Live & Work in the Republic of the Marshall Islands
The Two-Track System
The RMI operates a two-track system for non-citizens seeking to work:
1. Work Permit — issued by the Labor Division under the Labor (Non-Resident Workers)
Act 2006. Authorizes the employment relationship.
2. Employment Visa (E-1) — issued by the Division of Immigration under the Immigration
Act 2006. Authorizes the person’s lawful presence in the RMI for the purpose of work.
Both must be obtained. A work visa will only be issued once a valid Work Permit has been
granted. The work visa is issued for the same duration as the work permit, or up to 21 calendar
days longer.
All applications must be submitted while the applicant is outside the Republic, unless otherwise
authorized.
Who Needs a Work Permit?
Types of Work Permits
| Permit Type | Who It’s For | Duration | Bond Required |
| OSL Professional Permit | Non-residents filling occupations on the Occupational Shortages List | Up to 5 years | Yes |
| Foreign Investor Permit | Foreign investors living in RMI to implement their investment (requires valid FIBL) | Up to 5 years | Yes |
| Temporary Work Permit | Short-term consultants, emergency workers, technical specialists | Up to 6 months per calendar year | No |
| Spouse of Marshallese Citizen Permit | Non-citizen legally married to an RMI citizen for at least 1 year | Matches primary holder | No |
The “Local First” Hiring Process (General Work Permits only)
OSL Professional Permits and Temporary Work Permits do not require this process.
Step 1
Notify the Chief of Labor Notify the Chief of Labor of the intent to hire a non-resident worker.
Step 2
Advertise Locally (Minimum 30 Days) Advertise the position in local media (newspaper and/or radio) for a minimum of 30 days.
Step 3
Apply for the Work Permit (Labor Division) If no suitable local candidate is found, submit to the Labor Division: – Completed application form with statutory declaration by employer and employee – Evidence of 30-day local advertising – Evidence that no qualified Marshallese citizen was found – Candidate’s qualifications documentation – Valid police and medical clearances for the applicant – Proof of application fee payment
Step 4
Apply for the Employment Visa E-1 (Division of Immigration) Once the Work Permit is issued, apply for the E-1 Employment Visa (see Section 5 below).
Employment Visa (E-1) Requirements
The E-1 Employment Visa is issued by the Division of Immigration. It will not be issued without a valid Work Permit letter from the Labor Division.
Documents required — all E-1 applicants:
- Completed 2025 Revised Visa Application Form
- Valid passport — minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay
- Two recent passport-size photographs – Birth certificate of the applicant
- Letter from the Labor Division confirming a Work Permit has been issued
- Signed employment contract including a mandatory Repatriation Clause (employer’s written guarantee to cover return travel costs)
- Police Clearance Certificate from country of citizenship — dated within the last 3 months
- Medical Clearance Certificate — dated within the last 3 months
- Proof of bond payment or confirmed return ticket
- Completed Non-Citizen Registration application
- Proof of application fee payment
Additional Documents by Applicant Type
| Applicant Type | Additional Required Document |
| Government Ministry / Agency contractors | PSC-approved contract (Public Service Commission approval).
|
| Non-Government contractors | Signed contract + proof of labor bond or valid labor insurance policy.
|
| Missionary / Volunteer workers | Contract or Terms of Reference.
|
Visa Details
Duration: Up to 2 years, matching the Work Permit period (up to 21 calendar days longer)
Entry type: Multiple entry.
Restriction: Holder may only work for the employer named in the work permit. Change of employer requires a new Work Permit and new E-1 application.
Three-Tier Decision Process
Processing Officer: Verifies completeness, checks alert list, assesses bond, and makes a recommendation.
Deputy Director: Reviews and approves or returns the application with comments.
Director (or delegated officer): Final sign-off.
- If approved: E-1 visa or authorization letter issued; details entered on the Division’s database
- If denied: Notice of Application Status letter issued with written reasons. Applicant may appeal to the Attorney General under §170 of the Immigration Act 2006.
Other Long-Stay Visa Categories
For non-citizens outside the Republic who intend to enter to establish, or are already conducting, trade with a business in the Republic, and who hold an approved Foreign Investment Business License (FIBL).
- Duration: Up to 2 years
- Requires: Approved FIBL and valid Work Permit (§151(b) of the Immigration Regulations 2009)
- Required documents: Completed application form, passport (6+ months validity), two photos, evidence of approved FIBL, evidence of valid work permit, health certificate, police record, financial evidence, proof of fee payment
- To investigate the possibility of establishing a business before committing to a FIBL, apply for a B-2 Business Visa (up to 90 days) — see Visit RMI.
For non-citizens who are dependents of a person legally working or stationed in the Republic, seeking to enter the RMI to reside with that person.
