Work permit for foreign workers
Department of Labour approval plus Department of Immigration permit
Foreigners can only work in Bhutan once the employer has approval from the Department of Labour to recruit them. With that approval, the worker applies to the Department of Immigration (DoI) for a work permit, enrols biometrics and gets a card. Health screening and a drug test in Bhutan are required. Bhutan treats foreign workers as 'non-tourists', so the tourist Sustainable Development Fee does not apply to this category.
Life in Bhutan
Money
3
Currency
Bhutanese Ngultrum
BTN
Bhutanese Ngultrum
Cost of living
24
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
5–30%
Income tax (national)
GST 5%
Income Tax Act of Bhutan 2025, from income year 2026: nil up to Nu. 300,000, then 5%/10%/15%/20%/25%, with 30% above Nu. 3,500,000.
Living
1
Happiness
#2 of 3 countries
World Happiness Report 2018
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Foreign nationals aged 18 or over who have been recruited by an employer in Bhutan, including day workers in border towns.
Eligibility
Age
You must be at least 18 years old when you apply for the work permit.
18 years
Minimum age · at time of applying
Official wording
The foreign worker must be at least 18 years old when applying for the work permit.
Department of Labour approval
The employer must first get approval to recruit from the Department of Labour (now under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment, MoICE). The Department of Labour vets the application, including the worker's qualifications and skills.
Entry for employment
The worker needs an employment entry permit or visa as applicable. Indian nationals may use a passport or voter identity card.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementHealth screening
- Document checklistApproval from the Department of Labour
- FeesWork permit card fee
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 1 more requirement
- 6 documents
- 2 fees
- 6 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Bhutan
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to Bhutan
- Visit & tourismTourist visa with Sustainable Development Fee
- FamilyEntry and stay for foreign spouses and children of Bhutanese citizens, and dependants of foreign professionals
Work permits in other countries
- BotswanaWork Permit (Department of Labour) and Residence Permit
- BelarusLong-term visa (type D) for employment with special work permit
- BelizeTemporary Employment Permit
- CanadaInternational Experience Canada (IEC): Working Holiday, Young Professionals, International Co-op
- Central African RepublicLong-stay visa (visa long séjour, 45-90 days) for work, business and other purposes
- Republic of the CongoOrdinary resident card (carte de résident ordinaire), including for salaried workers
