Entrepreneur Permit

The Entrepreneur Permit is a work authorisation issued by Saint Helena — a remote British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic Ocean — to foreign nationals who wish to establish and operate their own business on the island. Governed by the Immigration Ordinance 2011 and the Immigration Regulations 2012 (as amended in 2018), it is administered by the Immigration Control Board under the Safety, Security and Home Affairs portfolio. The permit is distinct from the standard Work Permit (for employees) and the Self-Employed Permit (for independent contractors), and is applied for using Immigration Form O1. Saint Helena's immigration policy explicitly aims to attract investors and residents who contribute positively to the island's economy.

• Foreign national without St Helenian status intending to establish a business on Saint Helena
• Must pass the Immigration Control Board's Points Based System assessment, which evaluates: condition of the local labour market, specialist skills or experience brought by the applicant, relevant qualifications, and whether granting the permit serves the public interest
• Submission of a credible business plan demonstrating the viability of the proposed venture
• Adequate financial means to support yourself and any dependants throughout the stay
• Proof of ability to cover repatriation costs on permit expiry
• Valid medical insurance with a minimum coverage of £175,000 (medical evacuation may be required for serious conditions)
• Satisfactory police vetting certificate from the applicant's primary country of residence
• Must not have criminal convictions or immigration violations

• Immigration Form O1 (Entrepreneur Permit application)
• Immigration Form F (Long-Term Entry Permit — must be applied for concurrently if not already held)
• Valid passport with at least six months' validity beyond the permit expiry date
• Business plan and supporting evidence
• Proof of adequate financial means (bank statements or equivalent)
• Medical insurance documentation (minimum £175,000 coverage)
• Proof of repatriation funds for applicant and dependants
• Police vetting certificate from country of residence
• Proof of pre-arranged accommodation on Saint Helena
• Any additional documentation requested by the Immigration Officer
• Processing fee (specific amount confirmed with the Immigration Office)

The initial permit duration is determined by the Immigration Control Board on a case-by-case basis. Extensions of up to five years can be granted. Renewal applications must be submitted at least three months before the current permit expires; the Board reassesses using the same Points Based System criteria. Note: a Work Permit becomes invalid if the holder is absent from Saint Helena for a continuous period exceeding six months, or if the holder ceases to hold a valid Entry Permit.

Dependants may accompany the Entrepreneur Permit holder to Saint Helena. Each dependant must independently obtain a Long-Term Entry Permit. If any dependant wishes to work, they must apply for their own work permit through the standard categories — there is no automatic work entitlement. Certain nationalities may also require an eVisa for entry.

Saint Helena levies income tax at 26% on the first £18,000 of chargeable income and 31% on the remainder. Companies pay corporate tax at 25%. Preferential rates apply to export and production activities (individuals: 21%/26%; companies: 15%). Capital gains are taxed at 10% and dividends at 8% for individuals. Self-employed individuals and companies must file tax returns by 30 June each year, with payment due by 30 September.

After five years of residence on Saint Helena (reduced to three years if married to a St Helenian), permit holders may apply for St Helenian Status, which grants a permanent right of entry. Applicants must be of good character, intend to make Saint Helena their principal home, and must have had no criminal convictions or immigration violations during the qualifying period.

Applications are submitted to the Immigration Control Board via the St Helena Immigration Office. At the same time, applicants must also submit a Long-Term Entry Permit application (Form F) unless they already hold one. The Board assesses applications against the Points Based System criteria and a public interest test.

Contact details for the Immigration Office:

• Email: [email protected]
• Drop-in hours: Mondays and Fridays, 09:00–15:00
• Appointments: Tuesday–Thursday by calling 22287

Investors and entrepreneurs making a substantial financial investment may also contact the SHG Investment Coordinator ([email protected], +290 22470), a route that can allow you to enter or stay without a job offer.

Some nationalities require an eVisa for entry, which can be applied for through the St Helena eVisa portal at evisa.sainthelena.gov.sh. Saint Helena has no foreign embassy, so all immigration matters must be handled directly with the St Helena Government.