Do you want to work in Bhutan? Are you wondering how to get a work visa in Bhutan from India? You are at the right place! Bhutan issues work visas to foreigners. The work visa is available to eligible workers for 1 year. Moreover, this visa is renewable! The Bhutan work visa will permit you to enter the country to work for a Bhutanese employer. Keep reading to learn about the eligibility criteria, requirements, application process, and more.
This Blog Includes:
- How to Get a Work Visa in Bhutan from India? An Overview
- Can Indian Citizens Work in Bhutan?
- What is the Age Limit to Work in Bhutan?
- What Kind of Jobs are Available in Bhutan?
- Bhutan Work Permit for Indians: Requirements
- What Documents are Required for a Bhutan Work Visa for Indians?
- How to Apply for a Bhutan Work Visa from India?
- Where to Apply for a Bhutan Work Visa?
- What is the Bhutan Work Visa Processing Time?
- What is the Bhutan work visa Applicaton Processing Fee?
- What is the Cost of Living in Bhutan?
- Can I Renew My Bhutan Work Permit?
- FAQs
How to Get a Work Visa in Bhutan from India? An Overview
You can get a Bhutan work visa from India by first getting a job offer. You need to apply for jobs and get a job offer letter and a work contract from a Bhutanese employer. Thereafter, you can apply for a work permit. The Department of Labour, Ministry of Labour and Human Resources issues the work permit to eligible applicants.
Once, you get the work permit you can apply for a work visa/employment visa. The work visa is valid for 1 year. It is issued by the Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs.
Can Indian Citizens Work in Bhutan?
Yes. Indian citizens can work in Bhutan. However, they need to get a Bhutan work permit & a work visa. How to get a work visa in Bhutan from India? Visit the embassy or consulate of Bhutan in India. The work visa will only be valid for 1 year. However, you can renew the same. It is important to note that Bhutan does not issue permanent residence permits or citizenship to any foreigner.
Can Indians Travel Visa-Free to Bhutan in 2025?
What is the Age Limit to Work in Bhutan?
How to get a work visa in Bhutan from India? First, and foremost, ensure you meet the age requirements. The minimum and maximum age to work in Bhutan are provided below:
Particulars | Age Limit |
Minimum age limit to work in Bhutan | Must be above 18 years of age |
Maximum age limit to work in Bhutan | Must be below 65 years of age |
What Kind of Jobs are Available in Bhutan?
How to get a work visa in Bhutan from India? Take up an eligible occupation. You cannot work in an ineligible profession. Starting from 2024 the following jobs will not be available for a work permit. You can take up any other job in Bhutan.
Jobs Ineligible for a Work Permit in Bhutan | ||
Accountant | Office Assistant | Tailor |
Typist/Clerk | Receptionist/Dispatcher | Sweeper |
Computer Operator | Telephone Operator | Cobbler |
Light Vehicle Driver | Administrative & Personnel Manager | Washer Man (Dhobhi) |
Tour/Travel Guide | Shop Salesperson | Electrician |
Childcare Worker/Housekeeper | Waiter/Waitress | Tyre Repairer |
Messenger | Security Guard/Watchman/Caretaker | Baker |
Gardener | Fitter/Plumber | Car Washer (Water Servicing) |
Hairdresser | Technicians | Carpenters in Furniture Unit |
Architects | Construction Supervisor | ECCD Managers/Staffs |
On the contrary, forestry, agriculture, banking, finance, IT, and service sector jobs are open to foreigners. However, to apply for a job you must meet the work permit requirements.
Watch this video to learn about the jobs that will make your rich
Bhutan Work Permit for Indians: Requirements
How to get a work visa in Bhutan from India? The first step is to get a work permit. However, a work permit is not applied by you. Private employers or organisations apply for a work permit on behalf of the employee. Therefore, the application is started by the employer. The following documents are required for a work permit.
- Department of Labour, Ministry of Labour and Human Resources approval (to hire a foreigner)
- Work permit application form that is complete
- Employer undertaking, and employee undertaking
- Voter identification card with entry permit, or a passport
- Medical fitness certificate (issued by a certified government officer in Bhutan)- This will be a general medical test and drug test.
- Submit passport-size photographs and original academic certificate
- Submit additional documents (if required)
Once a work permit is issued, you can apply for a work visa.
What is the Difference Between a Work Permit and a Work Visa?
