Residency Visa (Tongan ancestry or spouse) and Assured Income (retirement) Visa
Tonga's Residency Visa lets people live in Tonga without applying for entry visas each time. The official requirements list proof of Tongan ancestry, being a former Tongan, or being married to a Tongan, plus a sponsor who will support you. The Assured Income Visa is for non-Tongans who want to retire in Tonga with a regular pension or other overseas income. It does not allow work, study or starting a business.
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).
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
People of Tongan descent, former Tongan citizens, spouses of Tongans, and retirees with overseas income.
Eligibility
Tongan link (Residency Visa)
Show proof of Tongan ancestry, former Tongan nationality, or marriage to a Tongan.
- Examples: birth certificate, marriage certificate or the spouse's Tongan passport
- Applicants under 18 need a certified birth certificate
- Applicants under 18 also need proof of a parent's Tongan ancestry
Official wording
Proof of Tongan ancestry, former Tongan nationality, or marriage to a Tongan, for example a birth certificate, marriage certificate or the spouse's Tongan passport. Applicants under 18 need a certified birth certificate and proof of a parent's Tongan ancestry.
Sponsor (Residency Visa)
A sponsor's declaration to provide financial support, which may include maintenance, medical care and accommodation while you live in Tonga.
Income (Assured Income Visa)Assured Income Visa
Show evidence of income from a pension or fund from an overseas source.
TOP 10,000
Minimum income to show · per year
Official wording
Evidence of income of at least TOP 10,000 per year from a pension or fund from an overseas source.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementHealth and character (Assured Income Visa)
- Document checklist2 recent passport photos
- FeesResidency Visa – 18 and over (Embassy in Beijing)
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
- 5 documents
- 3 fees
- 3 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Tonga
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to Tonga
- Visit & tourismVisit to Tonga: visa-free for some nationalities, or entry permit (entry visa) applied for in advance
- Work permitsEmployment visa / employment permit
Status in-country in other countries
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- VanuatuResidence Visa (partner, child, employee, self-funded, foreign investor, leasehold holder) and Permanent Residency
- AlbaniaResidence Permit for Pensioners
- AzerbaijanTemporary residence permit
- BarbadosBarbados 12-Month Welcome Stamp
