Do I need a visa?
If you are travelling to the Islands and do not intend to work, you do not need a visa if you are from the UK, an EU country, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Cyprus, Finland, Hong Kong Special Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Republic of Korea, Liechtenstein, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, San Marino, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United States of America, Uruguay, Vatican City.
You will need a visa and a visitor permit if your country is not listed.
If you intend to work in the Falklands, you will require a work permit.
Can I volunteer?
There are several ways you can volunteer. You can volunteer if it is unpaid and not the primary reason for your trip without any additional action needed. If volunteering is the only reason for your trip, however, you must get the organisation you are working with to sponsor you and obtain a volunteer permit.
Long-term residency and citizenship
Permanent Residence Permit (PRP)
If you have lived in the Falklands for at least three years and are looking to make the island your permanent home, then your first step is to apply for a Permanent Residence Permit. There are a few ways you can do this. You can apply for a PRP if you have lived in the Falkland Islands for three continuous years and can pass a points-based assessment – this considers things like your income, job, family links, and how well you’ve settled into the community.
A PRP allows you to stay indefinitely, work without a permit, and it grants you access to a number of public benefits. You can also buy land and property without the need for special permission.
The PRP is open to any nationality and depends solely on meeting the points criteria.
Falkland Islands Status
Having Falkland Island Status is the highest residency status and gives you full rights to island life. You can vote and enjoy all the benefits of living on the islands.
To qualify, you must:
Already have a PRP and have lived in the Falklands for seven continuous years. You must also hold a British citizenship, British overseas citizenship or a British overseas territories citizenship. Once you have lived on the islands for over six years, you can apply for British overseas territories citizenship, which is a big step towards getting your Falkland Island Status. If you dream of becoming a permanent resident, it is important to demonstrate your contribution and commitment to Falklands life. Show that you are happy to integrate into the community and give something back.
Whatever your reason for moving to the Falkland Islands, you will find a wonderful environment just waiting for you to call it home.
Find out more about visa applications.
Find out more about government jobs.