If your company is exploring the idea of expanding into the international market, you’ll find that Trinidad and Tobago has a lot to offer. Doing business in an unfamiliar country comes with a unique set of hurdles, however. While you may not have trouble finding a team of talented employees who are willing to relocate to this Caribbean nation, you’ll also have to make sure they have the proper visas and permits to live and work in Trinidad and Tobago legally.
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Types of Work Visas in Trinidad and Tobago
Many foreign nationals, including those from the United States, don’t need a visa to travel to Trinidad and Tobago for short visits. However, they’ll need to obtain a work permit to stay for more than three months and seek employment within the country.
Trinidad and Tobago issues work permits to foreign employees for an initial duration of up to three years. Multiple-entry visas usually accompany work permits.
Requirements to Obtain Trinidad and Tobago Work Visas
Foreign nationals will need to provide the following documents to get a Trinidad and Tobago work permit:
- A passport with at least six months of validity and two blank adjoining pages
- A copy of the passport’s information page
- Three recent passport photographs
- A duly completed and signed application form
- A police background check with fingerprints from the applicant’s country of residence
- Proof of accommodations in Trinidad and Tobago
- Payment for the visa application fee
Additional requirements apply for work permits with a duration greater than one year. These requirements include:
- A medical certificate demonstrating that the applicant is in good health
- A security bond to cover the cost of the applicant’s return to their country of residence
Application Process
Foreign nationals should reach out to the embassy or consulate of Trinidad and Tobago in their country of residence to see if they need a visa. Employees will most likely need a multiple-entry visa. If so, the employee can visit the embassy to submit their application and any supporting documents.
Trinidad and Tobago is somewhat unique in that the country only processes work permit applications online. It’s also possible to apply for work permits for multiple employees at the same time.
Foreign nationals can apply by following the directions listed online by the Ministry of National Security in Trinidad and Tobago. The prospective employee should complete the application and submit it online. They can begin this process in their country of residence. After applying, the employee will receive a confirmation code. At this point, they should travel to Trinidad and Tobago to finish the application process. The applicant will need to visit the Ministry of National Security to submit supporting documents, and they’ll need the confirmation code to do so.
After obtaining their work permit, the employee can start working in Trinidad and Tobago.
Other Important Considerations
Visa requirements can vary based on the applicant’s country of residence. For example, some foreign nationals will need to present a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever if they live in a country where the disease is prevalent. For this reason, it’s always best to check with the nearest embassy at the beginning of the application process.
Partner With Globalization Partners
Your company’s global expansion should be an exciting time of growth, not a stressful time of doubt. To help, Globalization Partners will take the burden of your international endeavors off your shoulders by making sure you’re compliant from day one. We don’t see borders as boundaries, and you shouldn’t either. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help you grow your company in Trinidad and Tobago and beyond.
