At a glance
To take a job in Seychelles as a foreign national, you need a Gainful Occupation Permit (GOP), whether the work is paid or unpaid. Your employer must first obtain employment approval, then support your immigration permit application.
- Job offer required?
- Yes, with employer support
- First approval
- The employer must obtain approval from the employment ministry
- Before travel
- Obtain the Gainful Occupation Permit before entering to take up the job
Summary
A Gainful Occupation Permit allows a foreign employee to live in Seychelles for approved work, whether paid or unpaid. The employer first obtains approval of the job from the ministry responsible for employment, then supports the worker's immigration application with employer and personal records.
The permit must be in place before entry to take up the job. Its approved activity and expiry date control the work allowed, so a job offer or visitor entry permission cannot substitute for it. Family work rights and job changes need separate consideration.
Eligibility
The prospective employer applies to the ministry responsible for employment for approval of the job. After that, they support the GOP application with the required employer and applicant records.
Obtain the GOP before entering Seychelles to take up employment. Check the job, activity restrictions, and expiry date stated on the permit.
-
Arrange employment approval Your employer applies to the responsible ministry.
-
Apply for the GOP Prepare the employer and personal records.
-
Enter after approval Follow the job restrictions and permit dates.
Unpaid work also requires the appropriate permission.
What This Route Allows
You can live and work in Seychelles in the approved job and for the period covered by your permissions.
What This Route Is Not
A job offer, business visit, or entry visa alone does not authorize work. The permit does not guarantee unrestricted job changes, work rights for accompanying family, permanent residence, or citizenship.
Next Steps
- Confirm your job and the employer's support for the application.
- Have the employer obtain employment approval and prepare the GOP documents with you.
- Obtain the GOP before entering for the job, then follow its work and residence conditions.
Stay up to date on this pathway
Get an email when something important changes.
Discussed in these reports
Hong Kong
Hong Kong Skilled Employee Residence
Hong Kong's skilled employment route is for professionals with a confirmed local job that uses their education, technical skills, or substantial relevant experience.
Ireland
Ireland Intra-Company Transfer Permit
A non-EEA senior manager, key employee, or trainee may transfer temporarily from an overseas company to a connected Irish entity under an Intra-Company Transfer Employment…
Netherlands
Netherlands Company Transfer Residence Permit
Managers, specialists, and trainee employees may be able to transfer from a company outside the EU to a Dutch branch under the EU intra-corporate transferee route.