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EXPATRIATE EMPLOYMENT
Visas are available for foreign investors choosing to reside in Tonga (Business visa), and for expatriates employed by both foreign and domestic companies (Employment visa). Visas are granted by the Immigration Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and in both cases, Foreign Affairs will require a letter of support from the Ministry of Labour, Commerce and Industry (MLCI).The Government has decided to allow visa extensions up to a maximum period of ten years.
BUSINESS VISAS
A key part of the Ministry’s decision-making process is to assess if persons applying for visas have the necessary skills and financial resources for the business activity in question, and that the activity in question is open to non-Tongans (see ‘Foreign Investment Regulation’).
EMPLOYMENT VISAS:
In determining whether or not to provide a letter of support, a key consideration of the MLCI will be whether there are skills gaps in the local labour market, and the ability of the industry sector in question to absorb more non-citizen labour without unduly impacting upon local counterparts. In forming a view on this, the Ministry will seek views from relevant government ministries, as well as other organisations and associations as appropriate. Certain lines of work are not open to expatriates.
Processing times are 14 days or less for applications meeting all
requirements.
RESIDENCY PERMITS
Requirement for residency (temporary) visa
- 1. Application form to be duly completed
2. Proof of Tongan ancestry, former Tongan or married to a Tongan. e.g. birth certificate, marriage certificate, spouse’s Tongan Passport (however, if applicant is under 18 – then certified copy of birth certificate and proof of parent’s Tongan ancestry are required)
3. 2 Passport photos for each applicant
4. Application Fee of $115.00 Tongan Pa’anga (over 18 years of age) and $34.50 Tongan Pa’anga for under 18 years of age
ASSURED INCOME VISA
The Government of Tonga welcomes non-Tongan passport holders who wish to retire in Tonga, and who have a regular income from a pension or fund from an overseas source (evidence of foreign income in excess of TOP10,000 is required). An Assured Income Permit allows residency in the Kingdom, but does not allow an applicant to work, study, or start a business. Assured Income Permits are issued for 2 years or more, and are renewable.
