— No eligibility summary published for this route yet
Palau
Palau sits in Micronesia. Its immigration system runs 25 distinct routes — led by work, short stay & visit and other & special, each set out in official law. All 25 cite an official government source, shown on the route with the date we last read it. Who actually qualifies depends on your full profile.
- Immigration routes
- 25across 11 route categories, each set out in official law
- Source-cited routes
- 25 of 25cite an official government source, with the date we last read it
- Largest category
- Work7 of the 25 routes — see them under Work below
- Region
- Micronesia
- Capital
- Ngerulmud
- Population
- 17,663
- Official language
- English, Palauan
- Currency
- USD
- Time zone
- UTC+09:00
Immigration routes
All 25 routes, grouped by purpose — 25 of 25 cite an official government source directly.
Work
7 routes
For a nonresident officer or crew member on a foreign fishing vessel based primarily in Palau.
For a foreign national employed by Palau's national government, a state government or a public corporation.
For a nonresident worker sponsored by an employer after resident-worker preference and labour review.
For an approved incoming nonresident worker beginning employment while final work-permit steps are completed.
For a nonresident worker facing hardship, abuse, legal due process or another exceptional circumstance who needs temporary placement with another employer.
For a nonresident worker needed in Palau for 90 days or less and applying from outside Palau.
Investment
2 routes
For a non-citizen who pays in full for or leases a qualifying Palauan dwelling and satisfies background, insurance and self-support rules.
For a certified investor holding at least 25 percent equity under a Foreign Investment Approval Certificate.
Study
1 route
For a full-time student admitted to a school in Palau who will live in school-maintained housing.
Family
2 routes
For the legally married spouse or qualifying child under 21 of a person lawfully present in Palau.
For the spouse or child aged 21 or younger of an Elite Resident Visa holder.
Independent means
1 route
For a foreign national seeking residence who can show a lawful purpose, support, accommodation and suitability.
Free movement
1 route
For citizens of the United States, Federated States of Micronesia or Marshall Islands visiting, working or residing in Palau.
Cultural, religious & volunteer
1 route
For a foreign national affiliated with and primarily paid by a recognised religious organisation who teaches religion or serves the community.
Short stay & visit
5 routes
For meetings, conferences, contract negotiations or exploration of business opportunities without local employment.
Visa-free short entry for Citizens of Russia.
Visa-free short entry for Citizens of states contracting parties to the Schengen Agreement.
Visa-free short entry for Taiwanese nationals holding an ordinary, official or diplomatic passport.
For a genuine short visit for tourism, leisure or social purposes without work.
Humanitarian protection
1 route
For humanitarian reasons, the interests of the Republic, or minimum disembarkation needed by a carrier in distress.
Transit
1 route
For a traveller continuing to another destination within 24 hours.
Other & special
3 routes
For a member of a diplomatic mission, or qualifying family, formally recognised by Palau's Ministry of State.
For a person paid by a foreign government or international organization who must reside in Palau for a programme or consultancy.
For United States military personnel travelling under official military status.
Official sources
See which Palau routes you actually qualify for.
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