Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

Expat moving to Brunei will find a small, tropical country to live in. With just a population of over 400,000 residents, you’ll definitely enjoy this place. In fact, Brunei has one of the highest living standards in the world, just like the Cayman Islands. The country is booming, and thanks to its thriving oil and gas industry.

As of today, we can tell you thank Brunei has the highest expat contingent of around 40 percent of the country’s population. With the prospect of lucrative employment, packages have enticed most foreigners, the standard of living, educational system, infrastructural facilities, and more, the benefits of living in this country cannot be overemphasized.

However, new arrivals are sure to experience some culture shock. I’m sure you might be wondering why cultural shock, right? If that sounds like a yes, have it in mind that this country is strictly an Islamic nation. So, be expecting yourself to dress modestly, and also refrain from physical contact between members of the opposite gender in public.

Not only is that, but it’s worth noting that any sexual contact or compromising behavior between non-Muslims and Muslims in the country can lead to severe punishment and deportation in this country. In this case, you need to be wary of the rules and regulations. Would you love to know more about Brunei?

Of course, many people will understand the cultural shock and still want to live in this wonderful country. Have you been surfing the internet to get the right information about Brunei? Worry less, and look no further! We have compiled everything you need to know in this article. Continue reading to get the full details.

Brunei Economic Overview and its System

While Brunei is a small nation, there are many things you need to know about this country. In fact, the country boasts an incredibly wealthy economy, largely down to its international relations, and widely known as oil deposits. This way, each day, around 167,000 barrels of oil are produced in the country.

Similarly, about 25.3 million cubic meters of liquefied natural gas are also produced. Aside from that, this country is the fourth-largest producer of oil in Southeast Asia, and it’s even one of the wealthiest countries in the world as of today.

Meanwhile, other income from overseas investments helps the country. Besides, most of these investments are managed by the Brunei investment agency, a department of the ministry of finance in the country. More so, this money is being used by the government to pay for all medical services, among others.

Given the makeup of this country’s climate and environment, it should be noted that they relies heavily on import. This way, many foods, and their supplements are brought into the country. And with a recent estimation, around 60% of its required goods are imported, with 75% coming from the Asian countries.

Over the few years, this country’s leaders hope to increase the workforce and reduce unemployment. However, they planned to grow the banking sector and the tourism industry to make the small nation become famous, just like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Therefore, it is hoped that in the next few years, there will be a rise in the tourism and banking industry of the Brunei nation.

With the information above, many expats now see this country as an excellent place to work and earn without disturbance from any third party. More so, Brunei’s placement as a bridge between Europe and Oceania means that it is a perfect hub for anyone looking to spread their business across continents.

10 interesting facts You Should Know about Brunei

It’s no doubt that Brunei is a small nation, but it has many things you’d never think of. This country is found in the northern portion of the island of Borneo. Not only is that, but it has one of Southeast Asia’s wealthiest economies. Many exciting facts would make you visit this nation. In this section, we will walk you through the exciting facts about Brunei. Without further ado, take a look at it below.

1.    Home to the Largest Residential Palace

This is one of the first things to put into consideration about this small nation. According to research and experience from some of our expatriates, the Istana Nurul Iman is the formal residence of Brunei’s Sultan. Aside from that, it also serves as the seat of the country’s government.

Additionally, this palace is located in a picturesque landscape on the banks of the Brunei River. Again, it is worth visiting because the palace has about 1,788 rooms, 257 bathrooms, a lovely mosque, a garage with space for 110 cars, 5 swimming pools, a massive banquet hall, and many others, to mention a few.

Not only is that, but this palace has a total floor space of about 2,152,782 square feet. With this, the palace seems to be the world’s largest residential palace as per the Guinness World Records.

2.    Home to an Entire Settlement Supported By Stilts

Have you ever seen a settlement supported by Stilts on a river before? If you answered no, this is one of the things that’d surprise you in this country. Often dubbed as the Venice of the East, the Kampong Ayer is a historical settlement on the Brunei River, and it flows past the Bandar Seri Begawan city of the country.

