Long-Term Business Visit Pass

The Long-Term Business Visit Pass (LTBVP) in Brunei Darussalam serves as a cornerstone of the Sultanate’s strategic initiative to diversify its economy beyond the traditional oil and gas sector. Established under the auspices of the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) and the Ministry of Home Affairs, this visa was created to align with the nation’s "Wawasan Brunei 2035" vision, which seeks to foster a dynamic, sustainable, and high-growth economy. By providing a streamlined legal framework for foreign direct investment, the pass fills a critical gap in the immigration system: it addresses the need for a long-term residency solution for high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs who require extended physical presence in the country to oversee their ventures. Before the formalization of this pass, business travelers were often restricted to short-term entry permits that necessitated frequent renewals and hindered long-term operational planning. By offering a multi-year stay, the LTBVP removes these administrative barriers, signaling to the international business community that Brunei is an accessible and welcoming destination for those committed to the country’s long-term economic development.

The ideal applicant for the Long-Term Business Visit Pass is an established investor, business owner, or high-level executive who intends to play an active role in Brunei’s commercial ecosystem, particularly in priority sectors such as downstream oil and gas, food, tourism, services, and information and communication technology. Unlike standard employment passes, which are typically tied to a specific local employer and a traditional salary structure, the LTBVP is distinct because it is fundamentally tied to the applicant’s role as an economic contributor who creates jobs for the local workforce. It is designed for those who bring capital, technical expertise, and market access to the Sultanate, offering a level of flexibility that standard work visas cannot provide. The primary benefit of this pass is its validity of up to five years, which grants investors the stability required to scale operations and integrate into the local business community. While the pass provides significant freedom for business activities, it is important to note that it is strictly tied to the maintenance of the investment and the continued fulfillment of economic performance benchmarks. Consequently, it serves as a mutually beneficial arrangement: the applicant gains a stable, long-term base for their regional operations, while Brunei secures the sustained investment and human capital development necessary to fuel its national economic transformation.