The Seychelles archipelago, nestled in the Indian Ocean, boasts abundant opportunities for global businesses. If your company is considering expanding to Seychelles, you’ll likely need to build a talented team to accompany you. However, before employees can start working in Seychelles, it’s crucial to secure the necessary permits and visas.
Types of work visas in Seychelles
Every non-national trying to work in Seychelles needs a Gainful Occupation Permit (GOP), also known as a work permit. This document allows the person to be gainfully occupied in Seychelles, either as an employee or a self-employed person. The prospective employer (or employee in the case of a self-employed person) must fill out the application at least 10 weeks before work starts. An international worker cannot enter the country with the purpose of employment before obtaining a GOP.
Employees will also need a resident permit to live in the country. These permits are typically granted to people who are:
- Not prohibited immigrants.
- Connected with Seychelles through family or other domestic options.
- Making a special contribution to the country’s economic, social, or cultural life.
Requirements to obtain Seychelles work visas
Employers must put together the application for the GOP on behalf of employees. 2 of the main obligations involve payment of the application and processing fees and proof of the Seychelles Investment Board’s approval for the project if the applicant intends to set up a business and be self-employed in their own business.
If the applicant is employed by a local employer, the company needs to get an approval certificate for the prospective employee from the Ministry of Employment and Social Affairs. After getting the certificate, the employer must submit all GOP applications to the Independence House’s Immigration Office in Victoria at least 1 week before the employee plans to start working.
After obtaining a Seychelles work visa, employees must meet additional requirements within 1 month of entering Seychelles, including:
- Getting a bank guarantee or a security bond from a Seychelles bank, with the amount depending on the employee’s country of origin.
- Showing an employment contract that has been attested by the Employment Department.
Application process
Throughout the application process, Seychelles considers certain factors before giving out Seychelles work permits or GOPs, including:
- The technical or professional qualifications of the applicant.
- The applicant’s reputation, health, and character.
- The availability of local workers for the job.
- Protection of any local interests.
- The social and economic benefit the applicant can bring to the country.
All applicants will also need a residence permit to live in Seychelles. After obtaining the GOP, the applicant should provide a bank guarantee of no less than SCR 20,000 to the Chief Immigration Officer and allow that person to draw money to meet the government’s expenditure. Residence permit holders must live in Seychelles for at least 5 days every 12 months to meet the terms of the permit. The individual also needs to look for opportunities to benefit the economic, social, or cultural life of Seychelles.
Other important considerations
If your team members are planning to work in the Seychelles International Trade Zones, they will need a separate permit. Employers must apply for the permit through the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in Seychelles.
The country also offers a permanent residence permit to individuals that meet certain requirements. Employees may be considered a priority worker if they have lived in Seychelles as a legal resident for no less than 5 years and have:
- Outstanding abilities in science, the arts, education, economics, business, law, or sports.
- A university degree — doctorate, master’s, or bachelor’s — in areas that will contribute to the country’s development.
- Made a significant contribution to the development of Seychelles.
Discover how G-P can help you manage your global teams.
At G-P, we’re committed to breaking down barriers to global business, enabling opportunity for everyone, everywhere, and helping companies tap into the fullest potential of their workforce. We help you maintain full compliance with local laws and ensure everything from hiring and onboarding to paying your employees is quick and easy, regardless of where they are in the world.
Find out more about how our Global Growth Platform™ can help you grow your team across the globe.