How long does the Brunei work visa process take?

Typically 3–8 weeks from when your employer submits the application. The process involves: employer obtains LPA (Foreign Workers Licence), you undergo medical screening, the Labour Department approves the Employment Pass, and Immigration issues entry authorisation. Most of the paperwork is handled by your employer's HR department. Oil and gas companies with established LPA quotas can process visas faster — sometimes within 2–3 weeks.

Can I switch employers in Brunei?

Yes, but the process requires your current Employment Pass to be cancelled and a new one issued by your new employer. There is no automatic transfer mechanism. Your new employer must hold a valid LPA and go through the full application process. During the transition, you may need to exit and re-enter Brunei. It is advisable to have the new Employment Pass confirmed before resigning from your current position.

Is there a retirement visa for Brunei?

No — Brunei does not offer a retirement visa or long-stay visa for retirees. The only pathway to long-term residence is through employer-sponsored Employment Passes or through Brunei Permanent Residence, which is extremely difficult to obtain and typically reserved for those who have lived and worked in Brunei for 20+ years. Retirees looking for Southeast Asian options should consider Malaysia's MM2H or Thailand's LTR visa instead.

Can I bring my family to Brunei?

Yes. Once your Employment Pass is issued, your employer can apply for dependent passes for your spouse and children. The process typically takes 2–4 weeks. Dependents receive Green Identity Cards and can access Brunei's education and healthcare systems. Spouse work rights are limited — your partner will need a separate Employment Pass from their own employer to work legally. International schools in BSB (Jerudong International School, International School Brunei) accept dependent children.

What happens if I overstay my visa in Brunei?

Overstaying is a serious offence in Brunei. Penalties include fines of BND 4,000–8,000, imprisonment for up to 3 months, and deportation with a re-entry ban. Immigration enforcement is strict. If your Employment Pass is about to expire and your employer has not renewed it, contact the Immigration Department immediately. For tourist visas, ensure you depart before the expiry date stamped in your passport.

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🇧🇳 Brunei

Visa & Residency

2 years

Employment Pass

Renewable by employer

LPA

Foreign Workers Licence

Employer must hold this before hiring

3+ months

Green Identity Card

Required for stays over 3 months

14–90 days

Tourist Visa

Varies by nationality

3–8 weeks

Processing Time

From offer to visa issuance

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🕌Bandar Seri Begawan 🛢️Seria

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Overview

Brunei's visa system is employer-driven — the vast majority of expats arrive on employer-sponsored Employment Passes arranged through the Labour Department and Immigration Department. There is no freelance visa, digital nomad visa, or retirement visa. The process is bureaucratic but straightforward: your employer secures a Foreign Workers Licence (LPA), you pass a medical exam, and you receive a Green Identity Card for stays over 3 months. Tourist visas allow 14–90 days depending on nationality.

Key Takeaways

Employer must first obtain a Foreign Workers Licence (Lesen Pekerja Asing / LPA) — valid for 2 years
Valid for up to 6 months — non-renewable; for longer stays, an Employment Pass is required
Duration: 1–3 months, generally non-renewable
USA, UK, most EU: 90-day visa-free entry on arrival
Foreign-owned businesses: allowed under the Companies Act, but require Registration of Business (ROB) or Companies Registration

Employment Pass (Work Visa)

The Employment Pass is the standard work authorisation for foreign nationals in Brunei. It is employer-sponsored, typically valid for two years, and requires approval from the Labour Department and Immigration Department. Your employer handles the bulk of the paperwork.

Employer must first obtain a Foreign Workers Licence (Lesen Pekerja Asing / LPA) — valid for 2 years
LPA requires the employer to advertise the position locally and demonstrate no qualified Bruneian is available
Medical examination required: HIV, hepatitis B/C, TB screening at an approved Brunei health centre
Employment Pass typically valid for 2 years, renewable upon meeting Labour Department criteria
Green Identity Card issued for stays of 3+ months — required for banking, renting, and daily life
Dependent pass: spouse and children can join once Employment Pass is issued; employer applies on your behalf
Security deposit: employer posts a refundable bond (BND 500–1,500) per foreign worker with Immigration

Special Authorisation Work Pass (SAWP)

For short-term assignments of up to six months, foreign nationals can apply for a Special Authorisation Work Pass. This is commonly used for project-based work, consultancy assignments, and technical experts needed for specific operations — particularly in the oil and gas sector.

Valid for up to 6 months — non-renewable; for longer stays, an Employment Pass is required
Employer or project sponsor applies through the Labour Department
Commonly used in oil & gas for shutdowns, turnarounds, and specialist technical work
Medical screening required before the pass is issued
Does not include dependent sponsorship — family members need separate arrangements
Processing time: typically 1–3 weeks, faster than a full Employment Pass
Holder must leave Brunei upon expiry unless transferring to an Employment Pass

Professional Visit Visa

The Professional Visit Visa allows skilled professionals, consultants, and technical experts to work in Brunei for a limited duration — typically one to three months. It is designed for short engagements that do not warrant a full Employment Pass.

Duration: 1–3 months, generally non-renewable
Suitable for training delivery, audits, equipment installation, and consultancy
Sponsoring company in Brunei applies on behalf of the visiting professional
Does not require a Foreign Workers Licence (LPA) — simpler process than Employment Pass
No dependent sponsorship — strictly for individual professional visits
Can be converted to an Employment Pass if the engagement becomes long-term

Tourist Visa and Visa-Free Entry

Many nationalities can enter Brunei visa-free for 14–90 days depending on bilateral agreements. ASEAN nationals enjoy 14–30 days visa-free, while UK, US, and most EU citizens receive 90-day visa-free entry. Tourist visas do not permit employment.

USA, UK, most EU: 90-day visa-free entry on arrival
ASEAN nationals: 14–30 days visa-free depending on country
Other nationalities: visa-on-arrival available for some; others must apply at a Brunei embassy
Extension: tourist visas can be extended at the Immigration Department for up to 90 days total
No employment permitted on tourist visas — working without authorisation carries heavy fines and deportation
Land entry from Miri, Malaysia: straightforward border crossing at Sungai Tujoh

Business Setup and Self-Employment

Brunei does not offer a freelance visa or self-sponsorship pathway like some Gulf states. Starting a business as a foreigner requires a local partner or navigating the Companies Act. The government is working to attract foreign investment through Darussalam Enterprise (DARe), but the regulatory environment remains bureaucratic.

Foreign-owned businesses: allowed under the Companies Act, but require Registration of Business (ROB) or Companies Registration
Local partner: some sectors require a Bruneian partner or majority local ownership
Darussalam Enterprise (DARe): government agency supporting SMEs and startups; offers incubation and grants
Free trade zones: Brunei-Muara and Sungai Liang attract manufacturing and logistics businesses
Corporate tax: 18.5% on company profits; petroleum companies taxed at 55% under a separate act
No freelance or digital nomad visa exists — remote workers typically enter on tourist visas (not legally permitted to work)
Business registration: 1–4 weeks through the Registry of Companies; annual renewal required

FAQs