Micronesia · Immigration

Palau

25 immigration routes

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
Source-cited pathways

Immigration routes

All 25 routes, grouped by purpose — 25 of 25 cite an official government source directly.

Work

7 routes

For a foreign national employed by Palau's national government, a state government or a public corporation.

Official government source: bcbp.pw · checked 2026-07-26

For an approved incoming nonresident worker beginning employment while final work-permit steps are completed.

Official government source: ministryofhrctd.pw · checked 2026-07-26 · 2 sources

For a nonresident worker facing hardship, abuse, legal due process or another exceptional circumstance who needs temporary placement with another employer.

Official government source: ministryofhrctd.pw · checked 2026-07-26

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.

Official government source: bcbp.pw · checked 2026-07-26

For a certified investor holding at least 25 percent equity under a Foreign Investment Approval Certificate.

Official government source: bcbp.pw · checked 2026-07-26

Study

1 route

For a full-time student admitted to a school in Palau who will live in school-maintained housing.

Official government source: bcbp.pw · checked 2026-07-26

Family

2 of 2 say who you can bring
2 routes

For the legally married spouse or qualifying child under 21 of a person lawfully present in Palau.

Can bring: partner, de facto partner
Official government source: bcbp.pw · checked 2026-07-26

For the spouse or child aged 21 or younger of an Elite Resident Visa holder.

Can bring: dependants
Official government source: bcbp.pw · checked 2026-07-26

Independent means

1 route

For a foreign national seeking residence who can show a lawful purpose, support, accommodation and suitability.

Official government source: bcbp.pw · checked 2026-08-03

Free movement

1 route

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.

Official government source: bcbp.pw · checked 2026-07-26

Short stay & visit

5 routes

For meetings, conferences, contract negotiations or exploration of business opportunities without local employment.

Official government source: bcbp.pw · checked 2026-07-26

Visa-free short entry for Taiwanese nationals holding an ordinary, official or diplomatic passport.

Official government source: bcbp.pw · checked 2026-07-26

For a genuine short visit for tourism, leisure or social purposes without work.

Official government source: bcbp.pw · checked 2026-07-26

Humanitarian protection

1 route

Transit

1 route

Other & special

3 routes

Official sources

Compiled by António Mira, founder · How we verify our data · Not legal advice — immigration rules and thresholds change; confirm with the official sources above before deciding.

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