Seychelles digital nomad visa & residency (2026)

The Visitor Workcation Permit (Workcation Retreat Programme) is a dedicated permit for non-residents working remotely for foreign employers, freelancing, or running businesses based outside Seychelles; it does not permit work for local employers or competition with the local labour market.

Valid for up to 12 months and applied for fully online via the official Seychelles Electronic Border System; applicants must apply ahead of travel and a permit decision typically follows within several business days.

One-time fee of EUR 45 (~USD 46) covering the Visitor Workcation Permit plus Health Travel Authorization, extendable to immediate family; applicants must show valid passport, proof of remote income/employment, accommodation, and valid health/travel insurance.

Seychelles does not levy personal or business income tax on the foreign-source income of Workcation participants, and work equipment may be brought in without customs duty; the islands also have no capital gains or inheritance tax.

Non-Seychellois who want to work for a local employer need a Gainful Occupation Permit, which first requires labour-market approval from the Ministry of Employment before the Immigration application — a separate track from the Workcation Programme.

A Residence Permit (no local work allowed; proof of financial means and a minimum local bank deposit/guarantee required) suits passive relocators, while Permanent Residence is available to investors who place ~USD 1 million in a Seychelles business and meet multi-year residence conditions. A moratorium on residential property purchases by foreigners was lifted in January 2025, allowing purchases in designated areas subject to approval.