By the end of this article, you’ll understand how Brunei’s new Long-Term Pass (LTP) works, who qualifies, how it stacks up against similar schemes in the region, and what it means for the nation’s economy. You’ll also find statistics, expert insights, sector incentives, and practical steps to apply.

A Brief History of Investor Visas in Brunei

For decades, Brunei’s immigration rules focused on short-term work permits and tourist visas under the Immigration Act (Cap. 153), and until 2022 there was no formal residence-by-investment or golden-visa equivalent.
– Brunei’s Immigration Act (Cap. 153) details entry permissions, visa exemptions, and appeal rights.
– In March 2022, the Prime Minister’s Office press release announced the launch of the Long-Term Pass to attract high-net-worth individuals and strategic investors.

What Is the Long-Term Pass?

The LTP grants a renewable stay of 5 or 10 years to:
1. Property investors
2. Business investors
3. High-net-worth individuals
4. Designated professionals

It marks Brunei’s first formal residence-by-investment pathway.

Categories & Requirements

• Property Investor: minimum BND 500,000 purchase of residential real estate.
• Business Investor: BND 5 million equity investment in a local company.
• High-Net-Worth Individual: net personal assets ≥ BND 2 million.
• Professional Pass: C-suite executives or specialists in tech, finance, healthcare.

How to Apply & Fees

1. Submit online application via the Immigration Department portal.
2. Provide proof of investment, financial statements, and a clean criminal record.
3. Attend an in-person interview at Bandar Seri Begawan.

Fees:
– 5-year pass – BND 500
– 10-year pass – BND 1,000

All applications are processed within 60 days on average.

How Brunei’s LTP Compares in Southeast Asia

Brunei’s scheme competes with:

• Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H)
– Requires MYR 300,000 fixed deposit plus proof of monthly income, according to the MM2H official programme guidelines.
– Renewable 10-year visa.

• Singapore Global Investor Programme (GIP)
– S$ 2.5 million–10 million investment threshold, per the Ministry of Trade and Industry brochure.
– Permanent residency upon approval.

Key differences:
– Lower entry thresholds in Brunei vs. Singapore.
– Stronger real-estate focus than Malaysia.
– Brunei offers up to a 10-year initial term vs. Malaysia’s 5-year.
– Direct citizenship track: none in Brunei; conditional pathway in Singapore.

Early Economic Impact

• According to World Bank data, Brunei’s net FDI inflows equaled 1.4% of GDP in 2021, up from 0.9% in 2019.
• The Brunei Economic Development Board identifies priority sectors: halal products, oil & gas services, fintech, and green technologies.
• The IMF’s Article IV Staff Report noted that “the introduction of long-term residence visas should attract skilled workers and investors, aiding diversification.”

Sector-Specific Incentives

Brunei offers additional perks for investors in:
– Halal manufacturing: streamlined halal certification process
– Oil & gas support services: tax allowances on equipment imports
– Fintech: sandbox access and matched funding
– Green technology: grants covering up to 30% of project costs

Pathways to Permanent Residency

Presently, the LTP does not directly lead to Bruneian citizenship. You can:
1. Apply to renew your LTP before expiry.
2. Transition to an Employment Pass if you secure local employment.
3. Pursue citizenship separately under standard naturalization rules after 25 years’ residence, per the naturalization requirements in Brunei.

Potential Challenges

• Initial bureaucracy: multi-step verifications can take up to 60 days.
• Language and cultural integration for long-term residents.
• Limited secondary market for properties in certain districts.

Aligning with ASEAN Mobility

Brunei’s LTP fits into broader ASEAN goals of freer movement of capital and talent under the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement. It strengthens regional economic integration and offers a stable base in a low-tax environment.

Your Next Move

Securing Brunei’s Long-Term Pass means tapping into a small but resource-rich economy preparing for diversification. You’ve seen its requirements, benefits, and comparative edge in Southeast Asia. Now, review your investment plans, gather documentation, and submit your application to begin a decade of stability in Bandar Seri Begawan.