Apply for Permanent Residence or Belonger Status

Application to Grant Status in the Virgin Islands
Governor

Table of Contents

How to Qualify for:

Residence Status in the Virgin Islands

To apply for Residence status, you must:

  1. Live in the Virgin Islands for 10 years in a row without being away for more than one year at a time.
  2. Spend most of your time in the Territory—you cannot be absent for more than 90 days in a year.
  3. Be of good character and provide positive references.
  4. Intend to live permanently in the Virgin Islands.

What the Government Considers

When reviewing your application, the Cabinet (after consulting the Immigration Board) looks at:

  • Your connection to the Virgin Islands (family, work, community ties).
  • Your participation in community life and respect for culture.
  • Your contribution to the economy, environment, and society.
  • Your background, character, and security checks.
  • Whether your continued residence benefits the Territory.

Family Members

  • Your spouse and children under 18 can be included on your Residence Certificate.
  • Once a child turns 18, they must apply on their own within 6 months if they want to stay.

Other Important Rules

  • If you submit false documents, you may be fined $10,000 and banned from reapplying for 5 years.
  • Residence Certificates must be renewed every 5 years.
  • Time away from the Territory for illness, education, or government/military service may still count toward your residence.

Belonger Status in the Virgin Islands

A Belonger is someone who is legally recognised as belonging to the Virgin Islands and is granted full rights under the law. To apply for Belonger Status, you must submit an application to the Immigration Board for consideration by the Cabinet.

Main Pathways to Belonger Status

  1. Through Long-Term Residence
    • Be at least 18 years old.
    • Be of good character.
    • Have held Residence Status for at least 12 months.
    • Have lived in the Virgin Islands for 20 consecutive years.
    • Intend to make the Virgin Islands your permanent home.
  2. Through Exceptional Circumstances
    • The Cabinet may grant Belonger Status to someone who has lived in the Virgin Islands for at least 7 years, if the case is considered exceptional.
    • The Cabinet may also grant Belonger Status (without application) to someone who has made significant and consistent contributions to the Territory’s development for 50 years or more.
  3. Through Family Connection
    • A great-grandchild of a Belonger may apply for Belonger Status.
    • A spouse of a Belonger may apply after living together in the Virgin Islands for at least 5 years (unless disqualified by a serious criminal conviction).
    • If a Belonger spouse dies before 5 years, the surviving spouse may still qualify if they lived together in the Territory for at least 2½ years before the death.
    • Important: A spouse who becomes a Belonger this way cannot pass Belonger Status to a new spouse.

What the Government Considers

When deciding whether to grant Belonger Status, the Cabinet looks at:

  • Your personal connection to the Virgin Islands.
  • Your respect for culture, diversity, and community life.
  • Your contributions to the economy, society, and environment.
  • Your background, character, and security record.
  • Whether your continued presence benefits the Territory.

Other Important Rules

  • You must meet the “ordinarily resident” requirement (cannot be away too long during the qualifying period; special allowances may be made for illness, education, work, or government service).
  • False or altered documents will lead to a $15,000 fine and a 7-year ban on reapplying.
  • The Department of Immigration publishes an annual report of Belonger decisions and a public list of new Belongers in the Gazette.

Required Documents for Residence Status Application

(Applies to all applicants, except children already endorsed)

  1. Application Form – completed in full.
  2. Application Fee – $250 (non-refundable).
  3. Passport Photo – one recent photo (must meet BVI or UK passport standards).
  4. Birth Certificate – certified copy.
  5. Passport Information Page – certified copy.
  6. Police Certificate – from the BVI, valid within the last 6 months.
  7. Medical Certificate – issued in the BVI, valid within the last 6 months, showing health status and any communicable diseases.
  8. Student Record – academic and behavioural report (only for students or graduates within the past 2 years).
  9. Marriage Certificate – certified copy (if married).
  10. Virgin Islands History & Culture Certificate – from H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.
  11. English Proficiency Certificate – if English is not your first language (from HLSCC or another certified institution).
  12. Two Character References – must be from:
    • A BVIslander (known for 5+ years, age 25+), or
    • A Belonger (known for 5+ years, age 25+, held Belonger status for at least 5 years).
      (Referees cannot be family, employers, or Members of the House of Assembly).
  13. Proof of Community Contribution – letters or certificates showing involvement (community service hours, leadership, volunteering, sponsorship, mentorship, etc.).
  14. Academic/Professional Certificates – certified copies (certificates from the VI do not require certification).
  15. Business Documents – trade licences or company directorship records (if applicable).
  16. Property Documents – Non-Belonger Land Holder’s Licence, land transfer papers, and proof of investment (if applicable).
  17. Bank References – letters from all local financial institutions showing current and average balances for the last 3 years, plus details of loans/mortgages/credit. (Bank statements are not accepted.)
  18. Job or Income Letter – confirming salary, bonuses, allowances, and all sources of income.

