Seychelles

Permanent Residence Permit (Investor)

The Seychelles Permanent Residence Permit (Investor) is an investment-based permanent residency pathway established under the Immigration Decree (Chapter 93), as amended by the Immigration Decree (Amendment) Act, 2013. The program was introduced following Cabinet approval in October 2013 as part of broader immigration reforms, creating a permanent resident category for foreign nationals with the financial means to settle in Seychelles. It is administered by the Department of Immigration and Civil Status under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The program targets foreign investors who have made a direct investment of at least USD 1,000,000 in a Seychelles business and who have maintained a qualifying period of residency in the country.

• Direct investment of at least USD 1,000,000 in a new or existing business in Seychelles
• Two investor categories: (1) investors who have resided in Seychelles for at least 1 year as a legal resident, or (2) investors who have had at least 5 years of business association in Seychelles and resided for at least 5 years on a Dependent Permit or Gainful Occupation Permit
• Financial means to support oneself for 1 year after receiving the permit
• Police character certificate issued within the preceding 6 months
• Must not have been sentenced to more than 1 year of imprisonment under Seychelles law
• Must not be a prohibited immigrant
• No educational or professional qualifications required

• Completed application form (collected in person from the Department of Immigration)
• Police character certificate (not older than 6 months)
• Photocopy of passport bio-data page
• One passport-sized photograph
• Full documentary evidence of investment in Seychelles proving at least USD 1,000,000 in direct investment
• Non-refundable processing fee of SCR 1,000 (payable in cash)

The permit is permanent and does not require renewal. However, it may be revoked if the holder fails to comply with conditions. Holders must not be absent from Seychelles for a continuous period of one year or more without obtaining consent from the Minister of Internal Affairs. Violation of the absence rule may result in loss of permanent residence status.

Minor children aged 0-3 may be endorsed on a Dependent Permit with a processing fee of SCR 1,000 and an annual fee of SCR 1,000. Children aged 4-18 enrolled in approved educational institutions require a Student Permit with a processing fee of SCR 1,000 and an annual fee of SCR 1,500. Spouses may apply for a separate Dependent Permit with documentary proof of marriage. Processing time for dependent permits is approximately two weeks. Upon reaching adulthood or completing studies, dependants must obtain their own immigration status to remain in Seychelles.

Seychelles operates a territorial tax system. Foreign-sourced passive income such as dividends, interest, and royalties from non-residents is generally not taxed. Business income generated in Seychelles is subject to business tax at 15% on the first SCR 1,000,000 and 25% above that threshold (33% for telecommunications, banking, and insurance). There is no capital gains tax, wealth tax, or inheritance tax. A corporate social responsibility tax of 0.5% of revenue applies to businesses with turnover exceeding SCR 1,000,000. There are no foreign exchange controls, allowing investors to move funds freely in and out of the country.

The application form must be personally collected from the Department of Immigration and Civil Status at Independence House in Victoria, Mahe. No online application channel is available. The completed form is submitted with all supporting documents and the non-refundable processing fee of SCR 1,000 in cash. Upon approval, the applicant must pay the permit fee of SCR 350,000. If denied, the department communicates the reasons for the decision. Processing takes approximately 4 weeks.

Prospective investors typically enter Seychelles on a Visitor's Permit (issued on arrival for up to 3 months, extendable to 12 months), then apply for a Gainful Occupation Permit to establish their business. After meeting the residency and investment requirements, the investor may then apply for permanent residence. The Seychelles Investment Board provides facilitation services at no charge.

Citizenship by naturalisation is possible after an aggregate period of 11 years of residence in Seychelles as a legal resident, provided the applicant has invested USD 1,000,000 or more and has had the means to support themselves during that period. A citizenship qualifying examination in Creole, English, or French with a minimum score of 80% is required.

Permanent residence holders may engage in gainful occupation without needing a separate Gainful Occupation Permit. However, they may not work or invest in economic activities reserved exclusively for Seychellois citizens. Holders are not entitled to social security benefits, pension rights, or free medical services.

Links

• https://www.ics.gov.sc/permits/permanent-residence
• https://investinseychelles.com/investors-guide/investor-resources/residency-by-investment/permanent-residence-permit
• https://investinseychelles.com/investors-guide/investor-resources/residency-by-investment/

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