Moving to the Solomon Islands: Understanding and Successfully Navigating the Administrative Procedures

Published on April 24, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Living in the Solomon Islands is more than just a change to a tropical backdrop. For an expatriate, investor, or foreign worker, the project first depends on a solid administrative foundation: visas, work permits, residence, taxation, health, import of goods, banking framework, and, in the longer term, a potential application for citizenship. All in an island nation of over 900 islands, with a legal system inspired by British law, limited infrastructure, and a largely paper-based administration.

Understanding the context: a demanding island state with foreigners

The Solomon Islands form a parliamentary monarchy within the Commonwealth, with Honiara as its capital and approximately 700,000 inhabitants. The country operates on a Westminster-style democracy model, with laws largely based on English common law. English is the official language of institutions and business, simplifying communication for many foreigners.

– the authorities actively protect local employment and control foreign investment;

– the procedures are often longer, more fragmented, and more prone to errors than in Europe or North America.

Legally living in the Solomon Islands therefore requires a dual discipline: carefully choosing one’s status (visitor, employee, investor, long-term resident) and following, step by step, a sequence of procedures with several ministries.

Entering, staying, working: the visa – work permit – residence triptych

In the Solomon Islands, three legal blocks structure the presence of a foreigner: the entry/stay visa, the work permit, and, for those settling long-term, long-term resident status, or even citizenship.

The short-stay visa: starting point, never a gateway to work

Most new arrivals discover the Solomon Islands via a simple visitor permit. Several regimes coexist depending on nationality:

– some countries benefit from a free visitor permit issued on arrival, valid for up to three months within a twelve-month period (this is notably the case for many Pacific states, Australia, New Zealand, European countries, North America, and Asia);

– citizens of the European Union (except Ireland), as well as Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland, can stay visa-free for 90 days within any 180-day period, under a visa waiver agreement;

– specific agreements grant 30 or 60 days visa-free to certain countries like Malaysia, Singapore, or members of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu);

– other nationalities must, even before boarding, obtain prior approval from the Director of Immigration.

In all cases, certain prerequisites are mandatory upon arrival: a passport valid for at least six months, a return or onward ticket, sufficient financial means, and necessary visas for onward destinations.

The visitor permit strictly prohibits working, trading, practicing structured religious activity, or conducting research without authorization. It can exceptionally be extended up to six months total in cases of “special circumstances,” but it does not open any automatic path to work or residence.

Long-stay visas: choosing the right category

To truly live in the Solomon Islands, one must leave the visitor regime and switch to a long-stay visa. These visas are processed by the Immigration Division and must be applied for before arrival in the country, except in special cases. Among the main categories:

The application is made to the Director of Immigration, by mail or via official channels, with a fairly standard file: form, photos, passport, letter explaining the purpose of stay, proof of funds, police certificate, medical certificate. Sometimes high fees apply, especially for categories related to work or long-term residence.

The work permit: a strict filter to protect local employment

It is impossible to legally work in the Solomon Islands without a work permit, except for rare exceptions (diplomats, staff of international organizations, officials from certain Commonwealth states, minors). This permit is not a mere formality: it is the core of the system to protect the labor market.

The file is processed by the Labour Division, under the authority of the Commissioner of Labour. There is a general logic:

Labour Division of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour, and Immigration

– the employer must demonstrate that no qualified Solomon Islander is available for the position;

– they must prove that the foreign candidate is truly qualified (diplomas, experience, references);

– they are asked to present a training and ‘localization’ skills plan (program to transfer know-how to local employees);

– the position must have been advertised locally, with justification for not selecting national candidates.

The forms (notably LAB IMM 14) must be accompanied by several documents: employment contract, curriculum vitae, certified copies of diplomas, letters of recommendation, company registration certificate, foreign investment certificate if the employer is controlled by non-residents, company organizational chart, Solomon Islander training program.

The announced processing times vary: some documents mention 7 days for an investor and 14 for an employee, but in practice, several weeks – even two months – are common, especially if additional information is requested.

Cost and duration of the work permit

The fee system is structured according to the duration of the permit. The following amounts (in local dollars, with indicative conversion to US dollars) give a general idea:

The texts directly cite amounts in USD; the exact equivalent in SBD varies according to the exchange rate.

Once the work permit is approved “in principle”, the employer pays the final approval fees. The document is then sent to Immigration, which issues the corresponding long-term visa.

