Residence & citizenship
Papua New Guinean Permanent Residence
Long-term residence status for foreign nationals who have lawfully resided in Papua New Guinea for at least five years and meet one of the defined eligibility categories.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
Investment, net-asset, turnover and income thresholds (e.g. K10 million, K2 million, K25,000, K50,000) are quoted from the ICA Visa Information Guide; confirm current figures on the ICA Permanent Residence pages before relying on them.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Papua New Guinea government website before you apply.
On this page
- Official name
- Permanent Residence (Resident long-term entry permit)
- Route type
- Settlement / permanent residence
- Residence requirement
- Lawful residence in PNG for a minimum of 5 years
- Language
- Working knowledge of English or a PNG language
Who it is for
- CEOs of large companies (250+ workforce, K10 million+ turnover, operating in PNG 5+ years)
- Majority owners of substantial business/property investments meeting the stated thresholds
- Skilled professionals - medical doctors, specialists or educationists - with 5+ years in PNG
- Long-serving missionaries and religious workers meeting the income/support test
- Retirees over 55 with a qualifying income who have worked in PNG for at least 5 years
- Legally married spouses of PNG citizens where the relationship has lasted at least 5 years
Requirements
- Lawful residence in PNG for more than five years
- Current PNG entry permit and valid passport with current photo
- Working knowledge of English or a PNG language
- All documentary evidence certified as true and correct
- Prescribed migration fee
How to apply
- Apply to the ICA using the permanent residency application form
- Provide certified evidence for the relevant eligibility category
- Skilled-professional category is subject to annual review
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
Related Papua New Guinean visas
- SETTLEMENTCITIZENSHIPLONG RESIDENCECitizenship by NaturalisationThe route to become a Papua New Guinea citizen through long-term residency, marriage to a citizen, or the investor pathway.View visa details
- SETTLEMENTCITIZENSHIPDUAL NATIONALITYDual CitizenshipApproval for a Papua New Guinea citizen to hold citizenship of another prescribed country, available since the 2016 constitutional and Citizenship Act amendments.View visa details
