South-Eastern Asia · Immigration

Brunei

18 immigration routes

Brunei sits in South-Eastern Asia. Its immigration system runs 18 distinct routes — led by long-term residence, short stays and visits and transit, each set out in official law. All 18 cite an official government source, shown on the route with the date we last read it. Who actually qualifies depends on your full profile.

Immigration routes
18across 10 route categories, each set out in official law
Source-cited routes
18 of 18cite an official government source, with the date we last read it
Largest category
Long-term residence3 of the 18 routes — see them under Long-term residence below
Region
South-Eastern Asia
Capital
Bandar Seri Begawan
Population
466,330
Official language
Malay
Currency
BND
Time zone
UTC+08:00
Source-cited pathways

Immigration routes

All 18 routes, grouped by purpose — 18 of 18 cite an official government source directly.

Work

2 routes

For a foreign national hired by an employer in Brunei Darussalam after the employer obtains the required labour licences and job order.

Eligibility: 2Documents: 1Process & costs: 1Report facts: 10
Official government source: immigration.gov.bn · checked 2026-07-26 · 2 sources

Starting a business

1 route

For a foreign company owner or investor who meets the long-term business criteria and contributes to Brunei's socio-economic development.

Report facts: 5
Official government source: immigration.gov.bn · checked 2026-07-26

Talent and merit

1 route

Study

1 route

For a foreign national admitted to study in Brunei Darussalam and applying through the official student-pass process.

Report facts: 1
Official government source: immigration.gov.bn · checked 2026-07-26 · 2 sources

Family

2 routes

For a foreign national with family ties to a Brunei citizen or permanent resident who does not yet qualify for permanent residence.

Official government source: immigration.gov.bn · checked 2026-07-26

Long-term residence

3 routes

Short stays and visits

3 routes

For foreign business visitors attending meetings, exhibitions, investor activity or exploring business opportunities in Brunei Darussalam.

Documents: 1Report facts: 5
Official government source: immigration.gov.bn · checked 2026-07-26 · 2 sources

For a foreign specialist making an official professional visit where the specialist's expertise is required in Brunei Darussalam.

Documents: 1Report facts: 5
Official government source: immigration.gov.bn · checked 2026-07-26 · 3 sources

For a social visit to Brunei Darussalam, with a visa, visa on arrival or visa exemption according to nationality.

Documents: 1Process & costs: 2Report facts: 7
Official government source: immigration.gov.bn · checked 2026-07-26 · 5 sources

Ancestry and return

1 route

Transit

3 routes

For transit through Brunei Darussalam, with a transit visa only where the traveller's official nationality category requires one.

Documents: 1Report facts: 6
Official government source: mfa.gov.bn · checked 2026-07-26 · 3 sources

Special cases

1 route

For a person whom the Controller of Immigration considers it desirable to authorise in the special circumstances of the case.

Eligibility: 1Process & costs: 1Report facts: 3
Official government source: immigration.gov.bn · checked 2026-07-26

Official sources

Compiled by António Mira, founder · How we verify our data · Not legal advice — immigration rules and thresholds change; confirm with the official sources above before deciding.

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