absent from the Seychelles for a continuous period of one year or more without the consent of the Minister for Internal Affairs;

• They have not been sentenced to imprisonment for more than 1 year under the laws of the Seychelles;

• They are not an illegal immigrant.

How long does it take to issue a residence permit for investment?

The application processing time may take 3 months.

How much does it cost to issue a residence permit for investment?

The application fee is 150 000 rupees.

What gives a permanent residence permit to its owner?

A permanent residence permit allows its owner to:

• Work without a GOP (gainful occupation permit);

• Be exempt from any other residence or work permit;

• It is possible to buy land and residential real estate with the permission of the government, paying only 50% of the penalty fee.