Papua New Guinea (PNG), with its booming natural resources sector and growing demand for skilled international labor, is increasingly a destination for global talent. For companies aiming to expand into the region or tap into its workforce, understanding how to legally bring foreign employees into PNG is crucial.
Eligibility for foreigners to work in Papua New Guine
Foreigners can legally work in PNG, provided they obtain the appropriate work permit and visa. The country's immigration system, managed by the Papua New Guinea Immigration & Citizenship Authority (ICA), regulates the entry and stay of non-citizens for employment purposes.
Foreign nationals must have a valid job offer from a local entity, as independent job-seeking or freelance work is not permitted under most visa categories.
Types of work visas available
Papua New Guinea primarily issues two categories of work visas: short-term and long-term employment visas.
- Short-term work visas. Typically allow for employment of up to six months and are suited for project-based or temporary assignments.
- Long-term work visas. Accommodate stays longer than six months and often extend up to three years, depending on the nature of the job and industry.
Each visa type requires specific documentation and is tied to the employer's sponsorship, which underscores the importance of preparation and compliance.
Criteria for obtaining a work visa
The ICA evaluates each visa application against a set of eligibility requirements, which typically include:
- A confirmed job offer from a PNG-based employer
- Relevant qualifications and work experience
- Police clearance from the applicant's home country
- A valid passport with at least six months' validity
In some cases, additional health checks or character references may be required. Employers must also demonstrate that no suitable local candidate could fill the role, aligning with PNG's efforts to prioritize its domestic workforce.
Employer's role in the work visa application process
How an employer can apply for a work visa
The responsibility for initiating the visa process lies largely with the employer. To start, the employer must apply for a work permit from the Department of Labour and Industrial Relations (DLIR) before the visa application can proceed. Once the permit is approved, the foreign worker can then apply for an employment visa with the ICA.
Employers are expected to:
- Submit an employment justification letter
- Provide evidence of business registration in PNG
- Offer a detailed job description
- Commit to a formal employment contract
Sponsoring a work visa
Sponsorship is a legal commitment. Employers must act as visa sponsors, taking on responsibility for the employee's conduct and legal compliance while in the country. This includes assisting with local tax registration, health insurance, and repatriation if needed.
Sponsoring a visa also involves demonstrating that the employer will adhere to PNG labor laws, including minimum wage requirements and workplace safety regulations.
Detailed work visa application process
Required documentation and certification
The following documents are commonly required for both the work permit and visa stages:
- A completed application form
- Employment contract signed by both parties
- Job description
- Copy of the passport (bio-data page)
- Two recent passport-size photographs
- Police clearance and medical certificate
- Proof of academic qualifications and work experience
Additional documentation may be requested depending on the industry or nationality of the applicant.
Step-by-step guide for employers
These are the steps employers can expect:
- Secure a job offer. Ensure the role is clearly defined and fits within local labor needs.
- Apply for a work permit. Submit the necessary documents to the DLIR.
- Receive work permit approval. This usually takes four to six weeks.
- Apply for the employment visa. Submit the visa application with the ICA.
- Await visa approval. Processing can take another two to four weeks.
- Enter Papua New Guinea. Once the visa is issued, the employee may travel and begin work.
Processing time
The total processing time from start to finish ranges from six to ten weeks. Delays can occur due to incomplete documentation, public holidays, or high application volumes. Employers are encouraged to start the process well in advance of the employee's intended start date.
Costs and fees
Visa fees vary depending on the type and duration of the visa. As of 2025, fees for long-term employment visas range from PGK 1,000 to PGK 3,000 (approximately US$270 to $800). Short-term visa fees are generally lower. These costs do not include additional expenses such as medical checks, notarizations, or courier fees.
More detailed, up-to-date pricing is available through the ICA website.
Additional considerations for employers
Work permit versus work visa
It's important to distinguish between a work permit (issued by the DLIR) and an employment visa (issued by the ICA). Both are required for legal employment, and obtaining one does not substitute for the other. Employers must ensure that both approvals are secured before the employee arrives.
Accredited employer visa
PNG offers an expedited process for companies that have been recognized as accredited employers. This status allows for streamlined document submission and faster permit processing. To qualify, businesses must demonstrate consistent legal compliance and a history of employing foreign nationals responsibly.
Other legal requirements and processes
Employers must also register employees with the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) for taxation purposes and ensure they are enrolled in PNG's superannuation system if applicable. Noncompliance can result in fines or visa revocations.
PNG labor law also mandates that a certain percentage of the workforce in any company be local hires. This localization policy should be factored into workforce planning and hiring strategies.
Tips and resources for a successful application
A well-prepared application package can significantly improve approval rates and processing speed. Employers should:
- Double-check all submitted documents for completeness and accuracy
- Use updated forms from the official DLIR and ICA websites
- Anticipate additional vetting requirements for high-sensitivity industries such as mining or defense
Utilizing support from EOR providers
An Employer of Record (EOR) is a third-party organization that hires and pays an employee on behalf of another company while handling all formal employment tasks. For businesses entering PNG, an EOR like Velocity Global can simplify the visa and hiring process.
EOR providers handle work permit applications, visa sponsorship, payroll compliance, benefits management, and local labor law adherence so companies can focus on operations without setting up a local entity. This streamlined model is especially helpful in countries with complex immigration rules or evolving regulatory frameworks.
How Velocity Global can help
Expanding into Papua New Guinea can unlock valuable opportunities, but managing compliance, documentation, and logistics is no small feat. That's where Velocity Global comes in.
As a trusted partner in international hiring, our Employer of Record solution enables businesses to compliantly hire talent in Papua New Guinea without the need to establish a legal entity. From securing work permits to managing local payroll, our global infrastructure ensures a seamless experience every step of the way.
Companies can also rely on our guidance to navigate local labor laws, employee benefits, and evolving visa regulations. Learn more about how we simplify hiring in Papua New Guinea and explore our broader suite of global expansion solutions.
This information does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or tax advice and is for general informational purposes only. The intent of this document is solely to provide general and preliminary information for private use. Do not rely on it as an alternative to legal, financial, taxation, or accountancy advice from an appropriately qualified professional. The content in this guide is provided "as is," and no representations are made that the content is error-free.
© 2025 Velocity Global, LLC. All rights reserved.
Topic:
Immigration + Relocation
