Living in Seychelles
Information for British citizens moving to or living in Seychelles, including guidance on healthcare, residency, driving, and more.
Introduction
This guide sets out essential information for British citizens moving to or living in Seychelles. Read about how the British High Commission in Seychelles can help.
This information is provided as a guide only. You should get definitive information from the Seychelles authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is not liable for any inaccuracies in this information.
Support for British Nationals abroad: a guide sets out how British nationals can stay safe abroad and how the FCDO can help if you do get into difficulty.
Read general guidance on moving or retiring abroad.
To stay up to date: follow the British High Commission in Seychelles on Facebook and Twitter.
Before you go
See our travel advice for Seychelles for up-to-date information on entry requirements, local laws and customs, safety and emergencies.
Read the Overseas Business Risk Country Guides for Seychelles.
Visas and residency
Visitor permit
Check the entry requirements for Seychelles in our travel advice and the official Seychelles Tourism Board website.
Residence permit
A residence permit does not allow the holder to work in Seychelles. See the Seychelles Immigration Department website for information on the application process and requirements including conditions of the permit.
Dependent permit
Check the Seychelles Department of Foreign Affairs and Seychelles Immigration Department website if you are considering sponsoring a family member to enter Seychelles.
It is also possible for foreign nationals to apply for permanent residence in Seychelles. For further information, please see the Seychelles Immigration Department website.
Working in Seychelles
If you are planning to move to Seychelles and work, you may need a visa, referred to as a Gainful Occupation Permit (GOP) in Seychelles. See the Department of Immigration website for information how to get a GOP.
Without a GOP, non-Seychellois are not permitted to work full-time or part-time, paid or unpaid.
If you are planning to set up a business, you would need to obtain a GOP through the Seychelles Immigration Department. You should also contact the Seychelles Investment Bureau for further guidance.
Studying in Seychelles
If you plan to study in Seychelles, you must meet all visa requirements before you travel. See the Seychelles Department of Immigration website for information on how to apply for a student visa.
Contact the relevant higher education provider in Seychelles to check what fees you have to pay.
Other useful links:
Passports and travel
You can apply for or renew your British passport from Seychelles through GOV.UK
Check the Seychelles travel advice for passport validity requirements.
Healthcare in Seychelles
Seychelles has no reciprocal healthcare agreements with the UK. It is therefore essential to take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.
Essential health services are provided free to Seychellois. Foreign nationals are however expected to pay for treatment. Expatriates may have their health costs covered by their employer depending on their contract.
There are 6 public hospitals and 13 health centres located on Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. The main hospital, the Victoria Hospital, is on Mahe and the health centres are situated in most of the residential areas.
The Victoria Hospital has an A&E department, MRI and CT scan facilities and is located at Mont Fleuri (telephone +248 438 8000 or 999 in an emergency). It also has a decompression chamber. The hospital is of a relatively good standard and treats most serious illnesses and injuries. Although, for certain treatments, patients may need to be referred to overseas medical facilities by Seychelles’ health authority.
Mahe and Praslin also have a few private medical and dental clinics. Private GP services are also available on La Digue.
No international immunisation is required for entry into Seychelles except for yellow fever, which is required from passengers travelling through or from infected areas.
See the health and security information on our travel advice for Seychelles.
See the list of doctors and medical facilities in Seychelles.
UK Travel insurance providers will not generally cover your healthcare costs if you live overseas.
Medicine
If you are on a prescription for any medication, you should ensure you have a supply of it or are able to obtain it when in Seychelles. Certain medicines may not be available in Seychelles (including major brands readily available in the UK), and you may be prohibited from taking them into the country. You should consult your GP before travelling to Seychelles to find out about any alternative medication.
Read the guidance if you need to travel with medicines and see the Ministry of Health website for medical guidance specific to Seychelles.
Tax
The UK does not have a double taxation agreement with Seychelles. However, the UK and Seychelles authorities do work together to tackle tax evasion and avoidance under the Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance.
You should get professional advice on paying tax in Seychelles. Find an English-speaking lawyer in Seychelles from our online list.
For more information, you may also contact the Financial Services Authority Seychelles.
Read guidance on:
- tax if you leave the UK to live abroad
- tax on your UK income if you live abroad
- tax if you get a pension and live abroad
- paying National Insurance while abroad to protect your State Pension and entitlement to other benefits and allowances.
Benefits
Check which UK benefits you can claim while abroad and how to claim them.
Many income-related benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit cannot be paid if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.
Foreign nationals are not eligible to receive benefits from Seychelles authorities. This is only available for Seychellois who reside in Seychelles.
Pension
Read State Pension guidance if you have lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and you are claiming or waiting to claim your UK State Pension.
If you retire in Seychelles, you can claim your UK State Pension or new UK State Pension. Contact the International Pension Centre for further information.
Life certificates for UK State Pensions
If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you must respond as soon as possible. Your payments may be suspended if you do not.
Money and banking
Our travel advice for Seychelles has information on money.
