Welcome to the Seychelles Guide!
The Seychelles is a country of about 121,000 people that lives on tourism. About a third of its workers come from abroad, but most jobs must be offered to Seychellois first. It suits people ready to live in staff housing, a long way from home.
Who hires
In 2024 about one in five foreign workers was in hospitality and one in three in construction. There were about 400,000 visitors in 2025 and 8,408 rooms in 846 places to stay. Most are self-catering: hotels held about a third of the rooms in 2023. Almost everyone lives on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. Fish processing factories also hire abroad. Government hospitals and schools have hired abroad mainly through government agreements (2019).
When hiring happens
Work is year-round. In 2025 the busiest months were October to December, with about 38,500 visitors a month. January had about 27,000. The employer must get your work permit before you travel for the job.
Where you live and what it costs
Staff housing is usual: most foreign workers get free housing (government, 2024). Crowd-reported prices (November 2026) put a one-bedroom flat at about SCR 12,100 to 13,100 a month (about USD 835 to 905). The same reports put a cheap restaurant meal at about SCR 250 (about USD 17). A bus ride costs SCR 10 or less (about USD 0.70). Rent is expensive, and the country depends heavily on imports.
Daily life
Creole, English and French are the official languages. Most public holidays are Catholic feast days. Shops sell alcohol only at set hours. Drug possession can mean life in prison. The main hospital is in Victoria, and some isolated islands have no doctor. Ask before you swim: west coast beaches are unsafe around December to March, east coast beaches around May to September.
Getting there and around
The only international airport is on Mahé, 11 km from Victoria. Flights come from Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Addis Ababa, Nairobi and Mumbai. A fast ferry runs daily from Victoria to Praslin and La Digue. Buses on Mahé and Praslin are cheap, but most stop by 8 pm. In a taxi without a meter, agree the fare first.
What to watch for
- Some adverts say "Seychellois only". In a survey published in 2026, seven in ten Seychellois wanted fewer foreign job seekers.
- A pension deduction for permit holders was announced in 2026. It was not confirmed by November, so ask the employer.
- Arrivals fell by 37% in March 2026, when Middle East airspace closed, and grew again from July. About 60% of visitors connect through Gulf airports.
- Read your own government's travel advice for the Seychelles before you travel.
Never pay anyone for a job offer or a visa.
Before you apply
Below this guide, "Can I work in the Seychelles?" gives the answer for your passport, and "What the job usually comes with" covers housing, meals, flights and leave.
Can I work in the Seychelles?
Never pay anyone for a visa or a job offer. A real employer pays the permit costs and never asks you for money.
How it works
How it works: Gainful Occupation Permit after a local-first test; tied to one employer and one post.
Official source: Immigration and Civil Status: Gainful Occupation Permit. Checked November 2026.
What the job usually comes with in the Seychelles
Usual for the Seychelles, varies by employer. Checked November 2026.
| Housing | Provided (live-in) |
|---|---|
| Meals | Duty meals or full board |
| Flights | Joining flight; home ticket every 2 years |
| Service charge | No law; some resorts share it |
| Contract | About 2 years |
| Leave | 21 working days |
| Income tax | Expats 15% from the first rupee, up to 30% |
Senior staff often get more than line staff, for example a single room or a yearly home flight. Ask the employer what the job includes before you accept.
Guidance, not legal advice. Rules change; your employer confirms the details for your case.
Plan your move to the Seychelles