Understanding Employment Authorisation in the Seychelles
Foreign nationals who plan to work in the Seychelles must obtain a Gainful Occupation Permit (GOP) before starting employment. The GOP is Seychelles' official work authorisation and is required for both Short-Term Work eTA and Long-Term Work eTA applications.
It is issued for approved employment with a specific employer and job role before the applicant can begin working in the Seychelles.
Type of Seychelles Work eTAs
Seychelles provides 2 types of work eTAs:
Short-Term Work eTA
The Short-Term Work eTA is suitable for foreign nationals travelling to the Seychelles for a short work assignment.
Validity: 90 days
Stay Duration: 30 days
Entry Type: Single
Purpose: It may be suitable for short professional assignments, technical work, sports activities, journalism, maritime work, or other temporary engagements.
Long-Term Work eTA
The Long-Term Work eTA is suitable for foreign nationals taking up ongoing employment in the Seychelles.
Validity: 90 days
Stay Duration: 30 days
Entry Type: Single
Purpose: Employment, skilled work, technical roles, management positions, and fixed-term work contracts
Both the Work eTA types require a GOP (Gainful Occupation Permit)
Who applies for the GOP?
Steps are as follows:
Step 1:
The Seychelles employer applies for approval of the job position.
Step 2:
The applicant prepares the required documents.
Step 3:
The employer submits the GOP application to Seychelles Immigration.
Step 4:
The approved work authorisation is issued before the employee begins work.
Note: Once the GOP is issued, the applicant can begin their Seychelles short-term work or long-term work eTA application.
FAQ: Is a GOP required for both Short-Term and Long-Term Work eTAs?
Yes, a GOP is required for both short-term and long-term work eTAs.
Seychelles Work eTA Document
GOP Validity
Short-Term Work eTA (Short-Term GOP)
Validity: Up to 1 month
Extension: Not permitted
Long-Term Work eTA (Standard GOP)
Validity: Issued for the approved employment period, as determined by Seychelles Immigration.
Extension: May be renewed if the employment continues and the renewal requirements are met.
Important Conditions
- A foreign national must not enter the Seychelles to begin employment before the GOP is issued.
- Work is permitted only for the approved employer and job role.
- A change of employer, job title, or job duties may require a new approval or GOP variation.
- Working without a valid GOP is not permitted, whether the work is full-time, part-time, paid, or unpaid.
- Employers should begin the process well before the planned employment start date.
Content Disclaimer: The information provided is based on the requirements available in July 2026. As policies may change, please check with the appropriate authorities, embassies, and airlines before your journey.