Moving to Brunei: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

464,478

Population Growth Rate

1.67%

Urban Population

76.000000

Population in Major Urban Areas

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (capital) 241,000 Note: the boundaries of the capital city were expanded in 2007, greatly increasing the city area

the population of the capital increased tenfold

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Age Structure

23.460000

Median Age

29.000000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

18

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

3.43

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

1.83

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

1.050000

Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

2.51

Ethnic Groups

Malay 67%, Chinese 15%, indigenous 6%, other 12%

Nationality Noun

Bruneian(s)

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Literacy - total population

92.7%

Literacy - male

96.3%

Literacy - female

91.4%

Literacy Definition

Age 15 and over can read and write

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

3.5%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

15.000000

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Life Expectancy at Birth

76.570000

Infant Mortality Rate

10.810000

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

10.810000

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

24

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

1.36

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

2.8

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

2.5%

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

7.5%

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

0.000000

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

0.000000

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Economic Overview

Brunei is an energy-rich sultanate on the northern coast of Borneo in Southeast Asia.

Brunei boasts a well-educated, largely English-speaking population; excellent infrastructure; and a stable government intent on attracting foreign investment.

Crude oil and natural gas production account for approximately 65% of GDP and 95% of exports, with Japan as the primary export market.

Per capita GDP is among the highest in the world, and substantial income from overseas investment supplements income from domestic hydrocarbon production.

Bruneian citizens pay no personal income taxes, and the government provides free medical services and free education through the university level.

The Bruneian Government wants to diversify its economy away from hydrocarbon exports to other industries such as information and communications technology and halal manufacturing, permissible under Islamic law.

Brunei’s trade increased in 2016 and 2017, following its regional economic integration in the ASEAN Economic Community, and the expected ratification of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement.

Industries

Petroleum, petroleum refining, liquefied natural gas, construction, agriculture, transportation

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$79,700.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

0.4%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$27,230,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$79,700.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

0.4%

GDP - official exchange rate

$10,460,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• Consumption: 21.7% Government
• Consumption: 23.6% Investment in Fixed
• Capital: 37.6% Investment in
• Inventories: 0% Exports of Goods and
• Services: 50.8% Imports of Goods and
• Services: -33.7%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

1.1%

GDP by Sector- Industry

60.4%

GDP by Sector- services

38.5%

Industrial Growth Rate

1%

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Inflation Rate

-0.2%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

1.386

Currency Name and Code

Bruneian dollars (BND)

Fiscal Year

1 April - 31 March

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

5.5%

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Labor Force

203,600

Unemployment Rate

6.9%

Major Industries

Petroleum, petroleum refining, liquefied natural gas, construction, agriculture, transportation

Agriculture Products

Rice, vegetables, fruits; chickens, water buffalo, cattle, goats, eggs

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Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

4.2%

Labor Force By Occupation- industry

62.8%

Labor Force By Occupation- services

33%

Annual Budget

$2,958,000,000 (USD)

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

-15.9%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

28.3%

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Full Country Name

Brunei Darussalam

Country Name

Brunei

Local - Long

Negara Brunei Darussalam

Local - Short

Brunei

Etymology- history of name

derivation of the name is unclear; according to legend, MUHAMMAD SHAH, who would become the first sultan of Brunei, upon discovering what would become Brunei exclaimed "Baru nah," which roughly translates as "there" or "that's it"

Independence

1 January 1984 (from the UK)

National Holiday

• National Day, 23 February (1984)
• note - 1 January 1984 was the date of independence from the UK, 23 February 1984 was the date of independence from British protection
• the Sultan's birthday, 15 June

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Government Type

absolute monarchy or sultanate

Constitution

• history: drafted 1954 to 1959, signed 29 September 1959; note - some constitutional provisions suspended since 1962 under a State of Emergency, others suspended since independence in 1984
• amendments: proposed by the monarch; passage requires submission to the Privy Council for Legislative Council review and finalization takes place by proclamation; the monarch can accept or reject changes to the original proposal provided by the Legislative Council; amended several times, last in 2010

Legal System:

mixed legal system based on English common law and Islamic law; note - in April 2019, the full sharia penal codes came into force and apply to Muslims and partly to non-Muslims in parallel with present common law codes

