Living in Brunei
Advice for British people living in Brunei, including information on health, education, benefits, employment and more.
Overview
This guide sets out essential information for British citizens moving to or living in Brunei. Read about how the British High Commission in Bandar Seri Begawan can help.
This information is provided as a guide only. You should get definitive information from the Bruneian authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is not liable for any inaccuracies in this information.
Our publication Support for British Nationals Abroad: A Guide sets out how British nationals can stay safe abroad and how the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) can help if you do get into difficulty.
Read general guidance on moving or retiring abroad.
To stay up to date: follow the British High Commission in Bandar Seri Begawan on Facebook and Twitter.
Before you go
See our travel advice for Brunei for up-to-date information on entry requirements, local laws and customs, safety and emergencies.
Visas and residency
Check the entry requirements for Brunei in our travel advice.
Visit the Department of Immigration and National Registration website for further information and contact details of your nearest office if you wish to settle, visit or work in Brunei.
Make sure the entry stamp in your passport indicates the validity of your stay. There are strict penalties for overstaying.
If you’re staying longer than 90 days and/or visiting for non-tourist purposes, you will need to get a visa from the nearest Brunei diplomatic mission before you travel.
Passports and travel
You can apply for or renew your British passport from Brunei.
Check the Brunei travel advice for passport validity requirements.
Healthcare in Brunei
There is no reciprocal National Health Service agreement in Brunei and medical costs are to be borne by the individual.
Medical care is generally good in Brunei and relatively reasonable unless you opt for private hospital services. Healthcare is not provided free of charge in Brunei, but the government run hospital would extend their treatment without the need for any form of payment guarantee. You are expected to settle your bill prior to your discharge.
If you need emergency medical assistance, you can attend any medical clinic, hospital emergency room or dial 991 for an ambulance.
NOTE: UK Travel insurance providers will not generally cover your healthcare costs if you live overseas.
Medicine
If you are on a prescription for any medication you should ensure you have a supply of it, or are able to obtain it when in Brunei. Certain medicines may not be available in Brunei (including major brands readily available in the UK), and you may be prohibited from taking them into the country. You should consult your GP before travelling to Brunei to find out about any alternative medication.
Read the guidance if you need to travel with medicines
Working in Brunei
If you are planning to move to Brunei and work, you may need a visa. The Department of Immigration and National Registration issues work visas. Liaise with your company’s HR department or their affiliates for further information on work visa requirements and applying for one.
Studying in Brunei
If you plan to study in Brunei, you must meet all visa requirements before you travel.
Contact the relevant higher education provider in Brunei to check what fees you have to pay.
Tax
The UK has a double taxation agreement with Brunei so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries. Ask the relevant tax authority your questions about double taxation relief.
You should get professional advice on paying tax in Brunei. Find an English-speaking lawyer in Brunei
Read guidance on:
tax if you leave the UK to live abroad
tax on your UK income if you live abroad
tax if you get a pension and live abroad
paying National Insurance while abroad to protect your State Pension and entitlement to other benefits and allowances.
Benefits
Check which UK benefits you can claim while abroad and how to claim them.
Many income-related benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit cannot be paid if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.
Pensions
Read State Pension guidance if you have lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and you are claiming or waiting to claim your UK State Pension.
If you retire in Brunei, you can claim your UK State Pension or new UK State Pension. Contact the International Pension Centre for further information.
Life certificates for UK State Pensions
If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you must respond as soon as possible. Your payments may be suspended if you do not.
Money and banking
The official currency of Brunei is the Brunei dollar. Credit cards are accepted at most major establishments and many places also accept payment apps such as Pocket or payment through a local bank transfer However, a number of shops and restaurants will only accept cash and will not have a credit card facility. Most other major currencies are convertible at banks, hotels, or official moneychangers.
Accommodation and buying property
Foreign nationals can own properties through strata titles, although only Brunei citizens can own land in Brunei. Refer to a local lawyer for further advice on buying or renting property in Brunei.
Driving in Brunei
You can drive in Brunei with a valid UK driving licence for up to a year. If residing in Brunei for more than 12 months, you must take the Highway Code Test and Practical Driving Test. Those who fail the test will need to register with appointed driving schools to undergo a Highway Code Class and Practical Driving Training course.
For more information on the matter, contact the Land Transport Department of the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications
If you’re asked for a letter authenticating, certifying or validating your UK driver’s licence, you should contact your UK issuing office (e.g. the DVLA)
Guidance for travelling by road in Brunei see travelling by road
If you wish to take your vehicle with you, see taking vehicles out of the UK
For more information on driving abroad see driving abroad
Voting
You may be able to vote in some UK elections. You can:
Births, deaths, marriage and civil partnership
Births
If your child is born in Brunei you should register the birth with the local authorities. You can then register with the UK authorities and apply for a UK birth certificate. Register a birth abroad
If your child has British nationality, you do not need to register the birth with the UK authorities to apply for a British passport. (https://www.gov.uk/get-a-child-passport/first-child-passport).
Deaths
If someone dies in Brunei read our guidance on:
What to do if someone dies abroad
Bereavement guidance for Brunei
English-speaking funeral directors in Brunei
Marriage and civil partnership
Find out how you can get married or get a civil partnership abroad.
Same sex marriage services are not provided in Brunei.
Pets
If you’re moving to Brunei with your pet, read the guidance and ensure you comply with the regulations:
Dog owners must register annually before the 1st of February 2023 for a dog licence (or as soon as possible after the dog is three months old) at your local municipal department.
The licence can be obtained for a small fee, and includes a serial number tag provided by the government.
Dog owners who fail to register the dog may face penalties including fines and/or imprisonment.
Emergencies
Dial 991 for the ambulance service.
Dial 995 for fire and rescue.
Dial 993 for police.
Dial 998 for Search and Rescue.
Dial 995 to report a missing child.
If you have been the victim of a rape or sexual assault in Brunei, read the Brunei: information for survivors of rape and sexual assault
See also victim of rape and sexual assault abroard
Find an English-speaking lawyer in Brunei
If you’re the victim of a crime, have been arrested, or are affected by a crisis, contact the British High Commission in Bandar Seri Begawan.
Read the guidance on international parental child abduction if your child may be at risk of this.
Returning to the UK
Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently which includes information on bringing family members, tax and access to services.
Disclaimer
This information is provided as a guide only. Definitive information should be obtained from the Brunei authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information.
Last updated 27 June 2023 + show all updates
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Update to section on Pets.
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New information on living in Brunei and updated website links.
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Coronavirus section added with a link to guidance on vaccines.
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Updated list of medical facilities and practitioners
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Updated list of medical facilities and practitioners
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First published.