Additional Documents (for Children being Endorsed)

  1. Child’s Birth Certificate – certified copy.
  2. Child’s Passport Information Page – certified copy.
  3. Police Certificate – for children over 10 years old (valid within last 6 months).
  4. School Letter – proof of admission to the VI school system.

Required Documents for Interim Residence Status

(For former endorsees who turn 18 years old)

  1. Application Form – completed in full.
  2. Application Fee – $250 (non-refundable).
  3. Passport Photo – one recent photo (must meet BVI or UK passport standards).
  4. Birth Certificate – certified copy.
  5. Passport Information Page – certified copy.
  6. Police Certificate – from the BVI, valid within the last 6 months.
  7. Medical Certificate – issued in the BVI, valid within the last 6 months, showing health status and any communicable diseases.
  8. Student Record – academic and behavioural report (only if you are currently a student or graduated within the past 2 years).
  9. Two Character References – from:
  • A BVIslander (known for 5+ years, age 25+), or
  • A Belonger (known for 5+ years, age 25+, held Belonger status for at least 5 years).
    (Referees cannot be family, employers, or Members of the House of Assembly).
  1. Proof of Community Involvement – letters or certificates showing volunteering, mentorship, training, community service hours, leadership roles, etc.
  2. Academic/Professional Certificates – certified copies (certificates from the VI do not need certification).
  3. Bank References – letters from all local banks showing current and average balances for the last 3 years, plus details of debts, loans, and mortgages. (Bank statements are not accepted.)
  4. Job or Income Letter – confirming salary, bonuses, allowances, and all sources of income.

Required Documents for Belonger Status (by Tenure)

(Applies to all applicants under IPA Section 16(1), (4), (5))

  1. Application Form – completed in full.
  2. Application Fee – $250 (non-refundable).
  3. Passport Photo – one recent photo (must meet BVI or UK passport standards).
  4. Birth Certificate – certified copy.
  5. Passport Information Page – certified copy.
  6. Police Certificate – from the BVI, valid within the last 6 months.
  7. Medical Certificate – valid within the last 6 months, showing health status and any communicable diseases.
  8. Virgin Islands History & Culture Certificate – from H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.
  9. English Proficiency Certificate – if English is not your first language or you are not fluent (from HLSCC or another certified/accredited institution).
  10. Two Character References – from:
  • A BVIslander (known for 5+ years, age 25+), or
  • A Belonger (known for 5+ years, age 25+, held Belonger status for at least 5 years).
    (Referees cannot be family, employers, or Members of the House of Assembly.)
  1. Proof of Community Involvement – letters or certificates showing contributions (volunteering, leadership, mentorship, sponsorship, training, etc.).
  2. Academic/Professional Certificates – certified copies (certificates from the VI do not need certification).
  3. Business Documents – trade licences or company directorship records (if applicable).
  4. Property Documents – Non-Belonger Land Holder’s Licence, land transfer records, and proof of investment (if you own property in the VI).
  5. Bank References – letters from all local banks showing current and average balances for the last 3 years, plus details of debts, loans, and mortgages. (Bank statements are not accepted.)
  6. Job or Income Letter – confirming all annual income (salary, bonuses, commissions, allowances, etc.).

Required Documents for Belonger Status (by Marriage)

(IPA Section 16(6))

  1. Marriage Certificate – certified copy.
  2. Belonger Spouse’s Passport – certified copy of information page.
  3. Proof of Spouse’s Belonger Status – either:
    • Belonger Status Certificate (from Department of Immigration), or
    • Belonger Card (from Civil Registry & Passport Office).

Additional Documents (Widow/Widower of a Belonger)

(IPA Section 16(7))

  1. Marriage Certificate – certified copy.
  2. Deceased Spouse’s Passport – certified copy of information page.
  3. Death Certificate – certified copy of deceased Belonger spouse.
  4. Proof of Spouse’s Belonger Status – either:
    • Belonger Status Certificate (from Department of Immigration), or
    • Belonger Card (from Civil Registry & Passport Office).

