Work visas
Tongan Employment Visa (Work Permit)
The main route for non-Tongan citizens taking up paid, voluntary or charitable work in the public or private sector.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
The USD $230 fee and one-month processing time are the Tonga Embassy (Beijing) figures and may vary by mission; the TOP $1,000 bond applies only in specified cases. Confirm current fees and the visa's validity period with the Immigration Division.
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 Tonga government website before you apply.
On this page
- Official name
- Employment Visa / Work Permit
- Route type
- Employer/sponsor-backed work authorisation
- Processing time
- Typically about one month
- Immigration inspections may extend this.
- Cost
- USD $230 at the Tonga Embassy in Beijing
- Mission-specific; may vary.
- Bond
- A bond of TOP $1,000 per person may be required where the contract has no repatriation clause
Who it is for
- Non-Tongan citizens taking up employment in the public or private sector
- Individuals or groups doing voluntary or charitable work in the Kingdom
Requirements
- Two recent passport photographs
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Medical report from a licensed doctor (within the last 6 months)
- Police clearance from country of residence (within the last 3 months)
- Two character references with contact details
- Letter of Support from the Ministry of Labour, Commerce & Industries
- For 2+ year employment: offer of employment, employment contract (with repatriation clause), qualifications and evidence of required skills
How to apply
- Secure a Letter of Support from the Ministry of Labour, Commerce & Industries
- Submit the completed application and supporting documents to a Tongan diplomatic mission or the Immigration Division
- Foreign documents must be originals or certified copies with certified English translations
- On approval, the Immigration Division issues the employment permit
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.