Nonresident worker permit
employer-sponsored, Division of Labor
Foreign nationals ('nonresident workers') can only work in Palau for a qualified employer that holds a permit for them. Permits are handled by the Labor Office (Division of Labor) under the Ministry of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development. A 2021 government notice confirms that a worker can transfer to another employer under RPPL 10-56 (the CROSS Act). It also says no application is granted unless a qualified employer is willing to hire the worker.
Life in Palau
Money
3
Currency
US Dollar
USD
US Dollar
Cost of living
96
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
6–12%
Income tax (national)
PGST 10%
Wages and salary tax: 6% on the first USD 8,000, 10% up to USD 40,000, 12% above.
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 workers who have a job offer from a qualified employer in Palau.
Eligibility
Qualified employer
A qualified employer must be willing to employ you. The Ministry's 2021 notice says no application will be granted without one.
Transfer of employment
- PPL 10
- Transfers to a new employer may be authorised under R
Transfers to a new employer may be authorised under RPPL 10-56 (the CROSS Act).
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Document checklistNonresident worker application (Labor Office form)
- FeesPermit fees
- Steps to applyThe employer contacts the Labor Office about its labour needs
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 document
- 1 fee
- 4 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Palau
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to Palau
All routes to Palau →Work permits in other countries
- QatarWork Residence Permit (RP) – employer-sponsored
- RomaniaLong-stay employment visa (D/AM1, D/AM2) via the WorkinRomania single application
- SerbiaSingle Permit
- RussiaWork permit for a highly qualified specialist (высококвалифицированный специалист, HQS) under Article 13.2 of Federal Law No. 115-FZ
- RwandaTemporary Residence Permit for Employment - Class H2 (Employer-Sponsored Skilled Worker) / H1
- Solomon IslandsWorking resident visa - long-term employment
