Work Permits

The Department of Economic Development operates and enforces the work permit system under the Control of Employment Act. The system allows employers to employ individuals who are not Isle of Man workers, provided that there are no suitable Isle of Man workers available to fill those specific roles.

An application for a permit is made by an employer to employ an individual to carry out a particular role or else by a self-employed person. In each case, where successful, the permit will be granted for a set period. Where necessary, an application for renewal of a permit can also be made.

Work Permit Fees

The processing fee for a Work Permit for Employment or Self-Employment is £50.

There is also a fee for Residential Status enquiries of £20 per application.

Employment of people from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland

Persons who are not nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA) are likely to be subject to control under the Immigration Acts (of Parliament) and may require a work permit granted under the terms of the Overseas Labour Scheme. Persons who are not EEA nationals granted leave to enter the Isle of Man as full-time students may apply for work permits under the Overseas Students Scheme 2006. Details at the bottom of the page.

Please note, from July 9th 2010 there will be some major changes to how you currently obtain the necessary work permit, in replacement of the Overseas Labour Scheme.

Following proposals approved by Tynwald in April 2009, the Isle of Man is introducing its own Manx Points Based System (PBS) for migrant workers and students. This will be in line with legislation which is already in place in the United Kingdom.

The Points Based System will not apply to applications for work permits for people from within the EEA or Switzerland and these will continue to be dealt with under the Control of Employment Act. Full and detailed guidance on the PBS is available below:

PBS - Migrants Policy Guidance / PBS - Sponsors Guidance

PBS - Questions & Answers

PBS - Sponsor Application (Employers)

PBS Sponsor Guidance - Appendix A / PBS Sponsor Guidance - Appendix B / PBS Sponsor Guidance - Appendix C / PBS Sponsor Guidance - Appendix D

PBS - Government-approved Shortage Occupation List

A brief presentation has been produced to help employers: Manx Points Based System Presentation

Guidance and Contacts

“A Guide to Work Permits” can be downloaded here.

Please note that there is further guidance on the Appeal procedure here

Contact information

For work permit general enquiries: Telephone +44 (0)1624 682393 or email

Application Forms

The following application forms can be downloaded at the bottom of this page:

Employed - this form is for employers who need to employ persons who are not Isle of Man Workers; it is to be completed by both the employer and potential employee.
Self-Employed - this form is for persons who are not Isle of Man Workers who wish to commence self-employment in the Isle of Man
Overseas Students Scheme - this form is for individuals from outside the EEA who have been granted leave to enter the Isle of Man as students. This permit allows such students to work up to 20 hours per week during term time.

Please contact +44 (0)1624 682390 if you require an application form for the Overseas Labour Scheme. This form is for employers who need to employ individuals from outside the EEA in the Isle of Man. Please ensure that any application is completed in full, as failure to do so may result in processing delays.

Meetings of the Work Permit Committee

The Minister for Economic Development has delegated his power to make initial decisions on work permits to the Work Permit Committee. This Committee, which consists of a chairperson and two other members, has a wide knowledge of employment matters. Due to the large volume of applications it is impractical for the Committee to consider every case, and straightforward cases are dealt with on behalf of the Committee by its Secretary, acting under delegated authority.

The next meetings of the Work Permit Committee are scheduled to be: Tuesday 27th July and Monday 9th August.

If a work permit application is referred to the Committee for consideration, an advisory e mail will be sent, (subject to an email address being supplied) to the applicant.

Isle of Man Employment Law

Isle of Man employment law applies to employees on work permits. Applicable rights including entitlement to the minimum wage and paid holidays, maternity and paternity leave, and the right to a written statement of terms and conditions of employment. For further information go to www.emplaw.gov.im

Downloadable Documents