Key Takeaways

  • Foreign nationals must obtain a Work Permit from the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration before commencing employment in the Solomon Islands.
  • Employers must demonstrate that no suitably qualified Solomon Islander was available for the role, with a Labour Market Test forming part of the application.
  • The construction, mining, fisheries, telecommunications, and NGO sectors are the primary employers of foreign workers in the Solomon Islands.

The Solomon Islands is a Pacific archipelago nation northeast of Australia, comprising over 900 islands. Honiara, on the island of Guadalcanal, is the capital and main commercial centre. The economy is driven by logging, fisheries, mining, agriculture, and international development assistance. The government is actively growing infrastructure, with significant Chinese and Australian investment in recent years. The Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) administers both work permits and immigration matters.

When Is a Work Visa Needed in Solomon Islands?

Any non-citizen intending to take up paid employment in the Solomon Islands must hold a valid Work Permit from the MCILI. The following categories require a permit:

  • Employees recruited directly by Solomon Islands-registered businesses
  • Intra-company transferees to local subsidiaries or project offices
  • Technical specialists and project-based contractors for assignments over 30 days
  • Senior managers and directors of locally registered companies
  • Development workers and NGO staff receiving a salary or living allowance

Types of Solomon Islands Work Visas and Permits

Work Permit

The Work Permit is the primary employment authorisation issued by the MCILI. It is employer-tied and role-specific. A Labour Market Test is required. Initial permits are issued for one to two years and are renewable. The employer bears primary responsibility for the worker’s immigration compliance throughout the engagement.

Business Visa

Short-term commercial visits — meetings, site inspections, and due diligence — may be conducted on a Business Visa for stays of up to 30 days. Most nationalities require a prior visa or can obtain one on arrival at Henderson International Airport. This does not authorise paid employment or ongoing services.

Investor Permit

Foreign investors who establish or acquire a qualifying business in the Solomon Islands may apply for an Investor Permit, which provides longer-term residence and work rights for the investor personally. Minimum investment thresholds apply and are set by the Investment Corporation of the Solomon Islands.

How to Apply for a Work Visa in Solomon Islands

1

Employer Conducts Labour Market Test

The employer advertises the position in local media (including the Solomon Star newspaper) for the MCILI’s required minimum period. All applications received must be reviewed, and a written justification provided for why no suitable Solomon Islander was selected.

2

Prepare the Application Package

Required documents: completed MCILI application form; signed employment contract; certified qualifications and CV; police clearance from the applicant’s home country; medical certificate; valid passport; employer’s business registration and SINPF (social security) registration certificates.

3

Submit to the MCILI

The employer lodges the complete application package at the MCILI in Honiara. Fees are payable at submission. A reference number is issued for tracking. The MCILI may request additional information during the review.

4

Await Processing

Processing takes 4–8 weeks for a complete application. Incomplete applications are returned without refund of the application fee.

5

Obtain Entry Visa if Required

Nationals of most Pacific, Commonwealth, and OECD countries can enter the Solomon Islands visa-free for short stays. Where a prior entry visa is required, it is obtained at a Solomon Islands diplomatic mission, with the approved Work Permit as supporting documentation.

6

Register and Commence Employment

On arrival, the worker presents the Work Permit and passport to immigration officials. The employer must register the worker with the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) before commencing employment and notify the MCILI of the start date within 14 days.

Solomon Islands Work Permit Costs and Fees

Work permit fees are denominated in Solomon Islands Dollars (SBD):

Permit type
Cost
Work permit (one year)
SBD 500–1,000 (~USD 60–120)
Work permit (two years)
SBD 1,000–2,000 (~USD 120–240)
Renewal
SBD 400–800

Agent or EOR fees add USD 400–1,200. Total first-year employer costs typically range from USD 600 to USD 1,800.

Solomon Islands Work Visa Sponsorship

Work permits are employer-tied. Changes of employer or role require a new permit before the change takes effect. Employers must notify the MCILI within 14 days if employment ends before the permit expires

Employers must notify the MCILI within 14 days if employment ends before the permit expires.
Employers must comply with the Labour Act [Cap 73] and the Workmen’s Compensation Act. SINPF contributions are mandatory for all employees including foreign nationals (employer: 7.5%; employee: 5% of gross salary).

For international companies without a Solomon Islands entity, an employer of record (EOR) can act as the sponsoring employer, managing the permit, SINPF contributions, payroll in SBD, and full Labour Act compliance.

Work in the Solomon Islands with Confidence

The Solomon Islands’ work permit process is well-defined and achievable for prepared employers. SINPF registration and the Labour Market Test are the most important prerequisites. Remote People’s Pacific team handles the full process end to end.

Frequently Asked Questions

The national minimum wage is SBD 4.00 per hour (approximately USD 0.48). All employment contracts must meet or exceed this rate. Most foreign specialist roles command significantly higher salaries based on market rates.

The Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) is the mandatory provident fund. Employers contribute 7.5% and employees 5% of gross salary monthly. Foreign workers must participate unless exempt under a bilateral social security agreement.

Most Commonwealth, Pacific, and OECD nationals can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Other nationalities require a prior entry visa or may be eligible for a visa on arrival. Work permit holders should arrange entry formalities through the MCILI or a Solomons diplomatic mission before travelling.

Yes. Spouses and dependent children can obtain a dependent permit for the duration of the primary work permit. Dependents who wish to work must apply for their own Work Permit.

Yes. A licensed EOR registered in the Solomon Islands can sponsor the Work Permit, manage payroll in SBD, SINPF contributions, and Labour Act compliance on behalf of an international company without a local entity.

Relocate to Solomon Islands

Remote People provides EOR services in the Solomon Islands and across the Pacific. We handle Work Permit sponsorship, SINPF registration, compliant employment contracts under the Labour Act, payroll in SBD, and ongoing HR compliance.

Contact Remote People to start hiring in Honiara today.

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