Long-term employment visa: the extension of the work permit

The Long Term Employment Visa is the document that allows the holder of the work permit to live and enter/exit the country. Its model is as follows:

Required documents include: passport, work permit, police certificate, medical certificate, marriage certificate for a spouse, employer’s letter of indemnity. Fees of approximately 450 USD apply for the initial issuance, in addition to processing fees and costs for any extensions.

Dependents: living on-site without working

Spouses and children under 18 can apply for a dependent visa, attached to the status of the principal holder. This visa allows for legal residence, enrollment of children in school, and a certain family stability. However, it does not grant the right to work. If a spouse wishes to engage in professional activity, they must apply for their own work permit and corresponding visa.

For dependents, the authorities particularly check:

– the reality of the family relationship (marriage, birth certificates);

– the financial capacity of the principal holder to support the family;

– the absence of a criminal record and medical situation.

Respecting conditions: an absolute imperative

The visa and work permit system is closely monitored. In practice:

– any undeclared professional activity, or activity for an employer different from the one sponsoring the permit, is illegal;

– a foreigner who stays beyond the authorized period faces immediate deportation, fines, and de facto banishment;

– employers can be sanctioned for employing irregular workers or failing to meet local workforce training commitments.

The authorities sometimes conduct checks at workplaces. Therefore, prudence involves always aligning reality (position, location, duration, employer) with what is stated on the permits.

Investing, starting a business, buying property: the “business” dimension

For expatriates settling with an entrepreneurial or investment logic, the administrative aspect is even denser. It combines at least three components: registration as a foreign investor, creating a structure, and possibly obtaining rights to land or a building.

Becoming a foreign investor: the indispensable certificate

Any economic activity owned or controlled by foreigners must go through the Foreign Investment Division of the Ministry of Commerce. The starting point is obtaining a Foreign Investment Certificate (FIC). Without it, it is theoretically prohibited to:

– launch an economic activity;

– sign contracts related to an investment;

– initiate several related procedures (work permits, licenses, etc.).

The application is based on:

– a specific form (often called Form 2);

– a succinct but credible business plan;

– a description of the envisaged legal structure (sole proprietorship, limited liability company, branch, joint venture);

– identity documents and CVs of the founders;

– payment of a registration fee, around 2,400 SBD.

Registering your company: the Company Haus step

Once the investment certificate is obtained, the legal structure must be created via the official Solomon Islands Business Registry platform, managed by Company Haus. The most common scheme for a foreigner is the Private Limited Company, the local equivalent of an LLC.

The main steps of the process:

– choose and reserve a company name compliant with local rules;

– file the articles (constitution), list of shareholders and directors, registered office address;

– pay incorporation fees, around 1,500 SBD for a local company (more for a foreign company registering a branch);

– obtain a certificate of incorporation.

Companies must then file an “annual return” each year, pay a corresponding fee, and keep their register up to date. In this sequence, it is already evident that the administration often asks for the same information at different levels: director’s CV, passport copy, business plan, etc. Hence the benefit of preparing a complete, reusable digital file.

Licenses, taxation, identification number: the regulatory layer

Creating a company and obtaining a foreign investor certificate is not enough. Depending on the activity and location, the following are added:

Corporate taxation is based on a rate of 30% for resident companies (35% for non-resident) applied to net profit. There is no general wealth tax or tax on most capital gains, but property and sales taxes can reach 10 to 15%.

Buying or leasing property: a minefield for foreigners

The land system in the Solomon Islands is one of the most sensitive in the region. About 87% of land is customary, meaning collectively owned by clans under traditional rules. Foreigners cannot directly buy this land, and even lease agreements there are complex, subject to community approval rather than a single owner.

The rest of the territory consists of land registered in a national cadastre, divided into two main categories:

– Perpetual Estate (close to perpetual freehold ownership);

– Fixed-Term Estate (lease for a fixed term, often up to 75 years).

Foreigners cannot acquire Perpetual Estate, but they can hold a long-term lease (Fixed-Term Estate) on registered land, notably to build, operate a hotel, or a tourism structure. Any transaction must be approved by the Commissioner of Lands, registered with the land registry, and often validated by the Foreign Investment Division.

