Brunei is a small Asian state which is located on the island of Borneo next to Malaysia and is washed by the South China Sea. Despite its small size, Brunei is considered to be one of the most affluent countries with a high standard of living, which, of course, attracts many emigrants.

The official language of Brunei is Malay, but English is also widely spoken. Please note that Brunei has local laws and customs, violation of which can result in severe fines and harsh penalties. For example, laws forbid some forms of Western freedoms, relationships, and gender. Many companies prefer to hire men and may refuse women to get a job.

Main areas of work

Brunei has rich oil and gas deposits, due to which the country leads in Asia in high standards of living for its citizens. The extraction and processing of oil and gas are the basis of the country’s economy. This industry employs the largest number of expat workers. Your chances of getting a job with a high salary are great if you are a highly qualified specialist and have work experience in these areas.

Other industries are also developing and operating in Brunei: the pulp and paper industry, the production of mineral fertilizers, building materials, timber harvesting and wood processing, and the production of consumer goods, and food. In addition, there are attractive vacancies in banking, education, tourism, hotel business, etc. If you are planning a trip to the country, then the ideal option is to buy a checklist (hyperlink).

How to come to the country

For official employment in Brunei, a foreigner must obtain a work permit. This process may take a long time. A work permit will also be required for a person if he is self-employed and starts his own business. He needs to submit his business plan. Priority is given to non-residents who provide jobs for the local workforce.

Some foreigners achieve a work permit in another way. At first, they enter the country with a different type of visa, and then they look for work and receive a permit. In addition, Brunei’s mutual visa agreements with some countries (such as the USA, Great Britain, and Australia) allow citizens of these states to enter the country without a visa. Usually, it is a 90-day period. But the entry of citizens of Israel is prohibited.

Work visa and work permit

Foreigners who plan to work in Brunei, especially on long-term business contracts, must obtain a work visa, also called an employment pass, from the local embassy or consulate. It is valid for two years with subsequent renewal.

If a non-resident plans on working in Brunei for longer than three months, they must register with the National Registration Identification System to obtain a Green Identity Card - an IC Smart Identity Card from the Department of Immigration and National Registration. It also needs to be renewed when renewing a work visa or work permit.

Documents for obtaining a work permit and a work visa in Brunei:

·        a confirmation letter from the Department of Immigration and National Registration;

·        a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry;

·        a receipt of payment of the visa fee;

·        a confirmation letter that the employer has a quota license from the Department of Labour.

Work Permits

A foreigner needs to find a job before traveling to Brunei and applying for a work permit.

Before an expat worker can receive a job offer, a local employer must register and advertise the vacancy locally. After that, you can get permission from the Job Center Brunei and an endorsement from the TAP Employees Fund. Then an applicant starts with the approval for an LPA (Lesen Pekeria Using).

To be eligible for a work permit under the LPA, an employer will need to apply the documents:

·        working form 500;

·        the visa application form;

·        the application form for a work permit;

·        a copy of the employer’s application letter to the Department of Immigration and National Registration;

·        a copy of the employer’s labour license;

·        two copies of the application form for obtaining the status of a foreign worker;

·        a copy of the employee’s identity card;

·        a copy of the employee’s passport;

·        copies of documents on the education and qualifications of the employee;

·        receipts for payment of all required fees.

Contacts and phones

Brunei Department of Immigration and National Registration – phone: +673 238 3106, website 

Ambulance – 991

Police – 993

Robbery – 995

Extortion – 998