Not only is that, but the most interesting feature of this place is that it has houses and other buildings supported by these same stilts standing over the water. With that being said, research also disclosed that the buildings are interconnected by walkways and bridges, creating a contiguous settlement. Meanwhile, it contributes to one of the best tourists attractions in the country.

3.    First Country to Ban Shark Finning

This is another interesting fact you need to put into consideration. If it sounds weird, you should know that this has happened in the past, but the fact still remains the same. Shark finning is a cruel practice in the country, which is detrimental to many species of sharks.

In June 2013, as research disclosed, the country became the first Asian country to ban shark finning. And surprisingly, it was a move applauded by conservation organizations worldwide. But according to this ban, no shark species could be caught or have landed in the waters of Brunei Darussalam.

4.    Home to the Biggest Amusement Park

When talking about amusement parks in Southeast Asia, you don’t have to think twice before you mention Brunei. Besides, Jerudong Park is an amusement park that was established in the country back then in 1994.

This park is located in Jerudong and with a whopping $1 billion that was spent in amusement construction; you should know that it’s the best, though the government fully funded it.  And with this unique construction, this amusement park is regarded as the largest and the most expensive park in Southeast Asia.

5.    Home to World’s Most Picture-Perfect Mosques

I’m sure you might have been thinking about the United Arab Emirates or the beautiful mosques in Saudi Arabia, right? Of course, they all have beautiful mosques. But, we can tell you that this country remains the best picture-perfect place known in the world.

Moreover, this Brunei’s mosques are well-known for their elegance. Not only is that, but traditional and futuristic elements are perfectly blended in the architecture of these mosques. A good example is the Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque that uses a mixture of Mughal and Malay elements in its design.

6.    Home to Second -Longest Reigning Monarch

The sultan of Brunei is known to hold the position of the second-longest reigning current monarch. Hassanal Bolkiah, the current leader of Brunei, ascended the throne on October 5, 1967, as result disclosed. And with over 50 years of rule, he’s the world’s second longest-reigning current monarch after Queen Elizabeth II of Britain.

7.    Home to World’s Rarest Wildlife Species

If you travel to this country for the first time, don’t be surprised to see the rainforest with some of the rarest wildlife species. Many people might see Brunei as a small country, but it has managed to conserve 70 percent of its rainforests despite development pressures.

In spite of this fact, the forests in this country are home to some of the most threatened species you would ever think of. For example, the Sunda clouded leopard, flying lizards, saltwater crocodiles, and many others, to mention a few are some of the country’s most notable wildlife species.

8.    Billionth Barrel Celebration

For the fact that the country is notable when it comes to oil production, the locals and the entire nation choose to celebrate it. The production of oil and natural gas in Brunei accounts for 90 percent of the country’s economy. This implies that they only rely on crude oil as their major source of revenue.

Furthermore, the onshore oil field at Seria in Brunei is one of the country’s most popular and important oil fields. Besides, in 1991, a monument called the Billionth Barrel Monument was built to celebrate the production of the Seria oilfield’s billionth barrel of oil.

9.    Sultan has the Final Say in Brunei

Unlike in the western world, where the president has to present the project to the senate and other bodies before his project would be approved, it’s quite different here in Brunei. The Sultan of Brunei is the absolute monarch of the nation. And whatever he says is the final, with nobody questioning his authority. Also, he serves as the Prime Minister, Defense Minister, and Finance Minister of the country.

On the other hand, Brunei does have a parliament, but no election was held in the past several decades. Not only is that, but the country’s legal system is based on both Islamic Sharia law and the English common law. So, we can say that the latter supersedes the former in many critical cases.

10. No Income Tax Payment

Since Brunei mostly operates on Sharia law, it’s no surprise that the citizens of this country do not pay income tax. Moreover, we can tell you that Brunei happens to be one of just 13 countries in the world that has an individual tax rate of zero percent.

