Republic of Trinidad and Tobago visas
Trinidad and Tobago administers immigration through the Immigration Division of the Ministry of Homeland Security, which also issues work permits. Permanent residence comes through traditional grounds - five years of continuous residence, marriage to a citizen or resident, or sponsorship - and skilled CARICOM nationals can work using a CARICOM Skills Certificate. There is no citizenship-by-investment or residence-by-investment programme.
6 routes · 3 without a sponsor · 4 lead to settlement
Official portal
Primary source
Immigration Division ↗ · Immigration Division (Ministry of Homeland Security, Trinidad and Tobago)
Link last verified:
Regulators of immigration advice
- Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) — Professional body of attorneys in Trinidad and Tobago. There is no dedicated immigration-adviser regulator; representation is by licensed attorneys.
Visa routes (6)
Work Permit
For people moving to Trinidad and Tobago with a job: this is the employer-tied work permit a non-national needs to take up paid (or even unpaid) employment in the country.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 25 July 2026
Residence after Five Years (Permanent Residence)
For people who have lived in Trinidad and Tobago for five years: this is how you apply for residence under the Immigration Act - there is no investment shortcut, it is earned through time spent in the country.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 12 July 2026
Residence as Spouse of a Citizen or Resident
For people married to a Trinidad and Tobago citizen or resident: this is the family route to residence, based on your marriage rather than on time in the country.
Sponsor required · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 12 July 2026
Residence as a Sponsored Parent or Grandparent
For parents and grandparents of a Trinidad and Tobago citizen or resident: this family route lets your son, daughter or grandchild sponsor you for residence in the country.
Sponsor required · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 12 July 2026
CARICOM Skills Certificate (Free Movement)
For skilled nationals of other CARICOM countries: with a Skills Certificate you can live and work in Trinidad and Tobago without a work permit, under CARICOM free movement.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 13 July 2026
Student Permit
For international students: all foreign nationals except residents of Trinidad and Tobago need this permit for the full duration of study, applied for online through the Immigration Division - registered, full-time students of the University of the West Indies St Augustine Campus are exempt.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 25 July 2026
Planning life after your move?
Organise documents, arrival money, housing and the practical steps after visa approval. Your route conditions remain the starting point.
Frequently asked questions
How many visa routes does Republic of Trinidad and Tobago have?+
We cover 6 Republic of Trinidad and Tobago visa routes in these categories: sponsored work, general residence, family, unsponsored work, and study. Each one links to its primary government source and carries a last-reviewed date.
Which Republic of Trinidad and Tobago visas do not need an employer sponsor?+
3 of the 6 Republic of Trinidad and Tobago routes we cover can be pursued without an employer sponsor, which helps if you do not have a job offer yet. The remaining 3 are employer-sponsored.
Which Republic of Trinidad and Tobago visas lead to permanent residence?+
4 of the 6 routes can lead to settlement or permanent residence; the others are temporary. Open each route for its settlement detail and qualifying period.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor in Trinidad & Tobago