Tonga

Assured Income Visa

The Assured Income Visa is Tonga's long-term residence option for foreign retirees and pensioners who receive regular passive income from overseas sources. Established under the Immigration Act, this visa allows holders to live in the Kingdom of Tonga without the right to work, study, or start a business. It is administered by the Immigration Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nuku'alofa and is aimed at those seeking a retirement lifestyle in the South Pacific.

• Non-Tongan passport holder wishing to retire in Tonga
• Regular income of at least TOP 10,000 per year (~USD 4,200) from an overseas pension, retirement fund, or other assured income source
• Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
• Medical report issued within the past 6 months by a licensed doctor
• Police clearance certificate issued within the past 3 months from country of ordinary residence (the Immigration Division may request records covering the past 5 years)
• Two character reference letters with contact information

• Completed "Application for a Tongan Permit" form (signed on page 3)
• Two recent passport-sized photographs
• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
• Medical report (issued within past 6 months)
• Police clearance certificate (issued within past 3 months)
• Two character reference letters with contact details
• Evidence of assured income of at least TOP 10,000 per year with supporting documents

The Assured Income Visa is valid for 2 years or more and is renewable. Holders must reapply with updated documentation when renewing. Residency permits may be issued for periods of 1 to 10 years. Naturalization (citizenship) is at the discretion of the King and requires at least 5 years of residence in Tonga, good character, adequate knowledge of Tongan, and intention to remain in the Kingdom.

Family members may apply for their own Assured Income Visas by submitting separate applications. Each applicant must provide the full set of required documents and pay the application fee individually. There is no streamlined family application process — each person is processed independently with the same requirements.

The Assured Income Visa does not permit the holder to work, study, or start a business in Tonga. It is strictly a retirement and passive income residence category.

Tonga has a progressive personal income tax system with rates up to 30%. An individual present in Tonga for 183 days in any 12-month period is considered a tax resident and is taxed on worldwide income. Non-residents are taxed only on Tongan-source income at a 15% withholding rate. Individuals with annual income exceeding TOP 15,000 must file income tax returns by 30 April following the tax year. Tonga has no personal income tax treaties with other countries.

Application fee: TOP 800 (~USD 345) per person, payable in cash or money order. The fee is non-refundable.

Where to apply: In person at the Immigration Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Salote Road, Nuku'alofa (with a secondary office in Neiafu, Vava'u), or through Tongan embassies, consulates, and honorary consulates abroad. Applications should be submitted before arrival in Tonga.

Processing time: Applications submitted at the Immigration Division counter are processed in approximately 10-20 minutes once all documents are complete. Overseas applications may take longer due to document verification.

Office hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00-12:30 and 13:30-16:00.

Note that foreigners cannot own land in Tonga under the Constitution, but may secure long-term leases (typically 50 years, up to 99 years with Cabinet consent) and own buildings on leased land. Overstaying a visa incurs a penalty fee of TOP 1,150-1,500.

Links

• http://www.tongaembassycn.gov.to/en/going-to-tonga-en/visas-en/assured-income-visa-en
• http://www.tongaembassycn.gov.to/en/going-to-tonga-en/visas-en
• https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/18753TONGA_VISAPERMIT_APPLICATION_FORM.pdf

Other Digital Nomad Visas in Oceania