How to Get a Work Visa in Seychelles: Employer Guide to Hiring Foreign Talent

You’ve found talented people in Seychelles who could transform your business. Now comes the tricky part: figuring out how to legally bring them onto your team.

Getting work visas in Seychelles doesn’t have to be complicated, but you do need to know the rules. This guide walks you through everything—from permits to processing times—so you can get your new hires started without the legal headaches.

Want to see how global hiring works beyond just Seychelles? Check out Pebl’s guide to global hiring and expansion.

How to get a work visa and authorization in Seychelles

Foreign nationals must obtain both a Gainful Occupation Permit (GOP) and a relevant entry permit before working in Seychelles. The GOP functions as both a work and residence permit, and must be approved before the employee can enter the country. The employer is responsible for initiating the application and ensuring compliance with the Ministry of Employment and Social Affairs regulations.

Types of work visas available for Seychelles

There is one primary permit for foreign employees: the Gainful Occupation Permit (GOP). This applies to:

• Employees working for a Seychellois company
• Self-employed individuals
• Foreign nationals establishing a business in Seychelles

Short-term GOPs are also available, which are valid for less than three months. These are typically issued for temporary assignments, seasonal work, or freelance contracts.

Eligibility criteria for work permits in Seychelles

To be eligible for a GOP, the applicant must:

• Have the required qualifications and experience for the role
• Pass a medical check, including HIV and TB screening
• Hold a job offer from a licensed Seychellois entity
• Demonstrate that a local candidate cannot fill the role

The Department of Employment evaluates whether hiring a foreign national is justified and considers labor market impact as part of the approval process.

Applying for a Seychellois work visa

Required documentation for employers

Employers must submit the following documents as part of the GOP application:

• Completed GOP application form
• Employment contract signed by both parties
• Passport copy (valid for at least six months)
• Recent police clearance certificate (less than six months old)
• Copies of academic and professional qualifications
• Medical certificate
• Two recent passport photos
• Proof of accommodation in Seychelles
• Copy of business registration or license

Application submission process

Submit your application to the Ministry of Employment and Social Affairs at least one month before you want your employee to start. You’ll pay the processing fee when you submit everything. The Immigration and Civil Status Department teams up with the employment office to review and approve applications.

Here’s something important: your employee can’t enter Seychelles to work until their permit gets approved. Once it’s approved, they’ll get a copy of the GOP to show immigration officials when they arrive.

Processing time and approval

The processing time for a GOP typically ranges from one to five days. However, delays may occur if the documentation is incomplete or if additional vetting is required.

Travel and work authorization in Seychelles

How to obtain a travel authorization

While Seychelles offers visa-free travel for most nationalities, individuals entering for employment must have a GOP and an approved entry permit in hand before arrival. Employers should coordinate directly with the Immigration and Civil Status Department to ensure proper documentation is in place.

Length and validity of work visas

Here’s how GOPs work in Seychelles: you decide how long you need the permit and pay upfront at SCR 500 (US$35.75) per month. There’s no official maximum duration—you get precisely what you pay for. Need six months? Pay for six months. Need two years? Pay for two years. The length of the permit matches whatever you request and pay for when you apply.

Extending visas and work authorizations

Submit renewal applications at least one month before the current permit expires. You’ll need fresh documents: an updated medical clearance, a new police certificate, and proof that your employee still works for you. If you miss the deadline, you’ll be facing penalties—or worse, your employee may lose their right to work.

Work visa costs and fees

Breakdown of visa fees

As of 2025, standard GOP fees are:

• SCR 1,000 (approximately US$75) per month for employees
• SCR 1,500 (approximately US$112) per month for self-employed individuals

These fees are paid annually or monthly, depending on the employer’s or self-employed individual’s preference.

Additional costs

Other potential expenses include:

• Medical exams and lab tests
• Accommodation arrangements
• Document authentication
• Administrative service fees

Employers should also budget for potential relocation and onboarding expenses, particularly for high-skill expatriate roles.

Seychelles work visa FAQs

How long does it take to get a work visa in Seychelles?

After a visa application is submitted, it takes one to five days.

Can a foreign employee extend or renew their Gainful Occupation Permit (GOP)?

Yes. Requests to extend a foreign employee’s GOP must be submitted at least one week before the start date of the new permit period.

Can foreign nationals start working in Seychelles before their GOP is approved?

No. Foreign nationals cannot start working in Seychelles before their GOP is approved. Working without a valid GOP is not permitted under Seychelles law, regardless of employment type or duration.

Can an employee bring dependents on a GOP?

Yes, employees can bring their dependents, but each dependent needs their own GOP or dependent permit.

Is there a labor market test?

Yes. Employers must advertise roles locally before offering them to foreign nationals.

Can the same permit holder switch jobs?

No. A new GOP application must be submitted if the employee changes employers.

Tips for employers hiring foreign workers

Navigating Seychelles’ visa system takes coordination and thorough preparation. Employers should:

• Start the visa process at least 30–45 days in advance of the planned start date
• Ensure job descriptions are detailed to support qualification assessments
• Maintain communication with both the Department of Employment and Immigration Services throughout the process
• Consult local immigration experts or government sites for updates

For more practical advice, explore how to build a compliant global workforce.

Why use an EOR provider for work visas?

An Employer of Record (EOR) service handles the legal employment of your talent—so you don’t have to. Think of it this way: you want to hire in Seychelles, but setting up a legal entity there would take months and cost a fortune. An EOR already has that entity, so you can start hiring right away.

Here’s what they take off your plate:

• All the immigration paperwork and visa sponsorship
• Compliance with Seychelles employment laws and tax rules
• Payroll, benefits, and the ongoing HR admin that eats up your time

The result? You hire faster, avoid compliance risks, and actually focus on running your business instead of drowning in paperwork.

Make hiring in Seychelles simple with Pebl

Want to hire talent in Seychelles without spending months setting up a local company?

Pebl knows the Seychelles’ visa system inside and out. We handle the GOP applications, keep you compliant with local laws, and get your new hires working fast—not eventually.

Our EOR in Seychelles brings everything together: immigration support, payroll, and all the workforce management tools you need to build your team. Whether you’re hiring your first employee in Seychelles or expanding across multiple countries, we make the complex stuff simple.

Ready to hire in Seychelles without the hassle? Let’s talk.

This information does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or tax advice and is for general informational purposes only. The intent of this document is solely to provide general and preliminary information for private use. Do not rely on it as an alternative to legal, financial, taxation, or accountancy advice from an appropriately qualified professional. The content in this guide is provided “as is,” and no representations are made that the content is error-free.

© 2025 Pebl, LLC. All rights reserved.