The Workcation Retreat Programme is Seychelles' digital nomad visa initiative, allowing foreign nationals to live in the archipelago while working remotely for employers, clients, or businesses located outside the country. The programme issues a Visitors Workcation Permit (VWP) under the existing Immigration Decree (Cap. 93). It is coordinated by the Seychelles Tourism Board in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, the Department of Immigration, and several other government agencies. Participants are exempt from local income tax on foreign-sourced earnings, as Seychelles operates a territorial tax system.
The application follows a two-step online process through the Seychelles Electronic Border System (govtas). First, apply for the Visitors Workcation Permit at least 60 days before arrival (or within 2 weeks of entering Seychelles). Upload the required documents and pay the EUR 45 fee by credit or debit card. Once the VWP is validated, complete the entry application by submitting the Health Travel Authorisation (HTA) within 2 days of your planned arrival. The HTA is processed within approximately 3 hours.
All visitors must also hold a valid Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), obtained through the govtas platform or the Seychelles e-Border app. The ETA costs EUR 10 for standard processing (24 hours) or EUR 30 for premium processing (6 hours).
Processing time: 2 to 4 weeks for the Workcation Permit; the Health Travel Authorisation is processed within 3 hours.
Fee: EUR 45 one-time fee covering the applicant and immediate family members.
The permit is valid for 1 to 12 months. It can be renewed for an additional 6 months or longer by submitting a new application through the govtas platform, provided programme conditions continue to be met.
Immediate family members including spouse and children may be included on the same application at no additional cost. Each family member must hold a valid passport and international health insurance for the duration of the stay.
Seychelles operates a territorial tax system where only income sourced within the country is taxable. Foreign-sourced income earned by workcation permit holders is not subject to Seychelles income tax. Holders are also exempt from customs duties on work equipment and personal effects.
Applicants must provide proof of confirmed accommodation at a licensed, public health-certified tourism establishment. Participating establishments are categorised into three tiers: Basic (WiFi provided), Premium (dedicated workspace with high-speed internet of 10-20 Mbps), and Luxury (ergonomic workspace with WiFi throughout the entire property).
Holders may not seek local employment, engage in local business activity, generate profit from local entities, enter into local partnerships, or provide services to the local community or tourists without special authorisation from the Seychelles Investment Board.