Solomon Islands permanent resident visa

The resident (long term) visa is for individuals who have lawfully resided in Solomon Islands for at least five consecutive years on other valid visa types, such as work, study or business visas, and now seek permanent residency. The migration overview describes it as requiring five years of continuous prior stay and as extendable.

Submit the passport bio page and details, a valid work permit from the Solomon Islands Commissioner of Labour, a police report, a medical report and a sponsor letter from the directors, chief executive officers or an investor of companies operating in Solomon Islands. Letters are addressed to the Director, Solomon Islands Immigration Division, PO Box G26, Honiara.

The visa costs USD 1,500 plus the USD 50 online fee. Schedule 1 of the Immigration (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 lists a USD 1,500 service fee and a USD 1,500 renewal fee for residents (long term), with no administration fee, and no fee at all for dependants (long term). The visa is valid for five years, allows multiple entries linked to residency rights and is renewable after five years.

Spouses or children of a person applying for or holding permanent residency, who were listed as dependants on the applicant's past visas, use the free dependent (long term) visa. It is linked to the primary applicant's visa, allows multiple entries and has no work rights; a dependant who becomes independent must apply for their own visa.

The application shows continued dependency: Immigration assesses whether the person is still a dependant, for example a minor child or a non-working spouse, and re-evaluates after five years. The file includes the online form, the passport bio page, the marriage or birth certificate and a sponsor support letter, and must be lodged from outside Solomon Islands.

Under section 23 of the Immigration Act 2012 there is a character concern if a person has a record of serious criminal conduct, has more than one conviction anywhere, is a threat to national security or is linked to terrorism, people trafficking, child sex offences or drug smuggling, or was acquitted on grounds of unsoundness of mind and detained. Under section 21 the Director may cancel a visa for a character concern or where it was obtained by fraud or false documents.

Work rights are not automatically granted with this visa; they are assessed on the basis of your visa history and compliance. Holders who keep working continue to need the relevant work permit, which is why a valid work permit is part of the application.