Seychelles residence permit

A Residence Permit may be granted to a person who is not a prohibited immigrant and who either has a family or domestic connection with Seychelles or has made or will make a special contribution to the economic, social or cultural life of the country. Applicants must show their financial status with documents, including a banker's confirmation. The form (IMM/1, issued under section 13 of the Immigration Decree) asks for full details supporting the connection or contribution. Every person aged 18 or over who wants to live in Seychelles needs a separate application, including a spouse.

Documents in a language other than English or French need a certified translation into one of those languages. The form lists two full-face passport photographs of everyone to be endorsed, with the full name written on the back (instant machine photos are not accepted), certified copies of birth certificates, the marriage certificate, evidence of any divorce or legal separation, at least two character testimonials from persons of standing who have known you for two years or more, police certificates from every country where you lived for more than three years, details of all nationalities and passports, a medical certificate for you and your children under 18, and proof of funds or income to support yourself and your dependants.

A processing fee of SCR 1,000 is paid on submission. The permit fee is SCR 150,000 for the main applicant for five years and SCR 75,000 for a spouse who applies at the same time; endorsing each child costs SCR 25,000. Under the Eden Island scheme the five-year residence permit costs SCR 150,000 including the spouse and children. The application form states that fees are paid in foreign exchange.

The Residence Permit excludes gainful occupation. A holder who wants to work or set up a business needs a Gainful Occupation Permit, and a business plan first goes to the Seychelles Investment Board as a project memorandum. Enquiries about residence permits go to the Permanent Residence and Citizenship Section on 4293636.

The holder must reside in Seychelles for at least five days in each twelve months of the permit. A bank guarantee of not less than SCR 20,000 is lodged with immigration, which may draw on it to cover government costs for the care, treatment, maintenance or removal of the holder and dependants; the form links the guarantee, and an annual proof of at least SCR 100,000 in foreign exchange brought in through the Central Bank, to holders who stay longer than one month at a time. Holders are not entitled to free medical services or to benefits under the Social Security Act 1987, and they are expected to explore ways to contribute to the economic, social or cultural life of Seychelles.