Getting a Passport in Seychelles

Seychelles is a group of islands located in the Indian Ocean. Due to its beautiful beaches and casinos, as well as its opportunities for ocean sailing, snorkeling, fishing, and diving, Seychelles is an exceptionally popular location for vacations and honeymoons. Investors seeking to relocate to an island would be hard pressed to find a more beautiful place.

Entering Seychelles

Seychelles is one of the few nations that does not require a visa for entry. Instead, all arriving foreign nationals must possess a valid passport or other travel authorization document. Upon arrival, the foreign national will be given a Seychelles visitor’s permit as long as the foreign national has sufficient funds for the planned duration of the stay and a valid return ticket. The permit is initially valid for one month and can be extended in three-month increments to a limit of one year.

Permanent Residence for Investors

There are two permanent resident options available for investors. Type 1 requires the investor to invest $1,000,000USD or more in a business physically located in Seychelles and to have resided in Seychelles for at least one year. Type 2 also requires an investment of at least $1,000,000USD but also at least 5 years of business association as a result of the investment (there is no residency requirement for the Type 2 option).

Citizenship for Investors

After obtaining permanent residence (and therefore investing the required $1,000,000USD) the investor is eligible for Seychelles citizenship after residing in the country for an aggregate period of 11 years. Additionally, the investor must not have been absent from Seychelles for a period exceeding one year unless the investor previously obtained permission from the Seychelles government for the absence. Moreover, the investor must have a clean criminal record and pass the nation’s citizenship exam.

Benefits of Seychelles Citizenship

Obtaining Seychelles citizenship entitles the investor to work, live, and travel in the country without restriction, as well as the added benefits of receiving social security payments, free healthcare, a state-funded pension, and the ability to vote in Seychelles elections.