Bermuda Updates Work Permit Policy for 2025

Key Points  

• Bermuda’s Work Permit Policy 2025 streamlines processing, prioritizes Bermudian workers and enhances immigration rules 

Bermuda Work Permit Changes 2025  

Bermuda unveiled updates to its Work Permit Policy, with a review focused on streamlining processes, introducing new permit categories, and ensuring fairness for Bermudian workers. Some of these changes include: 

• Processing time increase: Standard Work Permits now take 30 working days, improving consistency. 
• Bermudian job priority: Employers must prioritize Bermudians before hiring foreign workers. 
• New Family Office Permit: Supports Bermuda’s business framework by allowing specialized work permits. 
• Short-Term Work Permit adjustments: Employers must plan in advance—short-term permits can no longer serve as interim solutions for long-term hires. 
• Expanded business visitor policy: Now includes roles for non-profits, charities, and religious institutions. 
• Updated English language requirement: All work permit applicants (not just Portuguese nationals) must prove proficiency, with the burden placed on employers. 
• Sponsored dependents clarification: Salary bands adjusted; spouses are no longer classified as dependents. 
• Statutory body review time extended: Increased from 10 to 15 working days to ensure thorough application assessments. 
• Digitalization initiative: Work permit applications will be automated in phases, ultimately reducing processing times and allowing applicants to track their requests. 

Public feedback is encouraged until 4 July 2025, before the final policy is implemented on 1 September 2025.