BVI Residence Status
after 10 years' residence
Long-term residents of the BVI can apply for Residence Status, the territory's permanent residence. Applicants need 10 consecutive years of residence and must apply through the Immigration eForms platform. The Immigration Board reviews applications and Cabinet makes the final decision. Belonger Status is a separate, later step.
Life in British Virgin Islands
Money
2
Currency
US Dollar
USD
US Dollar
Tax
—
Income tax (national)
social security 4%
Personal income tax is not levied in practice (officially unconfirmed); employees pay payroll tax of 8% of pay above an annual US$10,000 exemption, with employers adding 2% (Class 1) or 6% (Class 2).
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
Non-Belongers who have lived in the BVI for at least 10 consecutive years.
Eligibility
10 years' residence
You need to have lived in the Virgin Islands for 10 years in a row, within set absence limits.
- Residence must be 10 years in a row
- No single absence longer than one year
- No more than 90 days absent in a year
Official wording
Live in the Virgin Islands for 10 years in a row, with no single absence longer than one year and no more than 90 days absent in a year.
Integration
Show a Virgin Islands History and Culture certificate, two character references, proof of community contribution, and English proficiency if needed.
- Certificate comes from H Lavity Stoutt Community College
- Two character references from BVIslanders or Belongers
Official wording
Virgin Islands History and Culture certificate from H Lavity Stoutt Community College, English proficiency if English is not the first language, two character references from BVIslanders or Belongers, and proof of community contribution.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Document checklistOnline application on Immigration eForms
- FeesResidence Status application
- Steps to applyPrepare and certify documents
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.
- 4 documents
- 3 fees
- 4 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in British Virgin Islands
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to British Virgin Islands
- Visit & tourismBritish Virgin Islands visitor entry, BVI visa and Visa Exemption Programme
- Work permitsBVI work permit (Labour Code) with Immigration entry permit
