Papua New Guinea

Investor Permanent Residence

Papua New Guinea's Investor Permanent Residence (Business Investor class) grants indefinite residence to foreign nationals who have made substantial business or property investments in the country. It is administered by the Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA) under the Migration Act 1978. Successful applicants receive a permanent residence visa valid for the life of their passport, with unrestricted employment rights (no separate work permit needed) and unlimited entries and exits. After eight years of continuous residence, permanent residents may apply for citizenship by naturalization. The investor class is one of seven permanent residence categories; PNG does not offer a formal citizenship-by-investment program, so the investor pathway requires genuine business establishment and residency.

Applicants must meet one of two investment pathways:

• Business investment: Majority ownership (over 50%) of a registered resident business in PNG for at least 5 years, with net assets and turnover each exceeding K2 million (approximately USD 470,000)
• Property investment: Net property investment in PNG of at least K10 million (approximately USD 2.35 million)

Additional eligibility criteria:

• Must hold a current PNG entry permit and be normally resident in PNG
• Working knowledge of English or a Papua New Guinea language
• Good character and good health, with no criminal conviction exceeding three months' imprisonment in PNG or abroad
• Medical examination including HIV pathology report and chest X-ray (for applicants over 16)

• Completed Form 1A (Application for Entry Permit — Permanent Residence)
• Certified copy of valid foreign passport bio-data page (6+ months validity)
• Copy of current valid PNG entry permit (and work permit, if applicable)
• Certified police clearance from PNG plus police certificates from all previous countries of residence
• Passport-sized photographs
• Evidence of business ownership: IPA company registration certificate, audited financial reports for the last 3 years, IPA annual returns, and a business or property valuation report
• Comprehensive statement of assets, liabilities, investments, business interests, and savings accounts (in PNG and abroad)
• Character references from prominent or notable persons in PNG

The permanent residence visa is issued for the life of the passport and does not require renewal. When the passport is renewed, the visa is re-evidenced (re-stamped) for a fee of K255. The visa must be activated by entering PNG within 6 months of issue, otherwise it becomes invalid. Once activated, holders may enter and exit PNG freely without limit.

Legal dependants may be included, covering the applicant's spouse and children under 18. The spouse must be over 18 and is permitted to work in PNG. Dependent children aged 18 to 24 who are in higher education and financially supported by the principal holder may also apply for dependent permanent residence, but may only do paid work at the family business. Children born to a permanent resident in PNG automatically qualify for dependent permanent residence. PNG does not recognise same-sex spouses for dependent visa purposes.

Residents of PNG (including permanent residents spending 183 or more days per year) are taxed on worldwide income at progressive rates up to 42%. Non-residents are taxed only on PNG-sourced income at rates from 22% to 42%.

After eight years of continuous residence, permanent residents may apply to the Minister for citizenship by naturalization. Naturalization additionally requires the ability to converse in Tok Pisin, Hiri Motu or a vernacular, respect for PNG customs, not being likely to become a charge on public funds, and renunciation of any other citizenship along with the Declaration of Loyalty.

Applicants download Form 1A and the Checklist for Majority Business Owner from the ICA website (ica.gov.pg) and submit the completed form with all supporting documentation and the K5,780 application fee at the ICA head office in Boroko, NCD, or at an ICA overseas mission. Payment may also be made through the ICA online payment gateway. Processing typically takes 3 to 4 months, though it may take longer. The applicant must already hold a current PNG entry permit and be normally resident in PNG at the time of application.

Permanent residents must maintain their investments and business operations throughout the residency period. The permanent residence visa can be revoked by the Minister if the holder breaches the conditions of residence.