Key Takeaways

  • Foreign nationals require a Work Permit from the Bureau of Immigration and the Bureau of Labor before commencing employment in Palau; permits are employer-tied and role-specific.
  • Palau’s economy is heavily dependent on tourism, diving, and marine services; these sectors, along with construction, are the primary employers of foreign workers.
  • Palau uses the US Dollar (USD) as its official currency and its immigration framework reflects its Compact of Free Association relationship with the United States.

Palau is a Pacific island nation in Micronesia, comprising approximately 340 islands in the western Pacific Ocean. Ngerulmud is the capital (the least populous capital city in the world); Koror is the main commercial and population centre. Palau is renowned globally for its exceptional marine environment, including Jellyfish Lake and some of the world’s best coral reef diving. The economy is almost entirely dependent on tourism, construction, fishing, and subsistence agriculture. Palau maintains a Compact of Free Association with the United States. The Bureau of Immigration and the Bureau of Labor jointly administer foreign worker permits.

When Is a Work Visa Needed in Palau?

Any non-citizen who intends to engage in paid employment in Palau must hold a valid Work Permit issued by the Bureau of Immigration in coordination with the Bureau of Labor. The requirement applies to:

  • Employees of Palau-registered businesses in tourism, hospitality, construction, retail, or services
  • Technical specialists and contractors on assignments exceeding 30 days
  • Medical professionals and educators employed by Palauan institutions
  • Fishing and maritime sector workers on Palau-registered vessels
  • Construction and infrastructure project workers

Types of Palau Work Visas and Permits

Work Permit

The Work Permit is the primary employment authorisation for foreign nationals in Palau. It is issued by the Bureau of Immigration with Bureau of Labor approval. The employer must demonstrate a genuine need and confirm that no suitably qualified Palauan citizen is available for the role. Permits are issued for one year and are renewable annually. The permit is employer-tied.

Entry Permit

Most nationalities may enter Palau visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism or short business visits. Nationals who intend to work must obtain a Work Permit before commencing employment. The Entry Permit for longer stays (up to 90 days extendable) is granted by the Bureau of Immigration and does not authorise paid work.

US Citizen Entry

US citizens may enter Palau without a visa and reside for extended periods under the Compact of Free Association. However, US citizens intending to take up paid employment with a Palauan employer must still obtain a Work Permit from the Bureau of Labor and Bureau of Immigration in the same manner as other foreign nationals.

How to Apply for a Work Visa in Palau

1

Employer Confirms Need and Prepares Application

The employer documents the business need for a foreign worker and confirms that the role cannot be filled by a Palauan national. A signed employment contract specifying role, salary, duration, and accommodation must be prepared.

2

Submit to Bureau of Labor and Bureau of Immigration

The employer submits the Work Permit application to the Bureau of Labor and Bureau of Immigration in Koror. Required documents: completed application forms; signed employment contract; certified qualifications and CV; valid passport copy; police clearance; medical certificate including TB screening.

3

Await Processing

Processing takes 4–8 weeks. The Bureau of Labor reviews the labour market justification and the Bureau of Immigration reviews the individual applicant. Additional documentation may be requested. Applicants should not make binding travel arrangements until the permit is formally approved.

4

Enter Palau

Once the Work Permit is approved, the foreign national travels to Palau. Major air connections are through Guam, Manila, and Seoul via Palau International Airport (ROR) in Koror. On arrival, immigration officers verify the Work Permit.

5

Register with Employer and Bureau of Immigration

The employer notifies the Bureau of Immigration of the worker’s commencement date within 14 days. The worker is issued a Permit Card serving as proof of authorised employment and residence.

6

Annual Renewal

Work Permits must be renewed annually. The employer submits the renewal application to the Bureau of Labor and Bureau of Immigration at least 30 days before expiry. Renewals require updated employment confirmation and a current medical certificate.

Palau Work Permit Costs and Fees

Work permit fees in Palau are denominated in US Dollars (USD):

Fee Type
Cost (USD)
Work Permit (initial)
USD 100–200
Work Permit renewal
USD 100–200
Dependent permit
USD 50–100 per dependant
Medical examination
USD 50–100

Professional service fees add USD 300–800. Total first-year employer costs typically range from USD 500 to USD 1,200.

Palau Work Visa Sponsorship

Palau’s Work Permit is employer-tied. Changes of employer require a new permit application before the change takes effect. Employers must notify the Bureau of Immigration within 14 days if employment ends before permit expiry.

Employers must comply with Palauan labour law, including minimum wage obligations (USD 3.50/hour), leave entitlements, and occupational health and safety requirements. Most employers also provide accommodation due to the limited private rental market in Koror.

For international organisations without a Palauan entity, an EOR with Pacific region operations can act as the sponsoring employer and manage the full work permit and compliance process.

Work in Palau with Confidence

Palau’s small size and limited administrative capacity mean that advance planning — particularly for accommodation and travel logistics — is essential for any foreign worker deployment.

Remote People’s Pacific team can assist with Palau work permit applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Palau entered into a Compact of Free Association with the United States in 1994. Under the Compact, the US provides defence guarantees and financial assistance to Palau; in return, Palau grants the US strategic access rights. US citizens may enter and reside in Palau freely, but this does not remove the Work Permit requirement for taking up paid employment.

Given the very limited private rental market, most employers in Palau arrange or provide accommodation as part of the employment package. This is particularly important in the tourism and construction sectors. Accommodation terms should be confirmed in the employment contract.

Tourism and hospitality is by far the dominant sector for foreign workers in Palau, given the country's reliance on dive tourism and eco-tourism. Construction (hotels, infrastructure) and retail are also significant. Medical and educational professionals are employed in smaller numbers by public institutions.

Spouses and dependent children may obtain a Dependent Permit from the Bureau of Immigration. Dependants seeking employment must obtain their own Work Permit. Family accommodation must be arranged before arrival given the very limited housing market.

Yes. An EOR with a registered Palauan entity and Bureau of Immigration standing can act as the sponsoring employer, manage the Work Permit application, payroll in USD, and Palauan labour law compliance on behalf of an international organisation.

Relocate to Palau

Remote People provides EOR services across the Pacific, including Palau. We handle Work Permit sponsorship, employment contracts, payroll in USD, and Palauan labour law compliance.

Contact Remote People to discuss your Palau workforce requirements.

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