Country guide · 2026Move to Brunei: Visas, Costs and the Real Logic of Relocation
Brunei is viable only for oil and gas sector workers — Shell, TotalEnergies, Petronas contracts. Lifestyle is severely restricted: alcohol completely banned under sharia law. Everything interesting is in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia (1-hour flight).
Overview
Why Choose Brunei
Brunei is viable only for oil and gas sector workers — Shell, TotalEnergies, Petronas contracts. Everything interesting is in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia (1-hour flight).
Alcohol is completely banned under sharia law — criminal liability. Lifestyle is severely limited and the job market outside oil and gas is essentially closed.
Visas
Visa Routes in 2026
Conditions change regularly. Verify current requirements on official government sources before applying.
| Visa | Duration | Key Requirements | Who It's For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment Pass | 2 years, renewable | Employer sponsorship | Employed workers |
| Dependant Pass | With EP | Family of EP holder | Families of professionals |
| Tourist Visa | 14–30 days | Visa-free for many countries | Tourism |
Cost of Living
Cost of Living in Brunei
Excludes insurance, visa fees, flights and setup costs.
Top Cities: Bandar Seri Begawan
Analysis
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Zero income tax — Shell/TotalEnergies contracts give high take-home pay
- Petrol at $0.30/litre (government subsidy), basic services subsidised
- Exceptional safety — on par with Japan
- English is official, all administration in English
Cons
- Alcohol completely banned under sharia law: criminal liability
- Lifestyle severely restricted — not suitable for an active expat lifestyle
- Work outside oil and gas is extremely hard to find
- Everything interesting is in Kota Kinabalu (1-hour flight), Malaysia
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Official Sources To Verify Before You Pay
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