Most banks in Seychelles offer local and foreign currency accounts. Requirements for opening a personal bank account may include:
- a valid identification document (e.g., passport or national identity card)
- proof of address (e.g., a valid lease agreement, a utility bill or telephone bill). If you do not have a utility service registered in your name, you may need a letter from the bill holder, the bill holder’s ID and a signed bill
- source of income (e.g., salary slip, not older than 3 months, that states your employer details)
- valid GOP or residency permit for foreigners
See the list of banks operating in Seychelles.
Money transfer
Transferring money to Seychelles is possible through any local banks and most Bureau de Change outlets.
Accommodation and buying property
Foreign nationals can purchase privately owned property in Seychelles, but this is subject to certain restrictions. You will need to obtain sanction from the Seychelles government. See guidance on the acquisition of property in Seychelles by non-Seychellois
However, we are advised that there is currently a pause on the acquisition of residential property by non-Seychellois although there may be exceptions to this.
For further information or advice, you may contact the Ministry of Land Use and Housing on:
- telephone number: +248 467 4444
- email: customerservice@mlh.gov.sc
See also information on buying a property abroad.
Driving in Seychelles
UK nationals can drive in Seychelles with their valid UK driving licence for up to 3 months from the date of arrival. After the 3 month period has elapsed, you will need to apply for a Seychelles driving license through the Seychelles Licensing Authority.
Driving is on the left. The Highway Code and traffic laws are based largely on their UK equivalents. Care should be taken as driving standards are not the same as in the UK. Roads are steep, narrow and winding and potholes can often appear overnight, following particularly heavy rain. Many roads have significant drop-offs and there are seldom barriers. Unleaded petrol and diesel are available.
Third party insurance is compulsory, and comprehensive insurance is also available locally. All vehicles used on a public road also need to have a vehicle licence. This is issued by the Seychelles Licensing Authority after the vehicle has been tested and certified for road worthiness.
You may encounter police stops while driving in Seychelles. If you are stopped by law enforcement officers, you will need to cooperate and follow the instructions. You will be asked to present documents such as your driving licence, insurance and road tax document. You may also be asked to do a breath-analyser test.
Also, see information on driving abroad.
If you’re asked for a letter authenticating, certifying or validating your UK driver’s licence, you should contact your UK issuing office (e.g., the DVLA).
Read guidance for travelling by road in Seychelles.
If you wish to take your vehicle with you, see https://www.gov.uk/taking-vehicles-out-of-uk.
Driving licence rules in Seychelles if you live there
You will need a valid local driving licence from the Seychelles Licensing Authority. The minimum age to drive a vehicle in Seychelles is 18 years and 16 years for motorcycles.
A local driving licence is valid for 10 years, after which it needs to be renewed.
Check the Seychelles Licensing Authority’s website for information on what licence category you need to drive a particular type of vehicle in Seychelles.
Disabled drivers
If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Seychelles, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.
Voting
You may be able to vote in some UK elections. You can:
Births, deaths, marriage and civil partnership
Births
If your child is born in Seychelles, you should register the birth with the local authorities. You can then register with the UK authorities and apply for a UK birth certificate.
If your child has British nationality, you do not need to register the birth with the UK authorities to apply for a British passport.
Deaths
If someone dies in Seychelles read our guidance on:
- What to do if someone dies abroad
- Bereavement guidance for Seychelles
- English-speaking funeral directors in Seychelles
Marriage and civil partnership
Find out how you can get married or get a civil partnership abroad.
See information from the Seychelles Civil Status office on getting married in Seychelles.
Pets
You can bring your cat or dog to Seychelles, but you must have a Veterinary Import Permit and fulfil the Seychelles’ Government requirements for importing pets to Seychelles. To apply for a Veterinary Import Permit, please write to the National Biosecurity Agency on the address below:
Chief Executive Officer
National Biosecurity Agency
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
PO Box 464
Victoria
Mahe
Seychelles
Telephone: +248 432 4000
Or send an email to: enquiry@nba.gov.sc
You may also contact the National Biosecurity Agency to seek further guidance on the importation of pets and other types of animals to Seychelles.
Emergencies
Dial the 999 for the police, ambulance or fire brigade. You may also dial 151 if you need an ambulance.
Dial the +248 428 8000 (Seychelles Police) to report a missing child.
If you have been the victim of a rape or sexual assault in Seychelles, read the guidance on what to do and where to get support in cases of rape and sexual assault in Seychelles
See also https://www.gov.uk/guidance/victim-of-rape-and-sexual-assault-abroad.
If you’re the victim of a crime, have been arrested, or are affected by a crisis, contact the British High Commission Victoria
If you need a lawyer, please see the list of lawyers for Seychelles.
Read the guidance on international parental child abduction if your child may be at risk of this.
Returning to the UK
Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently, which includes information on bringing family members, tax and access to services.
Disclaimer
This information is provided as a general guide and is based upon information provided to the embassy by the relevant local authorities and may be subject to change at any time with little or no notice. The FCDO and the British Embassy will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information. British nationals wishing to obtain any further information must contact the relevant local authority.
Updates to this page
Last updated 10 April 2023 + show all updates
-
The following categories were added; - Voting - Births, death, marriage and civil partnership - Pensions - Pets - Before you go Information on existing categories were updated, such as information on COVID-19.
-
Coronavirus section added with a link to guidance on vaccines.
-
Updates to living in Seychelles guidance
-
First published.