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Residence & citizenship

Trinidadian and Tobagonian Permanent Residence

For foreign nationals who have lived lawfully in Trinidad and Tobago for a continuous period and wish to apply for permanent resident status.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
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Under review — check current rules

The five-year continuous-residence period is from legal/secondary sources; confirm the exact qualifying period, conditions and fees against the official residence procedure before publishing.

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 Trinidad and Tobago government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
Permanent Resident Status
Route type
Settlement / permanent residence
Qualifying residence
Continuous lawful residence (commonly cited as 5 years)
Confirm the exact period and conditions with the Immigration Division.
Loss of status
Absence abroad for more than one continuous year without a Ministerial exemption
Legal basis
Section 5(3), Immigration Act (Chapter 18:01) — five years' continuous residence
Application forms
One (1) Form No. P & 1–6, plus a typed letter to the Minister of National Security
Interview
Conducted 8:00am–2:00pm; further documents may be requested at interview
Where to apply
Citizenship and Residency Unit, Ministry of Homeland Security, Temple Court 2, 52–60 Abercromby Street, Port of Spain

Who it is for

  • Foreign nationals who have lived lawfully and continuously in Trinidad and Tobago for the qualifying period
  • Those intending to make Trinidad and Tobago their long-term home

Requirements

  • Evidence of continuous lawful residence for the qualifying period
  • Valid passport and personal documents
  • The supporting documents on the residence application checklist

How to apply

  • Follow the permanent residence procedure published by the Immigration Division
  • Apply through the Citizenship and Residency Unit, Ministry of Homeland Security

Documents you may need

  • One (1) completed Form No. P & 1–6 (from the Ministry, 52–60 Abercromby Street, Port of Spain, or the Immigration Office, Scarborough, Tobago)
  • Birth certificate of the applicant, and of any children under 18, with supporting affidavit where necessary (original and copy)
  • Marriage certificate, and any Divorce Decree Absolute or Death Certificate (original and copy)
  • Typed letter to the Minister of National Security applying for Permanent Residence
  • Passport (old and new) – photocopy of the bio-data page and any pages stamped by Immigration
  • Police Certificate of Character from Trinidad and Tobago, your country of birth, and any country where you lived three (3) months or more (US citizens: FEDERAL certificate, not state/province)
  • Job letter; or, if self-employed, company/business registration and a Statutory Declaration of the nature of employment and income
  • Financial / bank statement(s)
  • Four (4) identical passport-sized photographs, matte finish with a white background
  • Tax Clearance Certificate 'C'
  • Three (3) 9x4 window envelopes, each with a $1.00 stamp
  • Naturalisation/Citizenship/Restoration certificates of other countries where applicable

Frequently asked questions

  • The Section 5(3) checklist requires a job letter (or company/business registration and a Statutory Declaration of income if self-employed), bank/financial statements and a Tax Clearance Certificate 'C', in addition to a typed application letter to the Minister of National Security.

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.

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