The page explains the process of how to acquire a Seychelles citizenship, registration in special circumstances, naturalisation, parental descent and the official citizenship examination.

General conditions

• He or she is not a prohibited immigrant
• Period of absence does not exceed 1 year without consent of Minister
• Has not been sentenced with an imprisonment for more than 1 year
• Passes citizenship exam with more than 80 percent mark

In addition to all of the benefits of a Permanent Resident, a Naturalized Citizen;

• Receives social security benefits, free health care and a state pension if they have worked for the relevant number of years
• Is able to vote in elections

Citizenship Examination

Prospective applicants for Seychelles citizenship would need to answer 25 questions out of a Pool of 100 questions in one of the three National languages, English, French and Kriol in which an 80% pass mark is required prior to submission of application for citizenship.

Naturalized Citizen

You may apply for citizenship by naturalisation if you fall under the following criteria:

• You have been married to a Seychelles citizen (For marriages from 29th June 1976 and after) for a period of at least 10 years
• Has been a legal resident in Seychelles for a period of 5 years or more immediately before making this application
• You have obtain at least 80% marks in 1 of the 3 national languages in the citizenship qualifying examination
• You have not been sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 1 year or more for an offence punishable under any laws of Seychelles
• You have not been absent from Seychelles for a continuous period of one year or more without the written permission of the Minister.

Parental Decent

You did not automatically become a citizen of Seychelles

• And any of your parent or grandparent was born in Seychelles
• You have not been sentenced to a term of imprisonment exceeding 1 year or more for an offence punishable under any laws of Seychelles
• You have obtain at least 80% marks in 1 of the 3 national languages in the citizenship qualifying examination.

DUAL CITIZENSHIP

Seychelles allows dual citizenship, but with some conditions. Since 1993, nationals can hold multiple nationalities, provided they register their dual status with the government. However, there are specific cases where dual citizenship is not recognized, and there are also grounds for losing Seychellois citizenship.

LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP

Seychelles, citizenship can be lost through renunciation, deprivation, or if a naturalized citizen fails to fulfill certain conditions. Naturalized citizens may be denaturalized for various reasons, including disloyalty to the state, criminal activity, or fraudulent application. Seychellois of origin cannot lose their citizenship.
1. Renunciation: Seychellois citizens can renounce their citizenship, but this requires approval from the state.
2. Deprivation: Naturalized citizens can be deprived of their citizenship if they are found to be disloyal to the state, commit serious crimes, or obtain citizenship through fraudulent means.
3. Involuntary Loss: A naturalized citizen may lose their citizenship if they fail to renounce a previous citizenship or obtain a new one, are absent from the country for seven years without registering, or obtained citizenship through false means.

Work in Seychelles

Employment Laws in Seychelles

The Employment Act is the primary legislation that sets the terms and conditions for both employers and employees. A written contract is legally required, except for a contract regarding casual work. Employee compensation, benefits, and termination are crucial factors that must be mentioned.

The Employment Act is notably clear on the protection of employees; however, if the employee has been negligent or dishonest, the employer is well within their rights to deduct wages. The employees are also entitled to employee benefits, according to the Employment Act, until their lawful termination.

Further, as per the Employment Act, an employer is prohibited from harassing their worker. The employer cannot discriminate against a worker based on their age, gender, race, color, nationality, or religion.

An employee may terminate their contract by serving notice.

• Casual worker: One-day notice
• Casual worker on probation: Seven-day notice
• A worker except for a non-Seychellois worker: One-month notice

Types of Work Visas in Seychelles

Seychelles offers a few main types of work visas.
1. Gainful Occupation Permit (GOP): This is the standard work permit for non-Seychellois individuals seeking employment.
2. Employment Permits: These are generally granted to individuals who meet specific job requirements and are sponsored by an employer.
3. Short-Term Work Visas: These visas are for employment of a limited duration, often for specific projects or seasonal work.
4. Skilled Worker Visas: These visas are aimed at attracting skilled workers who can contribute to Seychelles’ economy.
5. Temporary Work Permits: These permits are for short-term employment, often for specific tasks or projects.

Requirements to Obtain Seychelles Work Visas

To obtain a work visa in Seychelles, a foreign national typically needs to have a:
1. valid employment contract,
2. demonstrate their qualifications,
3. demonstrate that the position cannot be filled by a local worker.
The employer must apply for a Gainful Occupation Permit (GOP) on behalf of the employee and demonstrate that the applicant meets the requirements outlined by the Ministry of Employment, Immigration, and Civil Status.

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