To legally work within a BVI, an employment permit is required.  There are a few steps to be taken into consideration to obtain this document.

The work permit application process can take up to 10 weeks from date of submission as it also entails obtaining Immigration Clearance from Immigration Department, Virgin Islands Government.  Work permits are issued to NonBVIslanders from the Virgin Islands Government Department of Labour and Workforce Development to nonBVIslanders in cases where the identified BVI job role vacancy cannot be filled locally.

The Government of the Virgin Islands launched the BVI's Online Work Permit System which is intended to modernise the application process.  HireBVI continues to offer work permit filing services which makes the process seamless for employers and employees, alike.

Applying for a Permanent Work Permit

The Permanent Work Permit is valid for 1 year.  There are costs associated with the work permit.  Our Work Permit Fee Calculator helps you to determine those costs, please click here.

Before Obtaining a Work Permit

1. Identify the job vacancy and submit employment application.
2. The employer conducts an interview with NonBVIslander and then apply for a work permit.
3. Once the work permit application is approved and the Immigration Clearance is issued, the NonBVIslander can travel to the British Virgin Islands to work.

Initial Travel to BVI (Approved Work Permit)

1. The NonBVIslander should travel with:
   1. Valid passport
   2. Return ticket to country of origin (valid for 12 months)
   3. Valid Immigration Clearance
   4. Police record in good standing (no more than 6 months)
   5. Address for initial place of stay
   6. Medical report
2. A Visa or Visa Waiver is required for the following countries:
   1. Jamaica
   2. China except Hong Kong
   3. Cuba
   4. Columbia
   5. Santo Domingo
   6. Guyana

Applying for a Temporary Work Permit

The requirements to obtain a temporary work permit is identical to a permanent work permit in some instances. Temporary work permits are valid for 30 days.  There are costs associated with the temporary work permit.  These costs tend to vary and applicants can expect to pay less than what would be paid for the permanent work permit.