🇸🇨Seychelles Visa for Somali Citizens2026 Requirements, Fees & Documents

Gainful Occupation Permit (GOP)

Authorises non-Seychellois nationals to reside and work in Seychelles either as an employee of a Seychellois organisation or as a self-employed person.

All expatriate workers in Seychelles require a GOP. Two categories: employed (as an employee) and self-employed. Employer must first obtain approval from the Ministry of Employment and Social Affairs before applying. Application submitted at least 1 week before employment start. Fees: SCR 1,000 processing fee + SCR 500 per month or part thereof (permit fee, payable upfront for the full duration). Applied for in person at Independence House, Victoria. Holders of Permanent Residence by Investment are exempt from GOP fees. Extensions follow the same procedure as initial applications.

Student's Permit

Granted to non-Seychellois nationals accepted to follow a course of study at an approved educational institution in Seychelles. Does not authorise employment.

Valid for one year or part thereof. Fees: SCR 1,000 processing fee + SCR 1,500 permit fee for one year. Required documents: completed application form, documentary proof of acceptance from the educational institution, evidence of financial means, passport bio-data copy, two recent passport photographs, full birth certificate (with translation if necessary), proof of accommodation (may be requested). Eligible for dependants of permit-holders in Seychelles who are aged 18+ and continuing studies. Employment not permitted under this permit.

Dependant's Permit

Issued to the non-Seychellois spouse and/or minor child(ren) of a Seychelles citizen so they may reside in Seychelles together with the citizen.

Applied for by a Seychelles citizen on behalf of their non-citizen spouse and/or minor children who are to reside with them in Seychelles. Fees: SCR 1,000 processing fee + SCR 1,000 per year permit fee. Does NOT authorise employment - a separate Gainful Occupation Permit (GOP) is required to work. The applicant must not be a prohibited immigrant or already hold a Residence Permit or a GOP. The permit ceases to be valid if the holder fails to enter Seychelles within 12 months of issue, is absent for more than 12 months, breaches its conditions, is convicted of an offence against the Immigration Laws, or is deported. Distinct from the Residence Permit (which is for those with a family/domestic connection or special contribution but not necessarily a citizen's immediate dependant).

Residence Permit (Family/Special Contribution)

Granted to non-Seychellois with family or domestic connections to Seychelles, or those who have made or will make a special contribution to the economic, social or cultural life of Seychelles.

Valid for 5 years (1,825 days). Does NOT authorise gainful occupation - a separate GOP is required for any work. Holder must reside in Seychelles for at least 5 days per 12-month period. Bank guarantee of SCR 20,000 required. Fees: SCR 1,000 processing fee + SCR 150,000 permit fee (main applicant, 5-year term) + SCR 75,000 for spouse (if applied simultaneously) + SCR 25,000 per child endorsement. No entitlement to free medical services or social security benefits. Contact: m.laporte@gov.sc / (+248) 4293636.

Permanent Residence Permit by Investment

Grants permanent residence to foreign nationals who have made a qualifying investment in Seychelles and meet residence requirements, exempting them from Gainful Occupation Permits.

Requires: (1) direct investment of USD 1 million or more in a Seychelles business; (2) at least 5 years of business association from that investment; (3) residency in Seychelles for at least 5 years on a Dependent Permit or GOP; (4) not been absent continuously for 1+ year without ministerial consent; (5) not sentenced to imprisonment exceeding 1 year. Fees: SCR 1,000 processing fee (non-refundable, paid in cash upfront); SCR 350,000 permit fee if approved. Benefits: exempt from GOP fees; may purchase residential land from government at 50% sanction fee reduction; work authorisation without separate GOP.

Permanent Residence Permit (General)

Grants permanent residency to long-term residents of Seychelles who meet general eligibility criteria, providing the right to live and work without additional permits.

Eligibility: must not be a prohibited immigrant; absence from Seychelles cannot exceed 1 year without ministerial consent; must not have been sentenced to imprisonment exceeding 1 year. Rights: authorises work without a separate GOP; exempt from other permits required for residency or employment; eligible to purchase land/property with government approval at 50% sanction fee reduction. Specific fees not published on the ICS page - contact Permanent Residence and Citizenship Section at (+248) 4293636.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (TA/ETA)

Mandatory pre-travel authorisation required for ALL visitors to Seychelles before departure. Enhances border security and provides government visibility of incoming travellers. Not a visa - does not replace the Visitor's Permit issued on arrival.

Required by ALL nationalities (except Kosovo who are refused entry). Fee: EUR 10 for standard processing (up to 24 hours); EUR 30 for premium processing (approximately 6 hours). The EUR 10.90 figure seen on some pages reflects a payment processing surcharge on top of the EUR 10 base fee. Apply at seychelles.govtas.com or via the Seychelles e-Border mobile app. Applications accepted up to 10 days before travel (up to 30 days before for sea arrivals). Required documents: valid passport, selfie photograph, contact information, trip details, airline booking confirmation (showing arrival/departure dates), accommodation confirmation. Failure to obtain the TA before departure may result in a penalty fee on arrival. Extended to sea arrivals (cruise ship/private yacht) effective December 1, 2024: all international passengers arriving by sea must apply online prior to arrival (Maritime Travel Authorisation); seafarers/crew disembarking and leaving by air the same day are exempt.

Workcation Retreat Program (Visitor Workcation Permit)

Allows remote workers, freelancers, and owners of businesses registered outside Seychelles to live in Seychelles while continuing to work remotely for foreign employers or clients.

Official Government of Seychelles digital-nomad programme, launched 2021 and administered through the national e-Border System (seychelles.govtas.com) - the same government portal that issues the Travel Authorisation. Valid for up to 1 year. One-time fee of approximately EUR 45 (~USD 48) covering the Visitor Workcation Permit plus a Health Travel Authorisation. Eligibility: the applicant must work remotely for a foreign employer, be a freelancer, or own a business that is NOT registered in Seychelles; and must hold valid international medical/travel (health) insurance for the stay. Holders may NOT take up local employment or run a Seychelles-registered business. Required documents: passport valid 6+ months, proof of remote employment/business/freelance status (employment letter, business registration + bank statements, or certificate of good standing), proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient financial means (bank/investment statements), and a return/onward flight booking. Apply fully online via the e-Border portal; programme also described at seychelles.com/special_interest/workcation.