Required Documents for Belonger Status (Great-Grandchild of a Belonger)

(IPA Section 16(5A))

  1. Application Form – completed in full.
  2. Application Fee – $250 (non-refundable).
  3. Passport Photo – one recent photo (must meet BVI or UK passport standards).
  4. Birth Certificate – certified copy.
  5. Passport Information Page – certified copy.
  6. Police Certificate – valid within the last 6 months (from the BVI or your country of residence).
  7. Adoption Certificate – certified copy (if applicable).
  8. Parent’s Birth Certificate – certified copy (through whom status is claimed).
  9. Grandparent’s Birth Certificate – certified copy (through whom status is claimed).
  10. Great-Grandparent’s Birth Certificate – certified copy (through whom status is claimed).
How To Apply

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

Gather all required supporting documents for the type of status you are applying for:

  • Residence Status (Section 18)
  • Interim Residence (for former endorsees turning 18)
  • Belonger Status by Tenure, Marriage, or Great-Grandchild (Section 16)

Each category has specific document requirements. Ensure that:

  • All documents are certified where necessary.
  • Police Certificates and Medical Certificates are valid (issued within the last 6 months).
  • Academic, financial, and community service records are current and complete.

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

Fill out the APPLICATION FOR THE GRANT OF STATUS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

  • Answer all questions truthfully.
  • Indicate the type of status you are applying for.
  • Upload the required supporting documents in the correct format.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Once complete, submit the application through the webform. You will receive an acknowledgement of pending submission.  

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

A non-refundable fee of $250 is required for processing

  • Before your application can be processed you must pay the non-refundable fee.
  • Contact the Department of Immigration directly to confirm available payment options.

Step 5: Application Review

  • Your application will be reviewed by the Board of Immigration.
  • The Board may use the Point-Based System to assess your eligibility.
  • The Board will then make a recommendation to Cabinet.
  • Cabinet makes the final decision to grant or deny your application.

Step 6: Notification of Decision

  • You will be informed in writing of Cabinet’s decision.
  • If approved, you will be issued a Certificate of Residence or a Certificate that a Person Belongs to the Territory, depending on your application type.
  • Certificates must be renewed according to the law.

Important Legal Notice

Section 18(6) of the Immigration & Passport Act states:

“A person who submits false or altered documents in support of an application for residence under section 18(1) or (2) commits an offence and is on summary conviction liable to pay a fine of $10,000 and the person is prohibited from reapplying for a certificate of residence for a period of 5 years from the date on which the fine is paid.”

Section 16(11) of the Immigration & Passport Act states:

“A person who submits false or altered documents in support of an application for belonger status under section 16(1) commits an offence and shall on summary conviction be liable to pay a fine of $15,000 and the person is prohibited from reapplying for a certificate of belonger status for a period of 7 years from the date on which the fine is paid.”

⚠️ Providing false information is a criminal offence.

Evidence to Support Residence or Belonger Applications

When applying for Residence or Belonger Status, you must provide evidence to show that you meet the requirements. This evidence should demonstrate:

  • Community participation and cultural integration
  • Law-abiding behaviour and good character
  • Environmental responsibility
  • Economic and social contributions
  • Inclusivity and respect for diversity
  • Financial stability

The following are examples of documents you may use. (This list is a guide, not exhaustive. Other evidence may also be accepted.)

1. Community Participation & Cultural Integration

  • Letters from community groups, churches, or non-profits confirming your involvement.
  • Certificates, photos, or programs showing your participation in volunteer work, cultural events, or community projects.
  • Testimonials from neighbours or leaders about your contributions.
  • Awards, recognitions, or media coverage of your community service.
  • Certificates in Virgin Islands history and culture (e.g., from H. Lavity Stoutt Community College).
  • Proof of attending or helping to organize cultural festivals, arts, or heritage events.

2. Inclusivity & Diversity

  • Personal statements about your experiences integrating into local culture.
  • Certificates from orientation or social integration programs.
  • Documentation of contributions to cultural education, arts, or diversity initiatives.
  • Letters or recommendations showing your respect for local customs and traditions.

3. Law-Abiding Behaviour & Good Conduct

  • Police clearance certificates from the Virgin Islands and other countries you have lived in.
  • Letters of reference from employers, community leaders, or professional associates about your character.
  • Evidence of compliance with labour laws and ethical practices.

4. Environmental Responsibility

  • Certificates of participation in clean-up drives, tree planting, or conservation projects.
  • Membership in local environmental organizations.
  • Documentation of environmental volunteer hours or project leadership.

5. Economic Contributions

  • Job letters or references showing your employment history, skills, and contributions.
  • Business licences, company records, or proof of business ownership/investment.
  • Property ownership documents or proof of paying property taxes.
  • Evidence of involvement in community development, philanthropy, or public service.

6. Financial Stability & Responsibility

  • Bank references or statements showing income, savings, and financial health.
  • Proof of charitable donations or support to local non-profits.
  • Evidence that you follow labour and workplace laws fairly and ethically.