In practice, caution recommends:

– prioritizing already registered land with a clear title;

– having all documents checked by an experienced local lawyer;

– taking into account natural risks (cyclones, earthquakes, floods) that affect the property’s value and insurability.

Importing personal effects, a vehicle, or an animal: the customs filter

The other administrative pillar of a successful settlement is customs. In the Solomon Islands, the Customs and Excise Division (SICED) manages not only the collection of duties and taxes but also border security and environmental compliance.

Personal effects and relocation: no automatic duty-free allowance

Unlike some countries that offer duty exemptions for a new arrival’s personal effects, the Solomon Islands are rather restrictive. The general rule is:

– only persons with diplomatic status or a formal exemption under an aid/project mandate can import their personal effects without customs duties;

– other expatriates and returning residents must pay duties and taxes based on the CIF value (cost, insurance, freight) set by customs.

Most specialized removal companies recommend:

– not mixing personal effects and commercial goods in the same shipment;

– preparing a detailed inventory (Declaration of Contents) accompanied by invoices or, failing that, realistic valuations;

– ensuring compliance with the ISPM15 standard for wood packaging;

– anticipating quarantine fees and port taxes.

Prohibited or strictly controlled goods

The list of products prohibited for import is relatively broad. It notably includes:

– drugs and narcotics, weapons and explosives, ammunition without police authorization;

– pornography, literature deemed subversive or offensive, illegal gambling devices, fireworks;

– certain chemicals, pesticides, undeclared fertilizers, solvents, corrosive, or highly flammable products;

– fresh foods (fruits, vegetables, meats) and unauthorized animal products, except exceptions (e.g., certain fruits from New Zealand);

– seeds, live plants, and certain agricultural products without a phytosanitary permit.

Other goods, like alcohol or tobacco, are tolerated within precise limits, with quantity allowances: typically 200 cigarettes or the equivalent in tobacco, and two liters of alcohol for adult travelers.

Vehicles: a heavy procedure, reserved for special cases

Importing a car is not forbidden but is described as “complicated,” even discouraging for a private individual. In summary:

Before considering shipping a vehicle, most logistics firms advise consulting an experienced local freight forwarder to verify the economic pertinence of the operation.

Pets: strict conditions

Importing a pet is possible but subject to very strict rules:

– an import permit must be obtained before departure; simply having a veterinary certificate is not enough;

– animals must travel as manifested cargo, under an air waybill; travel in the cabin or hold as “accompanied baggage” is excluded;

– only animals from Australia, New Zealand, and Great Britain can, in principle, be admitted;

– rabies vaccine and complete health certificates are mandatory;

– quarantine of up to four months in an approved facility is imposed, depending on the country of origin.

This very high sanitary barrier is explained by the desire to protect a fragile island ecosystem from rabies and other animal diseases.

Opening a bank account and managing your money

Living in the Solomon Islands very quickly requires being able to pay rent, electricity, phone bills, or receive a salary. The local banking system remains relatively limited, but several international players are present, like ANZ or regional institutions (BSP, Pan Oceanic Bank).

Account opening conditions

Banks require a fairly detailed account opening file, inspired by international anti-money laundering standards:

BRED Bank, for example, distinguishes three categories of documents (A, B, C) and asks for a combination (two type A documents, or one A and one B/C). Type A documents are official photo IDs (driver’s license, voter card, pension card, residence permit, etc.). Type B are proofs of address without a photo. Type C are recent official letters or certificates, with full contact details.

A fairly modest minimum deposit, sometimes around 20 SBD for an individual current account, is generally required.

Exchange controls and international transfers

The Solomon Islands apply strict exchange controls. The Solomon Islands dollar (SBD) is not freely convertible on all financial markets, and the Central Bank closely monitors outgoing flows. For individuals, any significant transfer abroad requires:

In this context, many expatriates prudently maintain an account in their country of origin or in a regional financial center (Australia, New Zealand, Singapore), to manage their savings, investments, and operations in strong currencies.

Health, insurance, and health risks: an administrative aspect not to be overlooked

The texts describe a Solomon Islands health system that is free in principle but very limited in means. The Ministry of Health and Medical Services runs a network of primary rural facilities, provincial hospitals, and, at the top of the pyramid, the national referral hospital in Honiara. The difficulties are known: lack of qualified staff, frequent drug shortages, insufficient equipment, inequalities between urban and rural areas.

