Bhutan Work visa and permit

Employer-linked entry visa after Department of Labour approval, paired with a separate work permit issued by the Department of Immigration; applies to nationals other than Bangladesh, India and the Maldives for the visa. ^{1 2 3 4}

What you must show and pay

• A fee of BTN 5,000 (≈ $52) · Visa fee for 30 days and below (single entry); other categories of visas Nu. 5,000 unless Annexure III says otherwise. ⁴
• A fee of BTN 12,000 (≈ $130) · Visa fee for 31 to 90 days; Nu. 17,000 for 91 days to 1 year; Nu. 22,000 for more than 1 and up to 2 years; Nu. 27,000 for more than 2 and up to 3 years (multiple entry). ⁴
• A fee of BTN 300 (≈ $3) · Work permit initial fee; renewal fee is a 100% increase on the last renewal and remains constant after the 4th renewal. ⁴

Requirements

• The worker is at least 18; the maximum age is 65 for professional, 55 for manual and 60 for other non-professional categories. ^{1 4}
• The visa fee is BTN 5,000 (≈ $52) for 30 days and below (single entry); other categories are BTN 5,000 (≈ $52) unless Annexure III says otherwise. ⁴
• Multiple-entry visa fees: BTN 12,000 (≈ $130) for 31 to 90 days and BTN 17,000 (≈ $180) for 91 days to 1 year. ⁴
• Multiple-entry visa fees: BTN 22,000 (≈ $230) for more than 1 and up to 2 years, and BTN 27,000 (≈ $280) for more than 2 and up to 3 years. ⁴
• The work permit initial fee is BTN 300 (≈ $3). ⁴
• The renewal fee is a 100% increase on the last renewal and remains constant after the 4th renewal. ⁴
• The passport is valid at least six months beyond intended departure. ^{1 4}
• The work permit application needs a completed form, employer and employee undertakings, a passport with visa and a medical fitness certificate. ^{2 3 4}
• The employer obtains approval from the Department of Labour before the worker enters. ^{1 4}
• The approval states the worker category (professional or non-professional), employer, location and work duration. ^{1 4}
• The work permit is a separate step with the Department of Immigration. ^{2 3 4}
• Foreign workers may work only in the approved occupation and worksite and for the named employer. ⁴
• Non-professional workers must leave for thirty days after three years of work. ⁴

Stay

• Visa duration follows the fee bands (30 days up to 3 years); work permit term is set separately by the Department of Labour approval.
• Renewable, subject to the conditions in force at renewal.

Nationality

Open to foreign workers of any nationality; nationals of Bangladesh, India and the Maldives enter on entry permits instead of visas.

Work

Only the approved occupation, employer and worksite named in the work permit.

Family

Spouse and dependent children of professional-category work permit holders whose work lasts at least three months can obtain a dependent permit.

Checked 2026-10-11

Official sources

1. Employment Visa requirements · Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs · checked 2026-10-10
2. Work Permit requirements · Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs · checked 2026-10-10
3. Non-Tourist categories (revised list, 1 June 2023) · Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs · checked 2026-10-10 · published 2023-06-01
4. Immigration Rules and Regulations of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2023 (fee annexures, permits) · Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs · checked 2026-10-10 · published 2023