How do I get a work permit?
If you are looking to get a work permit, you need to have a firm job offer in place and show you have accommodation sorted. Employers will usually sponsor most international candidates and will provide help when looking for housing.
Job opportunities can be found on a range of local websites, in advertisements in the local newspaper, through the Falkland Islands Government and the Chamber of Commerce job website. It is recommended that you start searching for jobs early and give yourself time to contact various employers to see whether they provide relocation support or if they would consider recruiting from overseas.
The work permits are valid for up to four years and are dependent on medical and criminal record checks.
What about those coming with me?
If your partner is planning to come with you but has not secured a job offer, they can apply for an accompanying dependent permit. This allows them to live and work on the islands.
However, when applying for jobs locally, employers would have to demonstrate that there aren’t any suitable local candidates before making a job offer.
All dependents must undergo medical assessments and criminal record checks to obtain work or dependent permits. Following a recent policy change, if any dependent children of school age have special educational needs or disabilities, it is very unlikely that they and the parents will be granted permits. The reason for this is that, as a small education provider, the government does not have the resources to fully meet those educational needs for additional children.
Can I look for work while visiting?
Yes, you are allowed to visit the Falkland Islands on a visitor permit and look for work while you are here, but you can’t start working until you have been issued a specific work permit.
A visitor permit lasts up to six months but must be arranged in advance. If you only require a visitor permit for one month, this will be issued upon arrival. You will need to show proof of your return travel, funds that will support you, medical insurance, and details of the accommodation you will be staying in.
Important: You cannot apply for a work permit while in the Falklands. If you manage to secure a job, you will need to leave the islands before you apply for it — unless you are the partner of someone already with a work permit.