Key Points
- Bermuda released a revised Work Permit Policy for 2025 with new processing standards and permit types
- Employers must prioritize hiring Bermudians before considering foreign nationals
- Public consultation remains open through July 4, 2025, ahead of the policy’s launch on September 1
Overview
Bermuda has announced significant updates to its Work Permit Policy, effective September 1, 2025. The revised framework emphasizes transparency, fairness to Bermudian workers, and efficiency through digital transformation. The government is accepting public feedback on the draft through July 4, 2025.
Under the new policy, standard Work Permit processing times have been standardized to 30 working days to improve predictability. Employers must demonstrate active efforts to hire Bermudians before pursuing foreign talent. The policy also introduces a new Family Office Permit designed to support Bermuda’s financial services and business sectors.
Other notable changes include the clarification of short-term work permit use, which may no longer be leveraged as interim authorization while awaiting long-term approvals. Short-term hiring will now require advanced workforce planning. The updated policy also broadens the scope of business visitors to include personnel affiliated with nonprofit organizations, religious institutions, and charitable organizations.
Language proficiency requirements have been expanded to cover all nationalities, placing the burden of verification on employers. Updates to dependent sponsorship rules clarify salary thresholds and formally exclude spouses from qualifying as dependents. Additionally, statutory bodies now have up to 15 working days to review applications, allowing for more thorough evaluations.
Finally, a phased digitalization initiative will automate the work permit application process. Once fully implemented, this system will streamline submissions, reduce processing times, and allow employers and applicants to track status updates online.
Looking Ahead
Employers and HR teams in Bermuda should begin preparing for the updated policy by aligning hiring practices with new permit categories and compliance requirements. The transition to digital applications presents an opportunity to enhance internal workflows, but early adoption will be crucial. Stakeholders are encouraged to review the draft policy and submit feedback by July 4. Once finalized, the 2025 policy is expected to influence long-term labor planning and reinforce Bermuda’s commitment to protecting local employment while supporting key sectors.