Who qualifies as a dependent:
- Legal spouse
- Unmarried child under 18 years of age
- Child aged 18–27 who relies on the primary applicant for their welfare
- Parent or parent-in-law who relies on the primary applicant for their welfare
Duration: Same period as the primary applicant’s visa
Does not authorize employment or business activities
Required documents:
- Completed 2025 Revised Visa Application Form
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Two recent passport-size photographs
- Birth certificate of the applicant
- Marriage certificate (for spouse applicants)
- Evidence of relationship (for dependent parent-in-law applicants)
- Letter of guarantee from the primary applicant or their organization accepting responsibility for the dependent
- Copy of primary applicant’s passport, valid visa, and aliens registration card
- Payment of bond or confirmed return airline ticket
- Health certificate
- Current police record
- Completed Non-Citizen Registration application for each dependent
- Proof of application fee payment
For persons intending to study at a college-level academic institution in the RMI. Must be obtained before entering the Republic.
- Duration: Up to 12 months, multiple entry
- Must have a formal acceptance letter from the institution confirming course name, duration, and enrollment
- Holder may not seek or engage in any employment or business activities
- Required documents: completed application form, acceptance letter from institution, proof of sufficient funds, passport valid 6+ months, two passport-size photos, health certificate, police record
For holders of a Certificate of Actual Residence, naturalized or registered RMI citizens without an RMI passport, or honorary citizens without an RMI passport.
- Duration: Up to 5 years, multiple entry
- Apply through the Division of Immigration in the prescribed manner
- Contact rmi_majuro@rmiimmigration.org for current application procedure
Full Document Checklist (All Work Visa Applicants)
Use this checklist before submission. Incomplete applications will be returned and may delay processing.
☐ Completed 2025 Revised Visa Application Form
☐ Two recent passport-size photographs
☐ Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity from intended departure date)
☐ Birth certificate of applicant
☐ Police Clearance Certificate from country of citizenship (within last 3 months)
☐ Medical Clearance Certificate (within last 3 months)
☐ Signed employment contract with Repatriation Clause
☐ Letter from Labor Division confirming Work Permit issuance
☐ Proof of bond payment or confirmed return ticket
☐ Completed Non-Citizen Registration application
☐ Proof of application fee payment
☐ PSC-approved contract — Government contractors only
☐ Proof of labor bond or labor insurance policy — Non-government contractors only
☐ Contract or Terms of Reference — Missionary/volunteer workers only
☐ Foreign Investment Business License (FIBL) — B-1 / Foreign Investor applicants only
☐ Certified marriage certificate or proof of legal dependency — G-1 applicants only
☐ Formal acceptance letter from RMI academic institution — S-1 applicants only
Extensions & Renewals
- Employee must not be in the Republic unlawfully
- Employee must not be subject to any removal or deportation order
- Employee must not be in breach of any visa or permit condition under the Immigration Act 2006
Downloads
Document |
|---|
2025 Revised Visa Application Form (PDF) |
Student Visa Application Form S-1 (PDF) |
Work Permit Application Form(Available from the Labor Division) |
Immigration Act 2006 (PDF) |
Immigration Regulations 2009 (PDF) |
Labor (Non-Resident Workers) Act 2006 (PDF) |
Labor Amendment Act 2025 (PDF) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do US, FSM, or Palau nationals need a work permit?
Yes. The Compact of Free Association exempts them from visa entry requirements only. A Work Permit under the Labor (Non-Resident Workers) Act 2006 is still required to work in the RMI.
What is the difference between a Work Permit and an E-1 Employment Visa?
The Work Permit (Labor Division) authorizes the employment relationship. The E-1 Visa (Division of Immigration) authorizes lawful presence for work. Both are required — the Work Permit must be obtained first.
Do government contractors need a different contract?
Yes. Contractors working for a government ministry or agency must have a PSC-approved contract issued by the Public Service Commission, not just a signed private contract.
Can my family accompany me on a work visa?
Yes. Legal spouses, dependent children under 18, children aged 18–27 relying on you for welfare, and dependent parents or parents-in-law may apply for a G-1 General Visa. The G-1 does not authorize employment.
Can a student work on an S-1 visa?
No. The S-1 Student Visa explicitly prohibits the holder from seeking or engaging in any employment or business activities in the Republic.
What happens if my work permit expires while I’m still in the RMI?
You are in breach of the Immigration Act 2006. Employers must begin renewals at least 30 days before expiry. Overstaying may result in removal proceedings, fines, or detention.
What happens if my application is incomplete?
Processing will not commence until all required documents are received. You will be notified of any missing items and given the opportunity to supply them.
Can I submit my application by email?
Yes. Applications may be submitted over the counter by a representative, by mail, or by email to rmi_majuro@rmiimmigration.org.
What if my application is denied?
You will receive a Notice of Application Status letter with written reasons. You may appeal to the Attorney General under §170 of the Immigration Act 2006. Independent legal advice is recommended.
Who do I contact about work permit applications?
Work Permit applications are processed by the Labor Division. For E-1 Employment Visa applications, contact the Division of Immigration at rmi_majuro@rmiimmigration.org or (692) 625-8633 / ext. 4572.