Apply for or renew a work permit

Changes

The latest round of work permit changes will commence on Monday 15 January 2017. This will include a new ability for employers, self-employed workers, and spouses, civil partners, and cohabiting partners to apply online for a work permit. Employers will also be able to register their exempted workers. There will also be a new, single party work permit application form in the case of employed workers. This follows recent changes which allowed non-Isle of Man worker cohabiting partners to apply for a work permit, a single fee of £60 per application, and removing the limits on durations of permits in most cases, which were introduced on the 1 November 2017. Further details, including links to the new online applications will appear on this page shortly.

Applying for a permit

An application for a work permit may be made to the Department by an employer to employ a specific individual or by a self-employed person on behalf of themselves. If granted, the permit will be limited to employment by the employer in a specified capacity; it may also specify a place of work and may be issued subject to conditions. Once issued, the permit cannot be varied other than by a new application (except in those specific circumstances set out in variation of permit) so an employee cannot usually change employment unless the employer first obtains a new work permit.

If requested by the Department, CVs of all applicants for the post must be submitted in redacted form. This will help to establish whether any suitable Isle of Man workers applied for the position.

We aim to process all applications as quickly as possible. The overwhelming majority of applications are processes the same, or next working day, with at least 51% of all applications processed within 3 days. An incomplete application, or one which it is necessary to refer to the Work Permit Committee for consideration will take longer, however, you will be advised directly of an approximate timeframe.

It is not necessary to make an application for a work permit where the position and/or individual you wish to employ are covered by an exemption. There are a range of exemptions in place to cover a variety of temporary, intermittent and some permanent employments. Please see the ‘Exemptions’ page for further information.

In addition, the following may apply for a permit which is not limited to any specific employment:

• The spouse, civil partner or cohabiting partner of a work permit holder or an exempt person, provided that the work permit holder or exempt person is engaged in permanent, regular full-time employment
• The cohabiting partner of an Isle of Man worker

For further information (including application form) see automatic work permits.

Renewing a permit

If the employment is to continue past the date of expiry of the work permit, an application to renew a permit is required. Normally, it is not necessary to fill out a new application form; the original permit includes a renewal slip which can be sent to the work permit office. 

Making an application

An application can be made for either a new or renewal Employed Work Permit Application below.

If you are Self-employed, you can apply for either a new or renewal application below.

The Department's decision

The Department will issue a decision on each work permit application. If the Department decides:

(a)   To refuse to grant or renew a permit; or

(b)   To grant or renew a permit for a shorter period than that applied for; or

(c)    To include a condition in a permit

It will include a statement of the reasons for the decision and information about how an appeal to the Work Permit Appeal Tribunal can be made.

Written notice of an appeal should be given to the Tribunal Clerk within 7 days of notification of the relevant decision.