Residence after Five Years (Permanent Residence)

Overview

This is Trinidad and Tobago's residence route based on five years of continuous residence in the country, applied for under the Immigration Act through the Immigration Division of the Ministry of Homeland Security. It is one of the traditional grounds for becoming a resident, alongside marriage to a citizen or resident and being a sponsored parent or grandparent. Honesty note: there is no citizenship-by-investment or residence-by-investment programme in Trinidad and Tobago, so this route is earned through time lawfully spent in the country rather than bought. You evidence your continuous residence and good character. Confirm the current qualifying period and conditions on the official page.

Eligibility

Application pathway

1. 01

   Check the route fit

   Confirm you have completed the qualifying five years of continuous lawful residence, using the official Immigration Division residence page.

2. 02

   Build the evidence pack

   Compile proof of your residence period, the residence application form, your passport and police certificate of character.

3. 03

   Submit through the official channel

   Apply for residence under the Immigration Act to the Immigration Division, following the official checklist.

4. 04

   After approval

   Receive your resident status and keep it current; if you later aim for citizenship, confirm the separate naturalisation rules on the official sources.

Also explored by

Compare Republic of Trinidad and Tobago with

• 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic
• 🇧🇸 Commonwealth of The Bahamas
• 🇯🇲 Jamaica

Related routes

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.