Migrating To Brunei: A Guide For Indians Seeking Opportunities

With a population of just over 400,000, Brunei is a small, tropical country with a booming economy, thanks to its thriving oil and gas industries. The country has one of the world's highest living standards, and its capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is ranked 176th out of 226 expat destinations worldwide in terms of the cost of living. In this article, we will explore the steps required to migrate to Brunei from India, including visa requirements, job prospects, and cultural considerations.

Visa requirements

All Indian passport holders require a visa to enter Brunei. The type of visa required depends on factors such as the purpose of the visit, duration, and nationality. The visa must be obtained from the High Commission of the Republic of Brunei in India. The visa application should ideally be submitted at least 30 days before travelling to Brunei. The visa application is normally processed within 4 to 5 working days. The visa is stamped on the passport and the length of its validity is a maximum of 3 months. The visa fees for tourist/business visas are Rs. 2,800.

For a tourist visa, the following documents are required:

• Original passport with at least 6 months' validity and a minimum of 3 blank pages, along with all old passports.
• 2 scanned recent colour photographs.
• Completed and signed visa application forms.
• A personal covering letter explaining the purpose of travel.
• Original bank statement stamped and updated for the last 3 months with a bank seal.
• Proof of return/onward flight tickets.
• Hotel reservation or proof of accommodation for the entire stay.
• Travel itinerary, including a day-wise plan.
• Travel insurance covering the entire trip.

For a business visa, the following documents are required:

• Original passport with at least 6 months' validity and a minimum of 2 blank pages, along with all old passports.
• 2 scanned recent colour photographs.
• Completed and signed visa application forms.
• A personal covering letter explaining the purpose of travel.
• Original bank statement stamped and updated for the last 3 months with a bank seal.
• Proof of return/onward flight tickets.
• Hotel reservation or proof of accommodation for the entire stay.
• Travel itinerary, including a day-wise plan.
• Travel insurance covering the entire trip.
• Leave Sanctioned Certificate with company seal providing approval for leave.
• Salary slips of the last 3 months.
• Business Proof: Registration License/MOA/Partnership deed.
• Company Bank Statement stamped and updated for the last 6 months with a bank seal.
• Company's Income Tax Returns of the last 3 years.
• An introduction/recommendation letter from one of the Chambers of Commerce and Industries, the government of India, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of India, or the Export Promotion Council of India.

In addition to the above requirements, it is important to adhere to the moral standards and general rules of the country, which include dressing modestly and refraining from physical contact between members of the opposite sex in public.

Cost of living

The cost of living in Brunei is significantly higher than in India. According to a cost of living comparison between the two countries, the average cost of living in Brunei is 155% more expensive than in India. This includes a 244.1% higher cost of rent, 82.3% higher restaurant prices, and 208.5% higher grocery prices.

The average monthly cost for a single person living in Brunei is estimated to be $826.3, or 1,091.9 Bruneian dollars, without rent. For a family of four, the average monthly cost is $3,004.7, or 3,970.5 Bruneian dollars, also without rent.

Brunei is known for its high living standards, with a booming economy largely driven by its oil and gas industries. The country attracts a large number of expatriates, many of whom are drawn by the prospect of lucrative employment packages and tax-free income.

While the cost of living in Brunei may be relatively low for expats from Western Europe and North America, it is higher compared to its neighbouring countries. However, expats in Brunei typically earn high salaries and can afford a comfortable lifestyle and high standard of living. Food and travel are particularly affordable in the country.

The local currency in Brunei is the Bruneian dollar (BND), which is divided into 100 cents.

Culture shock

Religion and Culture

Brunei is a strictly Islamic country, and expats should be prepared to adhere to local standards. This includes dressing modestly and refraining from physical contact between members of the opposite sex in public. As a Sharia nation, the sale and consumption of alcohol are banned in Brunei, although non-Muslims are allowed to bring in limited quantities of alcohol for personal consumption when entering the country.

Language

Malay is the official language of Brunei, but English is widely spoken, particularly in business and education. As such, expats are unlikely to experience much of a language barrier.

Population and Demographics

Brunei has a population of around 440,000-450,000 people, with a diverse demographic of around 66% Malay, 11% Chinese, 3% indigenous, and 20% from other parts of the world. The country has a large expat contingent, making up around 40% of the population. Expats in Brunei often work in the oil and gas sector or the construction industry.

Climate

Brunei has a tropical equatorial climate, with high temperatures, high humidity, and heavy rainfall. The average annual temperature is around 26°C-27°C, and the country experiences two monsoon seasons each year, from December to February and June to October.

Cost of Living

Expats moving from Western Europe and North America will likely find the cost of living in Brunei relatively low. Food and travel are particularly cheap in the country. However, certain items, especially imported goods, can be more expensive than in other countries.

Healthcare

Brunei has one of the top public healthcare systems in the world, with locals able to access public medical care for free, and expats typically paying low rates. There are also private hospitals in major urban areas, which are of a high standard but tend to be more expensive.

Transportation

Brunei has limited public transportation options, so it is recommended to have your own car to get around. Traffic can be heavy during rush hour, and parking may be insufficient, especially in commercial areas.

Language barrier

The official language of Brunei is Standard Malay, but English is also widely spoken and understood. Brunei has a large expat population, with most foreigners working in the oil and gas sector or construction industry. As English is commonly used in business and is the primary language of instruction in schools, most expats won't experience much of a language barrier.

The local dialect, Brunei Malay, is the most widely spoken language in the country, with about 266,000 speakers. It is used in informal settings, such as between friends and in local shops. While it is not necessary to learn Brunei Malay to get by in the country, learning some basic phrases and greetings can be helpful and will likely be appreciated by locals.

English is used as the language of instruction in most public schools, with only subjects related to the Malay language and Brunei being taught in Malay. Expatriates, however, tend to send their children to international schools, where they can follow a more familiar curriculum.

In addition to Malay and English, there are several other languages spoken in Brunei due to its diverse population. Chinese dialects, such as Hokkien, Cantonese, and Hakka, are commonly spoken by the Chinese minority. Mandarin is used as the lingua franca among the Chinese community and is also the language of instruction in some Chinese schools.

Arabic, being the language of the Quran, is also widely taught in schools, particularly religious schools. All Muslim children are required by law to attend religious schooling, where they learn Arabic and skills using Jawi, the Arabic-based script for representing Malay.

Given the diverse population of Brunei, which includes a significant Indian minority, other languages such as Tamil and Nepali are also spoken in the country.

While the use of Malay and English dominates most formal settings, the increasing immigration from Indonesia to Brunei has also led to a rise in the usage of the Indonesian language in day-to-day conversations and business activities.

Transport

Brunei is accessible by air, sea, and road. The country's main airport, Brunei International Airport, is located about 10 minutes from the capital and serves destinations across Asia and Oceania, as well as London Heathrow. The airport can be reached by regular taxi or bus services.

There is a ferry terminal at Muara that provides regular connections to the Malaysian port of Labuan. Speedboats also provide passage to the Temburong District. It is possible to leave Brunei by road and head into Malaysian territory.

Brunei has a viable public transport infrastructure with buses and taxis available. However, to get around the country, it is recommended to have your own car. Both new and second-hand cars are reasonably priced, and petrol is heavily subsidised. There is some school bussing available, but most children are privately ferried to and from school.

Traffic can be heavy during rush hour, and parking can be a challenge, especially in commercial complexes.

Frequently asked questions