What Documents are Required for a Bhutan Work Visa for Indians?
How to get a work visa in Bhutan from India? Gather the necessary documents before applying for a visa. The following documents are required to get a work visa.
- Get the Department of Labour, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment approval
- A passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the duration of stay, and your passport copies
- Completed visa application form
- Any other documents requested by the embassy or consulate
How to Apply for a Bhutan Work Visa from India?
To know how to get a work visa in Bhutan from India follow the instructions below:
- Visit the official website– Bhutan citizens service portal processes all your work visa applications. Therefore, you need to visit this website to find jobs
- Find a suitable job– The best part about Bhutan is that they have organised the list of jobs that are available in the county by location, company, etc. You can immediately check the list of available jobs, and see if you are eligible for any.
- Register as a job seeker– Register yourself as a job seeker, get job notifications, and apply for a job. Once you get a job you can ask the employer to apply for a work permit.
- Apply for a work permit– Ensure that you have obtained the work permit.
- Apply for a work visa – Visit the Integrated Citizen Services (ICS) portal to apply. You can download the application form online.
- Pay the application fee– You need to pay the visa application fee
- Schedule Appointment– You can schedule an appointment, and the submit your biometric information.
- Wait for visa application processing- The visa application is processed within a week.
- Get a decision– Once a decision has been made you will be informed of the same.
Where to Apply for a Bhutan Work Visa?
Bhutan only accepts online visa applications via the Integrated Citizen Services (ICS) portal. If you want clarification regarding the same you can contact the visa division below-
Particulars | Email Address | Phone number |
Visa Division | ltshering@moha.gov.bt | 337223/330876/338764 |
Service Division | tphuntsho@moha.gov.bt | 331529/333873/327042 |
ICT Office | tashidorji@tech.gov.bt | 02-323127 |
What is the Bhutan Work Visa Processing Time?
Now you know how to get a work visa in Bhutan from India. The Bhutan work visa application is processed quickly. The visa decision is usually arrived at
Visa | Processing Time |
Bhutan work visa (e-application) | 3-5 working days |
What is the Bhutan work visa Applicaton Processing Fee?
The Bhutanese government has not disclosed the visa application processing fee. The processing fees are usually nominal. You will get to know about the visa application processing fee when you submit your application. An application is not processed until you pay the visa charges.
What is the Cost of Living in Bhutan?
Now you know how to get a work visa in Bhutan from India. You must ensure that you have sufficient funds to cover the cost of living in the country. The Bhutan cost of living is between USD 300 and USD 500 per month. The cost of living is considerably low in the country.
Particulars | Average Cost of Living |
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | 85.06 – 231.98 USD |
1 Bedroom Outside City | 54.13 – 201.05 USD |
One-way Ticket (Public) transportation | 0.31 – 0.94 USD |
Meal for 2 at mid-restaurant | 10.05 – 15.47 USD |
McDonald Combo Meal | 3.88 – 4.33 USD |
Milk | 0.85 – 1.71 USD |
Bread (500g) | 0.31 – 1.55 USD |
Summer Dress (Zara, H&M) | 38.66 – 46.5 USD |
The exact cost of living in Bhutan depends on your lifestyle. The above cost of living is just an average indicator The exact cost may vary.
Can I Renew My Bhutan Work Permit?
Yes. You can renew your Bhutan work permit. The work permit is issued for a year. However, it is renewable for an additional year. You can renew your Bhutan work permit for 1 year. You must apply before the current permit expires. The renewal charges are Nu. 400 for the first renewal.
FAQs
UK, Australia, Singapore, and Poland are some of the top countries that offer work permits to Indian nationals. For example, Australia’s SkillSelect system grants you work permits.
Indian nationals can look for work in Bhutan. They can get a work permit for 1 year. However, it is not possible to completely immigrate to the country. Immigration is not allowed. Permanent residency and citizenship are not issued to foreigners except to the spouse of a Bhutanese national.
Bhutan strictly controls the flow of foreigners. Therefore, there is no provision of naturalisation. You cannot get permanent residence or citizenship in the country. However, if you a spouse of a Bhutan citizen you may get a PR.
Yes. Bhutan and India have friendly relations. The Bhutan-Indian relations is a mutually beneficial cooperation.
We hope you now have the answer to your question- How to get a work visa in Bhutan from India? Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or visit our visa page for more such articles. You can also connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!
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