Almost everyone who is not Bermudian needs a work permit before they can legally earn money on the island. This guide explains the key rules you must know.
Who needs a permit?
If you are not Bermudian, a spouse of a Bermudian, or a Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) holder, you need the Minister's permission to work. This applies whether you are employed full-time, part-time, or on a short-term contract.
Types of permits
The most common is the Standard Work Permit, which lasts one to five years. For shorter needs there is the Short-Term Permit (up to six months) and the Occasional Permit (part-time work of no more than 14 hours a week). Newer businesses can apply for New Business, Fintech, or Family Office permits, which come with faster automatic approvals in the early months of trading. Frequent visitors from overseas can use a Periodic Permit, which allows multiple short stays throughout the year.
How it works — four simple steps
- The employer must advertise the vacancy. Before hiring from abroad, employers are required to advertise the role in a local newspaper and on the Government job board for at least eight days. Every Bermudian applicant who meets the stated requirements must be properly considered — Bermudians always have priority.
- The employer submits an application online, including a signed employment contract. Applications are not accepted by email or in person at the Department.
- Everyone waits for approval. The standard processing time is 20 working days for a complete application. Emergency short-term permits can be decided in four working days. Crucially, no one may start work until the permit is formally approved.
- Renew on time. Applications to renew must be submitted no earlier than three months and no later than one month before the current permit expires. Renewing within this window means the employee can legally keep working while the new permit is being processed.
Bringing your family
A spouse or partner may be permitted to live and work alongside you, provided your base salary is at least $60,000 per year and you have medical cover. Children under 18 — or up to 25 if studying full-time at university — can also accompany you as dependants, though they cannot work without their own separate permission.
Jobs reserved for Bermudians
Forty-eight job categories are currently closed to overseas workers entirely. These include roles such as administrative assistant, cashier, real estate agent, security guard, and taxi driver. A further 18 categories are restricted, meaning permits are shorter and additional checks apply.
Get it right — the consequences are serious
Working without a permit, on an expired permit, or outside your permitted role can result in fines for both the worker and the employer, removal from the island, and a ban of at least 12 months on returning to work in Bermuda.
For queries, email workpermits@gov.bm or call the compliance hotline on 296-5202. The full policy is attached to this page.