Tonga assured income (retirement) visa

Eligible applicants are non-Tongan passport holders who wish to retire in Tonga and receive a regular income from a pension or fund from an overseas source. The income must be at least TOP 10,000 per year, supported by documents. Successful applicants are issued a residency visa, which is the entry permit for living in Tonga under section 9 of the Immigration Act.

The checklist asks for a fully completed and signed form, two recent photos per applicant, a passport valid for the period of the visa (the Embassy in Beijing asks for six months' validity from the travel date), a medical report issued within six months by a licensed doctor, a police clearance issued within three months from the country or state of residence, two character references including contact information and evidence of income of at least TOP 10,000 a year. Immigration may also request police records covering the past five years. Foreign documents may be originals or certified copies issued by recognised authorities, with an English translation attached; supply copies if you want originals returned. Incomplete applications may be delayed or rejected.

USD 345, payable by money order to the Tongan mission or in cash at the Embassy in Beijing. The fee checklists republished by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in January 2025 still carry the amounts dated 2006 and 2011, and the Embassy in Beijing quotes its own USD fees; confirm the current amount with the Immigration Division before paying.

The visa allows residency in Tonga but not work, study or starting a business. It is valid for two years or more and can be renewed. The Embassy in Beijing warns of a TOP 1,500 penalty for overstaying, while the Immigration Division's other checklists cite TOP 1,150; either way, holders should renew before the visa ends.

Long-stay visas are entry permits under section 9 of the Immigration Act. The Principal Immigration Officer may attach conditions on the security to be provided, the occupation the holder may exercise and the person who may employ them, may vary those conditions and may extend the permit. A person refused an entry permit can appeal by written petition to the Prime Minister within 30 days of notification; the Prime Minister's decision is final.

Section 8 of the Act treats as prohibited immigrants, among others, people without a valid permit who are not exempt, people subject to a deportation or removal order, people unable to show they can support themselves and their dependants, people refusing a required medical examination, and people convicted abroad of an offence punishable by death or at least two years' imprisonment who have not been pardoned. The burden of proving that you are not a prohibited immigrant lies on you.