👉 In short, your application should show that you are:

  • A positive, law-abiding member of society
  • Engaged in the Virgin Islands community and culture
  • Financially stable and contributing to the economy
  • Committed to protecting the environment and respecting diversity

Key Difference Between Residence and Belonger Status

The same general guidelines apply to both Residence and Belonger Status applications.

  • Residence requires proof of living in the Virgin Islands and basic participation in community life.
  • Belonger Status requires a higher standard of integration, contribution, and commitment, showing that the applicant is deeply rooted in the Virgin Islands.

Comparison of Requirements

Guideline

Residence Status

Belonger Status

Community Engagement

Basic participation in local activities or community groups.

Strong, long-term contributions such as leadership roles, major volunteer work, or significant support to organizations.

Cultural Integration

Basic knowledge and respect for Virgin Islands’ culture; participation in cultural events.

Deep cultural integration, including leadership in cultural activities, promoting and preserving traditions, and proven cultural knowledge.

Economic Contribution

Stable job, financial independence, paying taxes.

Major economic impact: long employment record, owning/operating businesses, creating jobs, or investing in local enterprises.

Legal Compliance & Character

Clean criminal record, compliance with laws.

Exemplary record, strong community endorsements, and proven commitment to Virgin Islands values and laws.

Inclusivity & Diversity

Basic respect and involvement in promoting inclusivity.

Active leadership in inclusivity/diversity efforts, involvement in advocacy groups, and fostering social harmony.

Environmental Responsibility

Some evidence of environmental responsibility.

Ongoing leadership in conservation, sustainability projects, or environmental advocacy.

Commitment to Stay

Intention to live permanently in the Virgin Islands.

Strong, long-term commitment through investments, property ownership, and deep community ties.

Guidelines for Residence and Belonger Status in the Virgin Islands

Guidelines provide general advice and best practices for applicants. They help explain what is expected and what qualities are important, especially in showing good character. The Belonger and Residence Policy for the Virgin Islands highlights the following key areas:

1. Community Participation and Solidarity

Applicants should show a record of active involvement in their community.
Examples include:

  • Volunteering with non-profits, churches, civic or community groups.
  • Helping with neighbourhood or community projects.
  • Demonstrating a sustained commitment to improving community well-being.

2. Respect for Culture and Integration

Applicants should demonstrate understanding and respect for Virgin Islands culture, history, and traditions.

  • This may include completing Virgin Islands History classes or tests.
  • Willingness to take part in cultural and social orientation programmes.
  • Non-English speakers should show a willingness to learn English to help integrate.

3. Law-Abiding Behaviour

Applicants must have a clean criminal record both in the Virgin Islands and elsewhere.

  • No convictions or pending charges.
  • Demonstrated respect for laws and regulations.

4. Environmental Responsibility

Applicants should show care for the environment.

  • Participation in clean-ups, conservation projects, or other eco-friendly practices.
  • Commitment to sustainability, reflecting the Virgin Islands’ values of environmental protection.

5. Economic Contribution & Community Integration

Applicants should demonstrate ways they contribute to the Virgin Islands. This is not limited to employment but may include:

  • Running businesses, creating jobs, or investing locally.
  • Contributing through arts, sports, culture, or philanthropy.
  • Retirees or dependents may show contributions through community life and cultural engagement.
  • Applicants should show understanding and respect for Virgin Islands values, ensuring alignment with the Territory’s social and cultural fabric.

6. Inclusivity and Respect for Diversity

Applicants must demonstrate respect for people of different backgrounds.

  • Evidence of positive interactions, inclusivity, and social harmony.
  • Active participation in fostering unity and diversity in the community.

7. Financial Stability and Responsibility

Applicants should show that they are financially responsible and self-sufficient.

  • Timely payment of taxes, debts, and commitments (such as under landholding licences).
  • Proof of stable income, savings, investments, or property ownership.
  • Some debt is acceptable, but excessive or irresponsible debt will be viewed negatively.

8. No History of Exploitation or Abuse

Applicants must have a history free from abuse or exploitation of others, whether personally or professionally.

  • This reflects the Virgin Islands’ strong commitment to ethical and moral standards.

👉 In short: Applicants should prove they are responsible, respectful, law-abiding, financially stable, environmentally conscious, culturally integrated, and active contributors to the Virgin Islands community.

Contact Information

Immigration Department - Tortola

Immigration Department - Tortola

Second Floor, RJT Edifice Building
Road Town, Tortola
Virgin Islands (British) VG1110
Tel: 284-468-4700
Email:  immigrationinfo@gov.vg