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah (since 5 October 1967); note - the monarch is both chief of state and head of government
• head of government: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah (since 5 October 1967)
• cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed and presided over by the monarch; note - 4 additional advisory councils appointed by the monarch are the Religious Council, Privy Council for constitutional issues, Council of Succession, and Legislative Council; Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah is also Minister of Finance, Defense, and Foreign Affairs and Trade
• elections/appointments: none; the monarchy is hereditary

Legislative Branch:

• Description: unicameral Legislative Council or Majlis Mesyuarat Negara Brunei (33 seats; 20 members appointed by the sultan from ex-officio cabinet ministers, titled people, and prominent citizens in public service and various professional fields, 13 members from 4 multi-seat constituencies, and 3 ex-officio members - the speaker and first and second secretaries); members serve 5-year terms
• Elections: January 2023 - appointed by the sultan
• Election Results: Legislative Council last appointed January 2023; composition men 30, women 4, percent of women 11.8%

Judicial Branch:

• office: Supreme Court judges appointed by the monarch to serve until age 65, and older if approved by the monarch; Sharia Court judges appointed by the monarch for life
• subordinate courts: Intermediate Court; Magistrates' Courts; Juvenile Court; small claims courts; lower sharia courts

Regions or States:

4 districts (daerah-daerah, singular - daerah) Belait, Brunei dan Muara, Temburong, Tutong

Political Parties and Leaders:

• National Development Party or NDP [Zainal Talib]
• Note: the NDP is Brunei’s only registered party, but does not have representation in the Legislative Council, which is appointed

Suffrage:

18 years of age for village elections; universal

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: no citizenship by descent
• only: the father must be a citizen of Brunei dual citizenship
• recognized: no residency requirement for
• naturalization: 12 years

Capital Name

Bandar Seri Begawan

Capital - geographic coordinate

4 53 N, 114 56 E

Capital Time Difference

UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

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International Organization Participation:

• ADB
• APEC
• ARF
• ASEAN
• CP
• EAS
• FAO
• G-77
• IAEA
• IBRD
• ICAO
• ICC (NGOs)
• ICRM
• IDA
• IFRCS
• ILO
• IMF
• IMO
• IMSO
• Interpol
• IOC
• ISO (correspondent)
• ITSO
• ITU
• NAM
• OIC
• OPCW
• UN
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• UNIFIL
• UNWTO
• UPU
• WCO
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO

International Law Organization Participation:

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICC

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Caryn R. McCLELLAND (since December 2021)
• Embassy: Simpang 336-52-16-9, Jalan Duta, Bandar Seri Begawan, BC4115
• Mailing Address: 4020 Bandar Seri Begawan Place, Washington DC 20521-4020
• Telephone: (673) 238-7400
• FAX: (673) 238-7533
• Email: ConsularBrunei@state.gov
• Website: https://bn.usembassy.gov/

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Dato Paduka Haji Serbini bin Haji ALI (since 28 January 2016)
• Chancery: 3520 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008
• Telephone: [1] (202) 237-1838
• FAX: [1] (202) 885-0560
• Email: info@bruneiembassy.org
• Website: http://www.bruneiembassy.org/index.html

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Geographic Location

Southeast Asia

Geographic Coordinates

4 30 N, 114 40 E

Total Area

2,226 Square Miles 5,765 Square Kilometers

Land Area

2,033 Square Miles 5,265 Square Kilometers

Water Area

193 Square Miles 500 Square Kilometers

Land Boundaries

237 Miles 381 Kilometers

Border Countries

Malaysia 381 km

Coastline

100 Miles 161 Kilometers

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Terrain

Flat coastal plain rises to mountains in east; hilly lowland in west

Highest Point

1,850 Meters

Highest Point Location

Bukit Pagon 1,850 m

Lowest Point Location

South China Sea 0 m

Natural Resources

Petroleum, natural gas, timber

Irrigated Land

4 Square Miles 10 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

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Climate

The country's landscape is mainly primary and secondary tropical rainforest with only a narrow coastal strip from Kuala Belait to Bandar Seri Begawan that is cultivated.

The rainforest receives as much as 146 inches of rain in the interior, but only 108 inches a year is recorded on the coast.

The two defined rainy seasons are from September to January (with December being the wettest month) and May to July.

The climate is equatorial with uniform temperatures and high humidity.

