Is it possible to work in the Marshall Islands?

Working in the Marshall Islands is easier than you might think, thanks to the country's liberal and open visa policy.

All visitors traveling to the Marshall Islands must have a valid passport valid for at least 6 months, sufficient funds for their stay, and a round-trip air or sea ticket.

Visa application form

(A) Citizens exempt from visa requirements

Citizens of the United States of America, Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, the European Union (EU), the People's Republic of China, and Taiwan;

(B) Citizens who are eligible for visitor visas upon arrival:

Citizens of countries that have diplomatic relations with the Republic of the Marshall Islands will be granted a visa on arrival (VOA) or a visa waiver (VW). The list of agreements and diplomatic relations is updated from time to time by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Please follow the link below to view the most up-to-date list of countries eligible for a) visa-free travel, b) visa-on-arrival, and c) visa exemptions for certain categories of passport holders.

A brief overview of countries eligible for visa-free/visa waiver or visa on arrival

(C) Citizens who must apply for a visa prior to arrival:

Citizens of ALL OTHER countries not listed above in paragraphs A or B must apply for a visa BEFORE entering the Republic.Visitor visa (V-1) requires a non-refundable application fee of $100.00 USD.  Business visa (B-1) is intended for persons who have an approved license for doing business with foreign investment (FIBL), and requires a non-refundable application fee of $ 300.00 USD;

A check-out fee of $20.00 is required.

Employment offer

To apply for a work visa, you will need a job offer from a registered employer in the Marshall Islands. The employer must provide evidence that they have made efforts to hire a qualified Marshallese national for the position but have been unable to do so.

Work permit

Before applying for a work visa, your potential employer must obtain a work permit from the Marshall Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration. A work permit demonstrates that the employer has received permission to hire a foreign worker for a specific position.

Application for a visa

After your employer has obtained a work permit, you can apply for a work visa at the nearest Marshall Islands embassy or consulate in your country. The visa application process usually involves submitting the required documents such as a passport, a completed application form, a job offer letter, and a work permit.

Validity of a work visa

Work visas in the Marshall Islands are usually issued for 2 years. If you want to continue working after your visa expires, you will need to apply for an extension.

Residence permit

In addition to a work visa, you may need to apply for a residence permit upon arrival in the Marshall Islands. A residence permit allows you to live and work in the country for the duration of your employment.