The Isle of Man Immigration

Introduction

The Isle of Man is a self-governing British Crown Dependency, an island located in the middle of England and Ireland. The Isle of Man covers an area of ​​approximately 572 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 85,000 people. The Isle of Man is also a United Nations designated biosphere, with diverse mountain landscapes, forests and beaches.

Although the Isle of Man is a British Crown dependency, it is not actually part of the United Kingdom and has its own government and tax laws. However, as a Common Travel Area, if you come to the Isle of Man with a visa to live or naturalize to the Isle of Man, you will get a British passport and enjoy the same rights and benefits as British citizens. Its citizens can freely stay in the Isle of Man, the United Kingdom or Ireland for a long stay, study and work. There is a very close connection between the Isle of Man and the United Kingdom which also have closely connected shipping routes, making travel very convenient. The Isle of Man has an extremely low crime rate and is one of the safest places to live in the British Isles.

Isle of Man Immigration
Isle of Man Immigration

Visa Advantages

Isle of Man Immigration
  • The Isle of Man passport is equivalent to the British passport. After obtaining the passport, you can enjoy the same status as a British citizen and have the right to use the services of the British embassy and diplomatic offices around the world.

  • Low investment threshold.

  • As an international offshore business center, the Isle of Man has a wide range of employment opportunities

  •  Average salaries are higher than in the UK and personal taxes are among the lowest in Europe

  • No capital taxes, land and inheritance tax or stamp duty

  • 0% Corporate income tax

IOM Video

The following are site visit videos we co-organized with the Isle of Man Government:

Discover the vibrant towns of Douglas and Ramsey, stroll through streets and museums, and meet students at the prestigious King William’s College.

Discover the real estate market and transportation options available, with a spotlight on immigration matters. Plus, don’t miss our exclusive interview with the CEO of Manx Care, unveiling the comprehensive medical services offered on the island.

Talking of the Isle of Man, many people know it has the longstanding nickname of a “tax haven.” With the UK set to abolish the non-dom tax status, what unique tax advantages does the Isle of Man continue to offer today?

In this episode, we interviewed Isle of Man government officials to understand the visa pathways and process to obtain British citizenship in detail. Join us as we uncover the visa and immigration system on the island. 

As the final episode of this journey, we interviewed three Hong Kong people living on the island. They were at different stages of their lives, each with their own stories and dreams. 

IOM Visa types

  • The BNO visa for the Isle of Man allows British National Overseas passport holders to reside on the island for a period of 5 years. This visa provides you with the opportunity to study, work on the island and you can enjoy free medical service at the Manx’s care healthcare system. 
  • After residing on the Isle of Man for 5 years on a BNO visa, you can apply for permanent residency status. Permanent residency on the Isle of Man is equivalent to permanent residency in the UK and offers various benefits, including the right to live, work, and access public services on the island.
  • Once you have obtained permanent residency, you have the option to apply for British citizenship. After 6 years of continuous residence on the Isle of Man, you can apply for British citizenship and obtain a British passport (IOM version). This allows you to enjoy the privileges and rights associated with British citizenship. 
  • If you have already been granted the BNO visa for the UK and have been living there for some time, but now wish to move to the Isle of Man, you are entitled to do so, as the BNO visa (UK version) is equally valid in the Isle of Man. You can still count the time spent in the UK towards the 5-year permanent residency period on the Isle of Man.
  • Applicants must be over 18 years old

  • Meet English proficiency requirements
    (Pass a recognized English language test with at least CEFR level B2 in reading, writing, speaking and listening)

  • For people with business experience seeking to establish, join or take over one or businesses in the Isle of Man.

  • Minimum £50,000 to invest in the business. Look to employ 3 people by year 3.

  • Innovative, viable and scaleable business idea.

  • A letter of approval from the Department for Enterprise of the Isle of Man Government is required. Applicants can discuss their business plan prior to a formal submission.

  • The business plan applying for a letter of approval must demonstrate in detail a unique or innovative business proposition that meets existing market needs. It also needs to have short-term and long-term goals, key customers, confirmed orders, expected number of employees, job types and salary levels, etc.

  • Applicants will need to be resident in the Isle of Man. The Department for Enterprise will maintain regular contact every six months to ensure reasonable progress is being made.

  • If joining or taking over an existing business, need to demonstrate how the investment will be made and the impact on the business.

  • Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves and any dependents on the Isle of Man.

  • This initial visa is for three years, applicant can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) at Year 3.

  • Applicants need to live in the Isle of Man for at least 180 days per year.

  • Can apply for British Citizenship after 5years of residency.

In order to qualify for a Sole Representative of an Overseas Business visa you will demonstrate that your overseas company:

  • Has its headquarters and principal place of business outside the United Kingdom and Isle of Man;

  • Has no other active branch, subsidiary or representative in the UK or Isle of Man (There are currently no industry restrictions);

  • Intends to establish a registered branch or wholly-owned subsidiary in the Isle of Man that will actively trade in the same business activity as the overseas business;

  • The overseas business will not be established or the sole representative appointed mainly for the purpose of facilitating the entry or stay of the sole representative;

  • Intends to maintain the centre of its operations overseas.

You will also need to demonstrate that you:

  • Are a genuine Representative of an Overseas Business;

  • Are an existing senior employee of the overseas business;

  • Have been recruited and taken on as an employee of the overseas business outside of the UK and Isle of Man;

  • Have the skills, experience and knowledge of the business necessary to undertake the role of sole representative of the overseas business in the Isle of Man;

  • Have full authority to negotiate and take operational decisions on behalf of the overseas business;

  • Intend to work full-time as a representative of the overseas business;

  • Do not intend to engage in business of your own or work for any other business;

  • Do not have a majority stake in, or otherwise own or control, a majority of the overseas business, whether that ownership or control is by means of a shareholding, partnership agreement, sole proprietorship or any other arrangement;

  • Can show English language ability to at least CEFR Level A1 (speaking and listening);

  • Can show you can adequately maintain and accommodate yourself and your dependants in the Isle of Man, without recourse to public funds.