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British Virgin Islands · Relocation guide

Moving to British Virgin Islands: permission and practical setup

BVI entry permission, a work permit and residence status are separate. Residence services have been under policy review, so confirm the live process directly before making a property, employment or shipping commitment.

Content updated 12 September 2026. Individual source-check dates are listed below.

Secure work authority and entry permission in order

The Immigration Department controls entry and residence, while Labour handles employment permission. A visitor admission, job offer or pending residence case does not authorise work. Returning residents should also verify the valid re-entry stamp required for travel.

Secure work authority and entry permission in order
PlanRouteImportant distinction
Employment or residence entryEntry Permit for Employment and ResidenceCorrect entry basis
Resident returnEntry Permit Stamp for Re-entryValid re-entry evidence
Residence statusResidence StatusProcess under official review
Belonger statusBelonger StatusDistinct long-term status

Use current Immigration and Labour instructions

Prepare passport, entry, employer, police, medical, qualification, support and civil records requested for the live route. Because residence and belonger procedures have been reviewed, obtain current written instructions rather than relying on an archived checklist.

Choose an island and ferry routine before leasing

Tortola holds most government and commercial services; Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and smaller islands create ferry and weather dependencies. Inspect storm resilience, cistern, power, internet, inventory and lease terms, and keep address evidence.

Connect payroll, NHI, Social Security and tax

Ask the employer to document work-permit compliance, NHI and Social Security registration and payroll treatment. Confirm Inland Revenue obligations for the actual activity. Banks require separate identity, immigration, address and source-of-funds evidence.

Verify health, school and evacuation logistics

Confirm active NHI and any employer or private cover for every dependant, including off-island referral and evacuation limits. Ask Education about school placement, immigration, vaccination and prior-school records, and confirm a working partner’s permission.

Plan licences, freight and animal entry

Ask the Department of Motor Vehicles which resident licence action applies before driving. Obtain Customs treatment before shipping goods or a vehicle and Agriculture import permission before a pet travels; rejected freight is costly to return.

Your moving checklist

Tick off the tasks that apply to you. The timing is a planning order, not a substitute for the deadlines on your permission or an official instruction.

0 of 13 tasks completed

Before you move
On arrival
Your first month
Later and before renewal

Sources and checks

The linked authorities set the rules. VisaAtlas explains how the steps fit together; planning suggestions are not a decision on your immigration status, tax residence or entitlement to services.

Plan your next step