Dominica work permit

The Labour Division processes work permits, residence permits and permanent residence for non-nationals, and the approval of the minister responsible for labour is required. A work permit allows a non-national to reside and work in Dominica. Every non-national over 18 who will work completes the work permit application form, including people setting up their own business or farm.

First-time applicants must first obtain an extension of stay from the Immigration Department. The passport must be valid for at least six months. The employer's letter, addressed to the minister, states the type of employment, the daily, weekly or monthly wage and an anticipated employment period of at least one year; for unskilled workers it must also state the hourly rate.

The eServices checklist asks for a medical certificate on the attached form stating good health and no communicable disease in the past three years, one passport photo, the employer letter, a photocopy of the passport bio page and the valid passport, a police record from the home state or last place of residence covering the past twelve months, two testimonials (one from a former employer), copies of three consecutive vacancy advertisements in a national newspaper, a marriage certificate where applicable, proof of a return ticket or a deposit covering it, and a photocopy of the Treasury receipt. Agricultural and domestic workers are exempt from the advertisement requirement.

A self-employed applicant adds a bank statement, a statement of particulars with the business registration certificate and, for farming, proof of land ownership or a lease together with a farmer's produce seller's licence card.

The fee is EC$800 for non-CARICOM nationals and EC$250 for CARICOM nationals, paid to the Government Treasury Department. Applications are made through the APPLY button on the eServices work permit page; renewals use a separate eServices form. The Labour Division is on the 2nd floor of Government Headquarters, Kennedy Avenue, Roseau, telephone (767) 266 3553. The official pages do not state a processing time or the validity of the permit.