Pros and Cons of Moving to Brunei

Once you’ve located Brunei, its size, population, and many other things, you need to understand why the country remains the lead in Asia. With the country wholly reliant on its oil and gas production, the benefits of living in this country cannot be overemphasized. Without further ado, below are the pros and cons of living in this small nation as an expatriate.

Pros

Finding Fellow Expats is Easy

Finding fellow expatriates is relatively easy in this country. Unlike in says Dubai, foreigners are in the minority because they are few, and with the Sharia laws, it’s quite difficult for people to relocate. On the other hand, the foreign community mixes well in Brunei.

In fact, you’ll likely see most of the expatriates speaking English, having social contacts with Bruneians only go to work and school. But a particularly enjoyable customs and tradition for foreigners to share is the open house visitation. Aside from this fact, you can be fortunate enough to be invited to a traditional Malay wedding, which is an essential aspect of Brunei culture.

Opportunity to Enjoy the Country’s Nightlife

Another thing you’ll enjoy while relocating to this country is the nightlife. Although they follow strict restrictions just like other Islamic nations but you’ll enjoy the life it offers. Meanwhile, non-Muslims may import limited quantities of alcohol for personal consumption, but you’ll still find most beaches suitable for sunbathing or water sports.

Good Healthcare System in Brunei

This also contributes to another benefit of moving to this country. If you’ve never been to Asia, I’m sure you’d love to visit this country. This is because; expats feel more confident about the country’s healthcare system. Also, there are hospitals in every district, along with about ten health clinics and 16 health centres dotted about the capital and largest city. This way, you’ll enjoy visiting the country.

Transportation in Brunei

Transportation in Brunei is second to none. Moreover, the population is linked by a network of roads stretching to about 1,700 miles. Currently, the 84-mile highway has been upgraded to a dual carriageway to ease the flow of traffic between these two important financial points. Also, you don’t have to worry about traffic while traveling to any destination of your choice while living in this country.

High Standard of Living

 This is another thing to put into consideration while moving to this country for the first time. Sometimes, you might expect to see something good, but it could turn out to be negative. Notwithstanding, worry less if you find yourself in this nation because the standard of living is what you’ll certainly love. From infrastructures to social standards, low crime rates, and more, you need to give Brunei a trial.

Cost of Living in Brunei

As said earlier in this article, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy this nation with everything it has to offers. Brunei has a relatively low cost of living. That being said, it is more expensive than its neighboring countries. Regardless of this fact, expats in Brunei will earn well and will afford a comfortable lifestyle and a high standard of living.

Good Educational System

While the educational system in Brunei is still young, it’s of a high standard. Besides, it’s continually growing, and thanks to the large government investments in the country. Moreover, English is the main language, and Brunei is taught in Malay. Nevertheless, expats generally opt to send their children to international schools so that they can continue with a standard curriculum, and that’s why Brunei is exceptional.

Good Natural Environment

Brunei’s natural environment provides much to keep families busy outside of work and even in school settings. With an extensive coastline packed with beaches and an abundance of gorgeous rainforest, there’s plenty to occupy the time of families that enjoy exploring the outdoor activities in this country.

Cons

Weather Conditions & Climate Change

This could be one of the most significant challenges you’ll ever experience as an expat moving to Brunei for the first time. This country is a tropical rainforest climate that is characterized by hot and humid weather, with plenty of rainfall. However, the country doesn’t experience a dry period, but it has two monsoon seasons each year, from December to February and June to October.

Meanwhile, expats moving to this country may need to make some adjustments to their lifestyles and overcome elements of culture shocks. Besides, you may likely be rewarded with a high standard of living and an array of new opportunities in the country.

Cultural Shock

If you’re not a Muslim, and this is your first time traveling to a Muslim nation, you might experience a cultural shock. And this is exactly what may happen to you during your first visit to Brunei. This is why; we recommend you to make enough research before catching up on a flight to this small country.

Strictly Alcohol Consumption

The same rule that applies to Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and other Islamic nations is what happens in this country as well. You’ll hardly see hotels that sell alcohol or other things against Islamic religion in public. But, an excellent way to see people selling alcohol is if they are being given a license from the government.

Frequently Asked Questions about Brunei

Is Brunei a safe place to live?

Undoubtedly, Brunei is one of the best places to live as an expat. In fact, if you’re enterprising and resourceful, living in Brunei can be a very comfortable and enjoyable experience for you. While the government has promoted this small nation as the kingdom of unexpected treasures, be ready to explore the entire country in just one day.

How can I stay in Brunei?

There are different ways to stay in Brunei as an expat as of today. Meanwhile, if you need to stay longer than your visa allows, then you might have to apply for a Brunei visa extension at one of the local immigration offices in the country. Moreover, if you’re visa-exempt and know before traveling to this country, all you need is to apply for a visa at the embassy.

Can I dress like the Western world in Brunei?

If we get the questions right, you probably want to dress like how the Americans do? If that sounds like a yes, remember Brunei is an Islamic nation. Here, we will advise you not to wear shorts but instead, stick to lighter fabrics. Meanwhile, to get into the significant mosquitoes in Brunei, you’ll be given a garment.

How can I get Brunei citizenship?

There are many ways to get Brunei citizenship in today’s 21^st century. Some of these ways include; naturalization; acquisition of Bruneian citizenship is only possible through marriage or adoption. This may warrant the foreign spouse to register for citizenship after ten years residency in the country.

Which language is common in Brunei?

While the standard language in this country is Malay, the Brunei Malay variety is more widely spoken. Besides, it is substantially different from Standard Malay and is spoken by about thirds of the population. On the other hand, you don’t have to worry if you come from a western nation because you’ll definitely see people speaking English everywhere.

Can foreigners work in Brunei without disturbance?

Of course, foreigners can work in the country without a doubt. On the flip side, those who intend to work in the country must have a valid employment visa authorized by the department of immigration and national registration. It must also be issued at the Brunei Embassy. So, if you’ve wanted to make Brunei your next destination, ensure you have the necessary visa requirements to meet up.

Conclusion

Moving to Brunei is nothing but the best choice for ex-pats looking to experience the Asian lifestyle. Information for expatriates about moving to this beautiful country has been revealed above. Though it’s a small nation, but the country boasts an incredibly wealthy economy because of the crude oil. Nonetheless, follow this platform for more information about Brunei.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

How does it feel to live in a small nation? Have you ever thought of that and probably want to experience one? Brunei Darussalam is a relatively small nation located on the northern shore of the island of Borneo. Most of the people living in this country practice Islamic large with Sharia laws.

The weather in this country is hot, humid, and at times rainy. Besides, the average temperature is 21°C and an average rainfall of almost 2.9 meters annually during their two monsoon seasons. With rain in Brunei brings unspoiled natural rain forests with an abundance of untamed wilderness couple with some beautiful iconic, white sandy beaches, it’s always a wonderful place to explore

Now, you would want to ask yourself that, what does it feel to live in a small country? If this is you, worry less. Nearly 40 percent of Brunei’s population consists of expat who resides in the country mainly on account of tax-free income and attractive employment packages.

Expats from North America and Western Europe will also find that the cost of living in Brunei is relatively low compared to other countries. Meanwhile, living in this country could bring a cultural shock. As said earlier, it is an Islamic country with strict rules and regulations. This way, foreigners are expected to respect and abide by the country’s local standards.

Have you been surfing the internet to get the right information about living in Brunei? Or do you want to get your visa but feel the need to know more about this country? Look no further, as we’ve got you covered. In this article, we have compiled the best places to reside in Brunei and many other things.

Top 10 Things to Do in Brunei in 2021

Brunei is considered to be a safe place for expatriates, as there are strict regulations. Drugs, laws, and alcohol are prohibited in this country. Not only is that, but the healthcare system is second to none. In this section, we will walk you through the top ten things to do in Brunei as an expat. Without further ado, take a look at it below.

1.    Visiting a Central Mosque

Of course, there are many mosques you’ll see in this country. Having been a devoutly Islamic country, Brunei has a number of picture-perfect mosques. Two especially spectacular ones are the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque and the Jame Asr Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque.

The interior designs of these mosques are lavish, with the floor and walls made from the highest grade of Italian marble. In general, the mosque ripples with life, especially in the evenings, when people visit it for evening prayers or to eat and shop around.

2.    Get a Glimpse of Life in a Water Village

Getting a taste of life in a water village is one thing you need to put into consideration. Kampong Ayer is known as the world’s biggest water village and is located on the outskirts of Bandar Seri Begawan. More so, it has been in existence for centuries, weathering the inconstancy of nature and time

However, this life in a water village stands as a significant landmark of Brunei and also serves as a trade center. You can as well explore the Bruner River, located in the middle of the city. Aside from this fact, there are also government officers and people working in the public sector.

3.    Visiting the Royal Regalia Museum

Located on the outskirts of the downtown area, this wonderful museum places a lot to know about the country. It mostly exhibits gifts that the Sultans have received from the different heads of state of the world.

This museum also houses things that have been used in important events such as coronation ceremonies. Not only is that, but it has replicas of the Sultan’s throne, crowns, gowns, and even weapons. Therefore, a visit to Royal Regalia Museum will give you an idea of the absolute monarchy that rules the country.

4.    Exploring Boat Ride to Banger

One of the fun things you’d ever enjoy doing in this country is to take an exciting boat trip from the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan to the city of a banger. Often, this is done via speedboat, which weaves through many meandering rivers, and the feeling you get is similar to that of a rollercoaster.

In addition, the banger is a small, sleepy town and the capital of the Temburong district. Besides, it serves as the gateway to the Batu Apoi forest reserve and the Ulu temburong national park. But, always have it in mind that the best time to explore a boat ride in this city is from December to February.

5.    Have a Wonderful Feast at Tamu Selera

Tamu Selera in Brunei literally means Appetite Park and is a popular nighttime food stall area where expats can try different cuisine and a variety of foods at affordable rates. This place is an open area that offers Malaysian and Indonesian dishes that you’ll undoubtedly enjoy.

Locals in this place operate the stalls, and expats may face a bit of a language barrier here. Besides, it would be a good idea to bring a native friend along while visiting this attraction. Some of the popular dishes you can explore here include; fried chicken, and noodles, satay, and many others, to mention a few.

6.    Visiting Empire Hotel & Country Club

Another place to explore in this small nation is to stay or take a wonderful picture at the empire hotel and country club. This place is a vast property with several wings, a number of restaurants, and a spectacular lagoon pool, which offers stunning views of the South China Sea. So, if you want to take a picture and enjoy the cool weather of Brunei’s outdoor activities, this is the right place to go.

7.    Joining a Barbeque in Brunei

Joining a Barbeque is a popular way to cook in this country, and there are a number of public barbeques scattered along the beaches. If you’ve not done something like this in Brunei, you’d never know how sweet the country is. Besides, two of the most popular places for a barbeque are Maura Beach and Berakas Beach, where you can barbeque some delicious food and also engage in a game of soccer or Frisbee.

Those who would like a taste of barbequed food but don’t want to cook it themselves can also head to Gadong night market, where they can find fresh, inexpensive barbequed chicken or fish. Also, if you prefer something else, you can easily get them around. Meanwhile, this is an excellent opportunity to enjoy a meal in the outdoor cabana while taking in the stunning sunset.

8.    Opportunity to Walk in the Wild

As research made it known, over 80 percent of Brunei is still an unspoiled jungle, lush and humid. In this case, a walk through the virgin jungle will feel like a walk back in time. Aside from this fact, there are also some beautiful waterfalls to explore. So, if you’re unsure about walking through the thick humid jungle, you can definitely go walking at Tasek Lama and Bukit Shabandar.

Moreover, the Tasek Lama is popular among locals, and many expats go there to get their morning exercise. Not only is that, but it is also a family-friendly park as there are a number of playgrounds throughout the park. But Bukit Shabandar is a hill with several walking trails that get people’s attention.

9.    Exploring Kampong Ayer

One of the most exciting things to do in Brunei is to rent a boat from the harbor to motor through the world’s largest water village with 30,000 people and the mangrove area around it to enjoy our stay. If you want to experience this place better, you can visit kampong Ayer at night to get a different view.

10. Exploring Ulu Temburong at Night

As opposed to the rest of Borneo, where logging and palm oil plantations are the sources of much concern from environmental agencies and the public as a whole, Brunei’s jungle is virgin, and this place is known as one of the most visited places in the country.

Best Places to Resides in Brunei as an Expat

Undoubtedly, Brunei has some of the world’s best travel destinations and cities in the world. The independent Islamic sultanate is well known for its various beaches and the dense rainforests of Borneo Island. In this section, we have compiled some of the best places to live in Brunei. Without further ado, check it out now.

Bandar Seri Begawan

This is known as one of the most developed cities in Brunei. In a nutshell, it is the capital and the largest city with a vibrant cultural place known for its golden-domed mosques along the lagoon. Some of the things to do in Bandar Seri Begawan include the following.

• Fall in love with the architecture of Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque because of its luxurious settings
• Visit Istana Amal, which is the royal residence of the Sultan of Brunei
• Taste the authentic cheap yet delicious street food in the Gadong night Market
• Learn more about the royal life in the Royal Regalia Museum while watching the chariots and many ceremonial functions.
• Shop different works of art, including the vegetables, snacks, and other food in the zippy Kianggeh market of the town

Jerudong

This is known as the park city of Brunei, with several urban settlements. Not only is that, but it is famous for its free amusement park, which seems to be the largest in Southeast Asia. Without further ado, below are the things to do in Jerudong.

• Expats will enjoy a large number of thrilling rides in Jerudong Park, featuring playgrounds, gardens, and a free amusement park
• You can cool down yourself while enjoying the watery rides in this beautiful park
• Expatriates can also locate the Jerudong Park Musical Fountain, a recreational center where you can enjoy beautiful monuments and the Brunei tradition.
• You can go shopping and dining in the beachside shops and restaurants in the vicinity

Gadong

Gadong is the commercial center of Brunei, and it is also famous for having one of the best shopping centers in the country. The best time to visit this country is from January till May during the nighttime. Some of the things to do in this city include the following.

• You can take a boat ride in the river to get a different perspective of the whole city
• Expatriates can quickly get treated with the melodious Bruneian food  in various restaurants available in the street
• You can also roam across the city’s traditional streets where you can see famous mosques in the country
• Always have it in mind that you can take a taxi to reach anywhere you’re going while having an endless shopping experience

Kampong Ayer

This city is known to have some unique historic settlements near the city of Bandar Seri Begawan that literally means water village. If you’d love to see where the best schools in Brunei are located, this is the right place. Meanwhile, check below some of the things you need to do in Kampong Ayer.

• Take more adorable photographs to create beautiful memories
• You can meander through the narrow streets and look at thousands of tiny houses in the country
• Opportunity to take a speedboat ride in order to explore the village better
• Here, you can also get used to the locals and see them fishing through the Verandah of their house. We can tell you that the best time to visit this country is during the months of January, February, and march

Luagan Lalak

This is another place to take into consideration. It is a large lake in Brunei Park but also part of the forest reserve in the country. If you want to experience a touch of tropical sunrise from the Luagan, this is the best place. Without much talk, below are some of the things to do in this area.

• You’ll have the opportunity to feel the tranquillity of craved peace and serenity of the lovely region
• You can end your trip after admiring the mesmerizing sunrise and sunset views from the lake.
• You can also take photographs of the mirror clear waters of the lake with an alluring background
• Expatriates can also go for a picnic around the lake, spot a number of birds, and meditate in the undisturbed environment

Muara

Muara is also known as the top beach destination in the country. It is a busy port city in the northeasternmost part of Brunei Muara district known for incredible Islamic architecture and long beaches. Again, we have compiled some of the things to do in this small city. Without further ado, take a look at it.

• Opportunity to stroll over the vast Maura beach, a vast white sandy common for kids and adults
• You can learn about and visualize the protected area of Pelumpong Spit
• Expats can also enjoy different outdoor activities including snorkeling, and scuba diving in the Pelong Rocks, which is a cozy island near the town

Cost of Living in Brunei as of 2021

As we all know that Brunei is a country located in South-Eastern Asia, it is bordered by Malaysia. This country covers an area of 5,770 square kilometers, and it has a population of about 400,000 residents. The currency is Brunei, while the official language is Malay. Below is a detailed description of the cost of living in this country.

As of the time of writing this article, the cost of living in Brunei is relatively low ($1200, maximum), which is 1.2 times more expensive than the world average. In addition, this country has been ranked 50^th out of 197 countries in the world by the cost of living and the 68^th best country to live in.

Ultimate Guides to Apply For Brunei Visa and Its Requirements

Applying for a Brunei visa is relatively straightforward if you follow the due process. At first, you need to find the nearest embassy or consulate of Brunei. To understand the details, and the guide to follow, take a look at the list below.

• Ensure you contact the embassy to make an appointment regarding your visa to the country
• Complete the Brunei Visa application form at the website of the Brunei Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Collect the required documents for the Brunei visa application and
• Submit your application

Furthermore, you need to know that the processing time takes about three working days for your visa to be processed from when you submit your completed application. In addition, you can apply for a Brunei visa in any of the following methods listed below.

• You can apply at the nearest embassy or consulate of Brunei
• You can apply for a Brunei visa on arrival if you’re eligible for the Visa On Arrival program
• Expats can apply for visas when their sponsor applies on their behalf at the Department of Immigration and National Registration

Frequently Asked Questions about Living in Brunei

What are the dos and don’ts of living in Brunei?

Well, since this is an Islamic nation, there are many things you need to be wary of. Moreover, Bruneians greet each other by lightly touching hands and then bringing the hand to the chest. If you’re planning to travel to Brunei, these are some of the things you should know. Also, some people do not shake hands with members of the opposite sex, and you should not point with your forefinger; instead, use your thumb.

Can I smoke in Brunei?

Just like we’ve said earlier, this country has certain rules, and they operate with Islamic Sharia laws. With that being said, you should know that smoking is prohibited in virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces in the country. Not only is that, but smoking is also prohibited on all means of public transportation in Brunei.

Is everyone in the country rich?

Of course, we can tell you that Brunei is a rich country, also considered one of the richest in Asia. According to the article published by Global Finance Magazine, the country has been known as one of the wealthiest countries for multiple decades due to its abundant oil and gas reserves.

How does Brunei make money?

Since Brunei dependent on oil and gas is about 90 percent, we can disclose by saying its main source of income is crude oil. However, the country has a mixture of foreign and domestic entrepreneurship, government regulation, village tradition, welfare measures, and many others to mention a few.

Is it easy to get a job in Brunei?

Job hunting in Brunei is relatively low as people get jobs easily. And this is one of the reasons why you’ll see a lot of expats relocating to the country. Given the nature of the economy, it is very likely that expat will land a good-paying job in a couple of weeks after traveling to this country with notable skill. And thanks to the country’s preference for English as a business language, you’re unlikely to encounter any language barrier.

Is there a poverty rate in Brunei?

Well, as of the time of writing this article, we can tell you that the data on poverty in Brunei is scarce. Meanwhile, results show that about 5 percent of the country’s population lives in poverty. Nevertheless, we also have another phase of poverty named the poverty of freedom and opportunity in Brunei.

Is Brunei a good country to work?

To answer your question, yes Brunei is a good country to work. On the flip side, high-quality state-funded healthcare and education also contribute to Brunei having one of the world’s highest living standards. So, if you’re opportune to have the Brunei work permit, you should be joyful and happy.

Conclusion

Brunei is a small country, but the locals and most expats are satisfied with what it offers. Bruneians pay no tax, and there are many benefits attached to living in this country as an expat. The cost of living to expects and the average prices of goods and services have been listed above. So, what are you waiting for? Get your visa now to begin the process.