POSTERN

Brunei

Foreign worker visa and work pass. Brunei’s employer arranges a Foreign Worker License and immigration work-pass approval before the worker obtains a work-visa endorsement abroad.

Free, with the law behind every answer

Foreign worker visa and work pass

Brunei work visa and work pass for approved employment; both must remain valid.

Who qualifies

  • The employer uses a licensed employment agency for the Foreign Worker License and must meet labour registration, local-to-foreign workforce ratio, insurance, housing and contract conditions.
    Brunei Department of Labour: Foreign Worker License checklist
  • For a US passport holder, the immigration checklist’s ‘other foreign nationals’ column requires a visa form in addition to the work-pass file, employer letter, passport, Form 23 and labour licences; the worker obtains work-visa endorsement at a Brunei mission abroad after approval.
    Brunei Immigration Department: Work Pass Division

You keep your U.S. citizenship.

1

Does it fit your family?

One question, from the program’s own rules.

Do you have a binding job offer in that country?

Not legal advice.

2

What it takes.

Time
The issuing authority decides the application after the complete sponsored file and prerequisite approvals are lodged.
Cost
Government charges are assessed under the issuing authority’s schedule; sponsor, translation and document costs are separate.
The hard part
Employer labour license and recruitment approval before consular visa endorsement; the published labour checklist lists an 18–55 age band that should be reconfirmed for the occupation.
3

Citizens by 2048.

If your first permit is issued in 2027 and you keep living there, this is the road.

  1. 2027
    First residence permit

    2 years, renewable for 2 years at a time.

  2. 2047
    Apply for citizenship

    With a language test and a civics test.

  3. 2048
    Citizenship
Language
Pass the prescribed Malay-language examination.
Civics
Demonstrate knowledge of Brunei and good character under the Nationality Act.
Time away
Residence for 20 of the 25 years before applying, including the two years immediately before filing; registration is discretionary.
Two passports
Usually not: new citizens are asked to give up their other citizenship.
  • Lawful work residence can contribute to the 20-of-25-year naturalisation residence test, subject to Malay and discretionary approval.
  • How long the decision takes isn’t published; we allow a year.
  • This country asks new citizens to give up their other citizenship.
The law behind these dates
4

Living there.

Time you must spend there
The program sets no minimum number of days. Renewal still expects it to be your home.
Tax
Where you become tax resident follows the days you spend there and where your home is. We map it for your family before you move.

We never file a tax return. We tell you what applies and brief the professional who does.

5

Start today.

  1. Have the Brunei employer appoint a licensed agency and obtain the Foreign Worker License before immigration filing.Open immigration.gov.bn ↗
  2. Gather these documents.
    • The signed job offer, salary, and recognized qualifications
    • Health insurance that meets the program’s rules
6

Postern can’t run this for you yet.

The official application forms, submission and recovery specification are not complete. Postern cannot run this application yet.

Options open to you today →
7
ISSUED TO

YOUR FAMILY

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