For an expatriate, the essential step is subscribing, before departure, to an international health insurance covering:

Specialized insurers like Cigna, Allianz, MSH International, or April International offer contracts designed for Pacific expatriates. Local authorities do not legally impose this insurance, but in practice, many employers and international missions make it mandatory in their contracts.

Furthermore, it is highly recommended to:

– travel with an adequate supply of personal medication, in their original packaging, accompanied by an explanatory letter from one’s doctor;

– follow prevention recommendations against malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika (mosquito nets, repellents, prophylactic treatments);

– avoid drinking tap water, considered non-potable, and prefer boiled or bottled water.

Long-term residence and citizenship: the distant horizon

Some foreigners plan not only to live several years in the Solomon Islands but also to obtain long-term resident status, or even, eventually, citizenship.

Long-term resident: a five-year renewable pass

The Long Term Resident Visa is intended for people who can prove at least five years of continuous presence in the country. This status, valid for five years and renewable, facilitates daily life: fewer renewal formalities, enhanced legal stability, sometimes simpler access to certain administrative procedures. However, it is not synonymous with citizenship and remains subject to conditions of good character, resources, and respect for the law.

Becoming a citizen: a demanding process

Solomon Islands nationality is governed by the 1978 Constitution and the revised Citizenship Act of 2018. It can be obtained:

– by birth, when at least one parent is a citizen;

– by naturalization, upon application to the Citizenship Commission.

– be at least 18 years old;

– be ordinarily resident in the country and have totaled at least five years of presence in the ten years preceding the application;

– present a clean criminal record;

– master English, local Pijin, or a vernacular language sufficiently to hold a conversation;

– demonstrate respect for local culture and knowledge of citizen rights and duties.

Specific categories exist for the spouse of a citizen (after five years of marriage), persons with a grandparent or great-grandparent born in the Solomon Islands, or adopted persons. Applicants must submit a very complete file: form, police certificates, medical certificate, birth and marriage certificates, work and residence permits, bank statements, photos, and receipt of payment of substantial fees (e.g., 10,000 SBD for standard naturalization).

A future Citizenship by Investment program?

The government is also working on a Citizenship by Investment (CBI) bill. The idea would be to attract foreign capital in exchange for nationality, similar to Vanuatu or Nauru. The envisaged outlines mention:

– a significant financial contribution to the budget or to infrastructure, health, agriculture, or environment projects;

– thorough background checks on applicants to preserve the passport’s reputation;

– possibility to include spouse, children, and parents in the application.

No official fee schedule exists yet, but regional comparisons suggest entry tickets exceeding 100,000 US dollars. At this stage, this program remains in development: no investor can legally obtain Solomon Islands citizenship today through a simple capital contribution.

Working, paying taxes, respecting labor law

To live in the Solomon Islands as an employee or entrepreneur, one must finally navigate a specific social and tax environment.

Protective labor law, but not detailed

The Ministry of Labour applies several laws governing employment, health and safety, unions, and dispute resolution. Without going into the detail of each text, some structuring rules deserve to be integrated from the signing of a contract:

Employment contracts may stipulate a notice period of one month. In the absence of such a clause, the law generally imposes reasonable notice or payment of compensation in lieu of notice.

Personal income taxation

A foreigner becomes, in principle, a tax resident if they spend more than 183 days per year in the country or have established the center of their economic interests there. In that case:

Individuals whose only income consists of salaries already fully taxed do not always have to file an annual return, unless expressly requested by the administration. However, self-employed individuals or those receiving more than 60,000 SBD from other sources must file a tax return before March 31 of the following year.

Conclusion: anticipate, document, get assistance

Settling in the Solomon Islands, whether as an expatriate employee, self-employed, investor, or future resident, involves dealing with a dense administrative environment, where each authorization often depends on another: no long-term visa without a work permit, no work permit without an investor certificate or valid contract, no recognition of a property lease without cadastral registration, no large fund transfers without central bank approval.

In this context, the success of the project relies on a few simple principles:

The Solomon Islands offer a spectacular living environment, a nature largely preserved, and a rich cultural setting. But they demand, in return, an administrative rigor and preparation rarely necessary in more developed countries. That is the price of a legal, long-term, and serene settlement in this Pacific archipelago.

Cyril Jarnias

Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.

On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.

Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.

Find me on social media: