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.
Visa Advantages
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.
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.
