A Gainful Occupation Permit allows the holder to be gainfully occupied in Seychelles and this could be as an employer or as a self-employed person.

Applications for Gainful Occupation Permits should be submitted at least ten weeks before the employee is due to start work, and he/she must not enter Seychelles for the purpose of taking up employment prior to obtaining the Gainful Occupation Permit.

The application form is to be completed by the person seeking the permit in the case of a self employed or by the prospective employer.

There is a processing fee of Sr. 500/- for processing of the application.

The fee for the whole duration of the permit being sought for is Sr. 1,500/- per month or part thereof should also accompany the application.

In considering an application for a Gainful Occupation Permit, the followings are taken into account:

1. the character, reputation and health of the prospective employee and where relevant, any member of his/her household to be endorsed on the permit; 
2. the professional or technical qualification of the person to be employed; 
3. the availability of the services of persons already exist in Seychelles; 
4. the protection of local interest; the economic and social benefit which the applicant/ prospective employee may bring to Seychelles or enhance by his presence.