Brunei Darussalam · family
Dependent Pass (family of pass holders)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
For you if your spouse or parent holds a Brunei work pass: the Dependent Pass lets close family live in Brunei for the validity of the main holder's pass - though it does not, by itself, let you work.
- Processing time
- Indicative only. The dependent pass runs through the Foreign Work Pass division alongside the main holder's pass; confirm current timing on the official immigration.gov.bn page.
- Government fees
- Indicative only. Government fees apply for the visa and pass; refer to the official page for current amounts.
- Typical duration
- Tied to the validity of the main pass holder's pass and renewed alongside it; it is a stay route rather than a settlement route.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Overview
If your spouse or parent is working in Brunei on a valid pass, the Dependent Pass lets close family - typically a spouse and children - live in the country for as long as the main holder's pass is valid. It is processed by the same Foreign Work Pass division that handles employment passes, and the main holder usually needs to show sufficient income and suitable accommodation to support their dependents. Honesty box - please read: a Dependent Pass lets you stay but does not by itself grant the right to work, and it is tied to the main holder's pass - so it ends if theirs does. Brunei also has no investment-based permanent residence, so this is a stay route, not a settlement one. Confirm the current requirements on the official Immigration and National Registration Department page.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓You are a qualifying dependent - typically a spouse or child - of a valid pass holder in Brunei.Immigration and National Registration Department, Ministry of Home Affairs (Brunei Darussalam) ↗
- ✓The main pass holder can show sufficient income and suitable accommodation to support you.Immigration and National Registration Department, Ministry of Home Affairs (Brunei Darussalam) ↗
- ✓You can document your relationship to the main holder.Immigration and National Registration Department, Ministry of Home Affairs (Brunei Darussalam) ↗
- ✓You meet the standard documentation and good-character requirements.Immigration and National Registration Department, Ministry of Home Affairs (Brunei Darussalam) ↗
Common blockers
- !Assuming the dependent pass lets you work - it does not, on its own.Immigration and National Registration Department, Ministry of Home Affairs (Brunei Darussalam) ↗
- !Relying on a main holder who cannot show the required income or accommodation.Immigration and National Registration Department, Ministry of Home Affairs (Brunei Darussalam) ↗
- !Expecting it to lead to permanent residence - it is tied to the main holder's pass.Immigration and National Registration Department, Ministry of Home Affairs (Brunei Darussalam) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Valid passport and the completed application documents.Immigration and National Registration Department, Ministry of Home Affairs (Brunei Darussalam) ↗
- ·Documents proving your relationship to the main pass holder (marriage or birth certificates).Immigration and National Registration Department, Ministry of Home Affairs (Brunei Darussalam) ↗
- ·The main holder's pass and evidence of income and accommodation.Immigration and National Registration Department, Ministry of Home Affairs (Brunei Darussalam) ↗
- ·Medical and, where requested, background documents.Immigration and National Registration Department, Ministry of Home Affairs (Brunei Darussalam) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm you are a qualifying dependent and that the main holder can support you.
Build the evidence pack
Gather your passport and the certificates that prove your relationship.
Submit through the official channel
The main holder applies for your dependent pass through the official channel.
After approval
After approval, keep your pass valid and renew it alongside the main holder's pass.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicant + sponsorUse official Dependent Pass (family of pass holders) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Dependent Pass (family of pass holders).
Immigration and National Registration Department, Ministry of Home Affairs (Brunei Darussalam) · verified
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Related routes
Work Pass (employer-sponsored employment)
For you if a Brunei employer has offered you a job: the Work Pass is the standard, employer-sponsored route into paid employment, handled by the immigration department's Foreign Work Pass division alongside a valid visa.
Long-Term Pass (social, business or professional)
For you if you want a multi-year basis to stay in Brunei: the Long-Term Pass is a newer route with social, business and professional sub-categories - but please read the dated note, because it only took effect at the end of 2024.
Student Pass (foreign students)
For you if you have a place to study in Brunei: the Student Pass lets you live in the country for the length of your course, linked to your enrolment at a recognised institution.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work on a Dependent Pass in Brunei?+
Not by itself. The Dependent Pass lets close family live in Brunei for as long as the main holder's pass is valid, but it does not on its own grant the right to work. If you want a job, you would generally need your own work pass, sponsored by an employer. Check what, if anything, is permitted for dependents on the official immigration.gov.bn page before you rely on it.
What does the main pass holder need to show?+
The main pass holder usually needs to demonstrate sufficient income and suitable accommodation to support their dependents, along with documents proving the family relationship. The pass is tied to theirs, so it lasts as long as their pass does and ends when it does. Because the exact requirements are set by the authorities, confirm them on the official page.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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