Immigration & Naturalisation

Citizens of Bermuda, whether through birthright or grant, need not obtain governmental approval to own property or live in Bermuda. Children of Bermudians enjoy the same privileges. Non-Bermudians however can neither work nor live in Bermuda without first obtaining Immigration approval.

There two types of permission which are applicable to most non-Bermudians wishing to remain in Bermuda for more than 21 days:

• Residential Certificate for which three groups of individuals are eligible to apply:
  • Persons who own residential property in Bermuda. Persons eligible to apply under this category must be retired (attained the age of 50 and not engaged in gainful occupation); have no more than two dependent children; and be of substantial means and good character.
  • Persons who have been gainfully employed in Bermuda for at least five years. Persons eligible to apply under this category must also be retired (attained the age of 50 and not engaged in gainful occupation); have no more than two dependent children; and be of substantial means and good character.
  • Those married couples, which are living together, of whom one partner qualifies in (i) or (ii) above.
• Resident’s Work Permit: This will be issued to suitably qualified individuals upon application to the Department of Immigration by the Employer. A work permit will be issued only if the employer has conducted an extensive search and has satisfied the Department of Immigration that there is no qualified Bermudian to fill the position.

Our highly skilled Immigration attorneys have many years experience with such applications. If you have the appropriate qualifications, we can help to arrange residential certificates, which allow you to enter and live indefinitely in Bermuda and work permits, which allow you or your employees to reside and work on the Island.