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TongaWork permitsLast checked October 17, 2026

Employment visa / employment permit

with Ministry of Labour, Commerce and Industries support

Any non-Tongan who wants to work in Tonga, in the public service or the private sector, for any length of time, needs an Employment Visa. This includes voluntary and charitable work. The Immigration Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will only consider applications supported by the Ministry of Labour, Commerce and Industries (MLCI). MLCI checks whether the applicant's skills are needed in Tonga.

See requirements ↓

Life in Tonga

Money

3

Currency

Tongan Paʻanga

TOP

Tongan Paʻanga

Cost of living

78

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

10–25%

Income tax (national)

Consumption tax 15%

Tax-free up to TOP 12,000; 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% above TOP 70,000 (rates from 1 July 2021).

Official rates, 2025/26 · headline only

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Who it’s for

Foreign nationals with a job offer from an employer in Tonga, and volunteers doing charitable work.

Eligibility

  • MLCI support (labour check)

    You need a letter of support from the Ministry of Labour, Commerce and Industries confirming that your professional skill is needed in Tonga. Immigration will not consider an application without it.

  • Health and character

    Provide a recent medical report, a recent national police clearance and 2 character references.

    • Medical report: from a licensed doctor, issued within the past 6 months
    • National police clearance: issued within the past 3 months
    Official wording

    A medical report from a licensed doctor issued within the past 6 months, a national police clearance issued within the past 3 months, and 2 character references.

  • Contract with repatriation clause

    For jobs of 2 or more years, show a Tongan job offer and a contract with a repatriation clause.

    TOP 1,000

    Possible bond without a repatriation clause · bond Immigration may require

    • Offer must come from a company in Tonga
    • Contract must include the job specification
    • Repatriation clause puts the cost of return on the employer
    Official wording

    For employment of 2 or more years: an offer of employment from a company in Tonga and an employment contract that includes the job specification and a repatriation clause putting the cost of return on the employer. Without one, Immigration may require a TOP 1,000 bond per person.

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementProfessional registration
  • Document checklistCompleted and signed application form (one per family)
  • FeesEmployment visa fee (paid at the Embassy in Beijing)

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  • 1 more requirement
  • 9 documents
  • 2 fees
  • 5 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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