Work Permits

The Control of Employment Act 1975, together with the Regulations and Orders made under the Act, provide the statutory framework under which the Department of Trade and Industry operates and enforces the work permit system. 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.

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 while 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.

Guidance and Contacts

“A Guide to Work Permits” can be downloaded 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-emloyment 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.

Minister's Policy Guidelines

From time to time the Minister provides guidelines as to the issue of permits which are based on current labour market conditions. Copies of recent press releases regarding such guidelines can be found in the list of downloadable documents below.

Meetings of the Work Permit Committee

The Minister for Trade and Industry 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 9th February and Tuesday 23rd February 2010.

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.

The Control of Employment (Exemptions) Order 2009

The Control of Employment (Exemptions) Order 2009 was approved by Tynwald in December 2009 and came into operation on 1st January 2010. The Order exempts thirteen types of temporary and intermittent employments and three categories of permanent employment from the requirement for work permits. Information about the Order is included in the new edition of the guide.

Copies of the Control of Employment Act as well as the Regulations and Orders made under the Act can be found at the bottom of the page.

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