Isle of Man Work Permits
Whilst there are no special restrictions on access to the
Island, other than those under the Immigration Act which apply
equally in the United Kingdom, the ability of newcomers to take up
work is governed by the Control of Employment Acts.
This requires anyone who is not an "Isle of Man worker" to have
a permit before starting employment or self-employment in the
Island. There are a certain limited number of occupations for which
permits are not required, e.g. doctors, dentists, ministers of
religion or the police.
Qualifications as an "Isle of Man worker"
Applicants with the following circumstances are exempt from
requiring a work permit:
- being born on the Island
- resident for at least five years
- married to an "Isle of Man worker"
- having received full-time education during residence (and
having remained on the Island thereafter)
- or having a Manx-born parent who has spent the first five years
of their life on the Island
Application for work permits is made to the Department of Trade
and Industry's Employment Division.
How do I get a Work Permit
Broadly speaking permits are issued where there are no suitable
local workers available for the job concerned and where there is no
reason to doubt the good character of the person for whom the
application is made. Except in the case of self-employment, permits
are issued for specific jobs with specific employers and are
normally limited in duration but may be renewed.
If you are in any doubt as to your status regarding work permit
regulations please call the Work Permits section of the Department
of Trade & Industry on (01624) 687025 or visit their website at
http://www.gov.im/dti/.
Status as a UK citizen does not exempt you from work
permit regulations