Terrain

Flat coastal plain rises to mountains in east; hilly lowland in west

Location

Southeastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and Malaysia

Total Area

2,226 Square Miles 5,765 Square Kilometers

Border Countries

Malaysia 381 km

Environment - Current Issues

Seasonal smoke/haze resulting from forest fires in Indonesia

Environment - International Agreements

Party To: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

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Exports

$5,315,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$3,648,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

Mineral fuels, organic chemicals

Major Imports

Machinery and mechanical appliance parts, mineral fuels, motor vehicles, electric machinery

Top Export Partners

Japan 35.9%, South Korea 14.8%, Thailand 10.8%, India 9.8%, New Zealand 5.6%, Australia 5%

Top Import Partners

Singapore 27.9%, China 25.3%, Malaysia 12.4%, United Kingdom 10.6%, South Korea 4.9%

Export Partners

Japan 35.9%, South Korea 14.8%, Thailand 10.8%, India 9.8%, New Zealand 5.6%, Australia 5%

Import Partners

Singapore 27.9%, China 25.3%, Malaysia 12.4%, United Kingdom 10.6%, South Korea 4.9%

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Country Description

Brunei Darussalam is a small Islamic Sultanate on the northwest coast of the Island of Borneo.

It is divided into four districts: Brunei/Muara, Tutong, Belait, and Temburong.

The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is its major city.

Brunei’s official language is Malay, but English is widely understood and used in business.

Tourist facilities and services are generally available throughout the country.

Safety & Security

Noting several past anti-Western terrorist bombings in Indonesia, the Department of State continues to be concerned that terrorist groups such as Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) have the capability to carry out terrorist attacks throughout the region.

U.S. citizens in Brunei should be vigilant with regard to their personal security, maintain a low profile, vary times and routes during their daily routines, and report any suspicious activity to the local police or to the U.S.

Embassy.

Brunei adheres to conservative Islamic social values, and U.S. citizens are advised to learn and respect local customs and traditions.

Typically non-Muslims are not expected to follow the same customs enforced on practicing Muslims.

Persons violating Brunei’s laws, even unknowingly, may be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.

Any public criticism of His Majesty the Sultan or other members of the Royal Family is strongly discouraged.

Alcohol cannot be purchased legally in Brunei; however, two liters of spirits/wine and 12 cans of beer may be imported per border entry by non-Muslim adults for personal consumption in privacy.

Importing more than the allowed amount of alcohol per border entry will result in arrest.

The Royal Brunei Police Force is generally professional and courteous.

Most officers speak English but some, especially from the reserve units, have limited to no English speaking capability.

Travelers are strongly urged to carry a copy of their passport as police will almost always ask for identification for all parties involved in any type of incident.

In the event of police detention, U.S. citizens should request to contact the U.S.

Embassy.

The Embassy's local guard force operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and all guards speak English.

The 24-hour number of the Embassy is 673-238-4616 and the Duty Officer is 673-873-0691.

The emergency number for the police is 993.

Natural disasters, earthquakes, and typhoons are not major concerns in Brunei.

Brunei has not been affected by industrial accidents and kidnappings are not common.

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Crime

Most crimes that occur in Brunei are non-violent and crimes of opportunity, including residential burglaries and vehicle break-ins.

While traveling or residing in Brunei, you can easily avoid being a victim of a crime of opportunity by simply practicing good security awareness.

For example, securing valuables (remove from plain view), avoiding secluded locations, properly securing your residence and vehicle, and not traveling alone late at night.

Crime in Brunei peaks in July and December, due to the holidays and schools being out of session.

Overall, many crimes carry severe penalties, and punishments such as jail, fines, caning, or deportation (for foreigners).

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Brunei, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own.

In some places, you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you.

In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings.

In some places driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail.

These criminal penalties will vary from country to country.

There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but are still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods, which are prevalent in Brunei.

Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.

If you break local laws in Brunei, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going.

If you violate Brunei laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

Penalties for possession, use of, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Brunei are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences, heavy fines, and, possibly, death.

Brunei has a mandatory death penalty for many narcotics offenses.

Under the current law, possession of heroin, ecstasy, and morphine derivatives of more than 15 grams, Cocaine of more than 30 grams, Cannabis of more than 500 grams, Syabu (Methamphetamine) of more than 50 grams, or Opium of more than 1.2 kg., carries the death penalty.

Possession of lesser amounts can result in a minimum twenty-year jail term and caning.

Importation of firearms is prohibited; the illegal possession of firearms or explosives and drug use/possession carry severe penalties, including the possibility of the death penalty.

Any attempts to circumvent alcohol controls can result in arrest and criminal prosecution.

Gambling in Brunei is illegal.

Prostitution is illegal and harsh penalties can result from engaging in the solicitation of prostitution.

In addition, due to the conservative Muslim culture, any extramarital relations between a Muslim and non-Muslim, from simple acts such as holding hands or public displays of affection to sexual activity may be considered a crime in Brunei.

If you are arrested in Brunei, authorities of Brunei are required to alert the U.S.

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Medical Facilities

There is adequate care for basic medical conditions in Brunei; however, for certain elective surgery or complicated care, the best medical care in the region is obtained in Singapore.

Brunei has a number of public hospitals and clinics.

The biggest ones are RIPAS Hospital in Bandar Seri Begawan and Tutong Hospital in the district of the same name.

The largest private hospital is Jerudong Park Medical Center about 20 minutes by car outside of Bandar Seri Begawan, which is a facility comparable to those in the U.S.

Brunei also hosts a number of private clinics, many of which are staffed by expatriates.

More information can be found at the U.S.

Embassy Website at Medication and prescriptions are readily available, but may not be the same brands as those found in the U.S.

There are no major health concerns in Brunei.

Traffic Safety

While in a foreign country, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

Brunei has an extensive network of roads comparable to most western countries and they are well maintained.

Traffic moves on the left side of the road.

Holders of a foreign driver’s license are permitted to drive in Brunei Darussalam for 90 days only.

For longer stays, a foreign driver’s license must be endorsed to a Brunei driver’s license, available at any Land Transport Department office.

Drivers must obey traffic rules at all times and should take extra caution when approaching traffic signals.

In urban areas, several deadly accidents have occurred in recent years when local drivers drove through red lights.

The Royal Brunei Police Force routinely sets up checkpoints and traffic stops, particularly at night.

These checkpoints are normally set up for one of two reasons: 1) for routine license and registration checks and 2) for DWI/search for contraband (drugs and alcohol).

In case you are stopped, be prepared to show your identification card and vehicle registration.

In addition to registration, you should always have your insurance policy in the car.

In case of an accident, you will need all three.

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Airports - total

1

Airports with Paved Runways

1

Heliports

3

Roadways- total

1,882 Miles 3,029 Kilometers

Roadways- paved

1,507 Miles 2,425 Kilometers

Waterways

130 Miles 209 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Bandar Seri Begawan, Kuala Belait, Muara, Seria, Tutong

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Pipelines: Condensate

21 Miles 33 Kilometers

Pipelines: Gas

390 Miles 628 Kilometers

Pipelines: Oil

306 Miles 492 Kilometers

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Telephones

80,500

Cell Phones

339,800

Internet Users

199,532

Internet Country Code

.bn

Internet Hosts

50,997

Broadcast Media

• State-controlled Radio Television Brunei (RTB) operates 5 channels
• 3 Malaysian TV stations are available
• foreign TV broadcasts are available via satellite and cable systems
• RTB operates 5 radio networks and broadcasts on multiple frequencies
• British Forces Broadcast Service (BFBS) provides radio broadcasts on 2 FM stations
• some radio broadcast stations from Malaysia are available via repeaters

Telephone System

• Assessment: service throughout the country is good; international service is good to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Western Europe, and the US
• Domestic: every service available
• International: country code - 673; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 optical telecommunications submarine cable that provides links to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; the Asia-America Gateway submarine cable network provides new links to Asia and the US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean)

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Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

2,980,000,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

3,069,000,000

Natural Gas Consumption - Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

2,970,000,000

Natural Gas Exports- Cubic Meters (cu m)

9,420,000,000

Natural Gas Production- Cubic Meters (cu m)

12,440,000,000

Natural Gas Reserves- Cubic Meters (cu m)

390,800,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

14,640

Oil Exports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

147,900

Oil Production- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

200,800

Oil Reserves- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

1,100,000,000

Anthem History

Music by: Haji Awang Besar Sagap Lyric by: Yura Halim Adopted in 1951

Anthem Lyrics

Allah Peliharakan Sultan Ya Allah lanjutkanlah Usia Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Adil berdaulat menaungi nusa Memimpin rakyat kekal bahagia Hidup sentosa Negara dan Sultan Ilahi selamatkan Brunei Darussalam

Anthem Lyrics English

God Bless His Majesty God Bless His Majesty With A Long Life Justly And Nobly Rule The Kingdom And Lead Our People Happily Forever Peacefully Be, The Kingdom and Sultan Lord, Save Brunei, The Abode of Peace