How To Secure Permanent Residency In Brunei

Brunei, or Brunei Darussalam, is a small absolute monarchy in Southeast Asia. The country does not currently operate a formal citizenship or residency by investment programme, and obtaining permanent residence in Brunei is difficult. To become a permanent resident, you must live in the country for at least ten years if you are married to a citizen or were born there. Otherwise, you will have to wait at least fifteen years to apply.

Marriage to a Bruneian citizen

Every six months, spouses of Bruneian citizens need to visit the immigration department to renew their passes. It is important to note that Brunei does not recognize dual citizenship, and individuals who obtain foreign citizenship will lose their Bruneian citizenship.

The Bruneian nationality law, primarily governed by the Nationality Act of 1962, outlines the requirements for obtaining citizenship and permanent residency in the country. The act has been amended over the years, with the most recent changes in 2002 allowing citizenship to be conferred through either parent of a minor, instead of just the father.

In addition to the length of marriage and residency requirements, there are other criteria that must be met to obtain permanent residency or citizenship in Brunei. These include demonstrating proficiency in the Malay language, intending to settle permanently in the country, and not becoming a charge on the state.

Naturalisation

Marriage

If you are married to a Bruneian citizen, you can obtain citizenship after 10 years of residence in the country. If you are a foreign spouse married to a Bruneian stateless male or Bruneian PR individual, you will need to wait for 20 years.

Adoption

Foreigners can also obtain citizenship through adoption by Bruneian citizens.

Residence

A valid resident who has resided in Brunei for 20 years in the preceding 25 years, including the two years immediately prior to applying, can apply for naturalisation, provided they meet additional criteria:

• They are not likely to become a charge on the state
• They are proficient in the Malay language
• They intend to settle permanently in Brunei

The path to citizenship via naturalisation is noted to consist of not only a mastery of the Malay language but also a deep knowledge of Malay customs, culinary recipes and poetry. Such is the difficulty of the test that ethnic Malays themselves are purported to not be able to pass such a test of knowledge.

Investment

Brunei does not currently operate a formal citizenship or residency by investment programme. This means that high-net-worth investors must follow the usual immigration procedures to obtain residency. However, there are other countries that offer residency and citizenship investment programmes. For example, in Europe, there is the possibility of obtaining a Maltese passport through investment or even Austrian citizenship, although the investment limits are high.

If you are interested in investing in Brunei, there are other ways to obtain permanent residency. One option is to obtain a work visa and live and work in the country. Work visas are typically valid for two years and can be obtained through the Immigration Department for the Government of Brunei. To apply for a work visa, you will need a job offer and contract of employment, as well as proof of identity and a clean criminal record.

Another way to obtain permanent residency in Brunei is to be married to a Bruneian citizen. In this case, you must live in the country legally for at least 10 years before applying. If you are not married to a Bruneian citizen, you must wait 15 years before applying for permanent residency. Your chances of being accepted are higher if you are a highly skilled professional, such as a doctor or an engineer.

Running a business in Brunei that employs local citizens is another way to obtain permanent residency. Working for the government can also lead to permanent residency, although this is a difficult path for migrants. Obtaining permanent residency in Brunei is challenging, and the process can be lengthy.

Obtaining an Entry Permit Card

To enter Brunei, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of arrival. It must not be damaged or have any missing pages. You will be refused entry and may be detained if your passport does not meet these conditions. British citizen passport holders may enter Brunei as a visitor for up to 90 days without a visa. However, if you intend to stay longer or are travelling for work, study, or business, you must meet the Brunei government's entry requirements and may need a visa or work permit.

To obtain an Entry Permit Card, you can either pay for the card directly or apply for a visa and a re-entry or residence permit. It is advised to contact the headquarters of the Immigration Department or its office in the country for more information.

If you are staying in Brunei for a certain period, you will receive a green residence card. If you intend to stay in the country long-term, you will be issued a red card and be accepted as a permanent resident. Obtaining permanent residence in Brunei is difficult and may take at least ten years if you marry a citizen or were born there. Otherwise, you will need to wait at least fifteen years to apply.

Long-term residence

Obtaining permanent residence in Brunei is difficult. If you marry a citizen of Brunei or were born there, you must live in the country for at least ten years to apply for permanent residence. Otherwise, you will have to wait at least fifteen years to apply.

If you are a foreigner married to a Bruneian citizen, you will have to wait at least five years to apply for permanent residence. Previously, the requirement was two years. If you are a foreigner married to a Bruneian stateless male or Bruneian PR individual, you will need to wait for twenty years.

If you are a highly qualified specialist, such as a doctor or an engineer, your chances of obtaining permanent residence are higher. Another way to obtain permanent residence is to prove that one of your parents is a citizen of Brunei.

You can also obtain permanent residence by running a legal business in Brunei and hiring local people. Alternatively, you can work for the government, although this is difficult for migrants.

It is important to note that Brunei does not have a formal residency by investment programme. High-net-worth investors must adhere to conventional immigration protocols for residence acquisition.

Frequently asked questions