--- title: Moving to Seychelles: Visas, Costs & Immigrant Guide description: Moving to Seychelles can be a good option for families and individuals seeking a tropical lifestyle. Known for its beautiful beaches and active culture, Seychel image: https://migrantiq.com/og/default.png --- Skip to content Seychelles flag [/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fflagcdn.com%2Fw80%2Fsc.png&w=3840&q=75] Country guide MOVING TO SEYCHELLES: VISAS, COST OF LIVING & IMMIGRANT GUIDE Moving to Seychelles can be a good option for families and individuals seeking a tropical lifestyle. 3 min read·Data confidence: 82/100·12 visa guides Browse visas [/visas/seychelles/]Arrival checklist [/checklist/seychelles/] 12 published visa guides · 3 editorially reviewed in Q4 2026 AT A GLANCE: LIVING IN SEYCHELLES Quick signals for cost of living, salary, healthcare, and safety before you dig into visas and settlement. Cost of living 64.5 Net monthly salary 1989 SCR Safety index — Visa guides 12 CapitalVictoria RegionAfrica (Eastern Africa) Rent index27.6 Quality indexN/A Last updated 2026-05-17Official immigration portal ↗ [https://ics.gov.sc/] Review due soon START HERE FOR SEYCHELLES Official links, checklists, and nearby opportunities — act on these before the deep country profile. OFFICIAL LINKS * Department of Immigration Seychelles [https://ics.gov.sc/] Official immigration portal for visas, entry rules, and residency steps. The official Seychelles government portal is essential for accessing accurate information about immigration, visas, and other services. Be cautious of lookalike sites that may charge fees for forms available for free through official channels. NEWCOMER CHECKLIST * •Prepare temporary housing and proof of address if required * •Set up local phone, banking, tax, and health coverage * •Save emergency numbers, official portals, and scam-reporting channels * •Learn about the local healthcare system and registration process * •Research local schools and educational options if moving with children * •Connect with local expat communities for support and advice * •Explore transportation options and routes in Victoria GOVERNMENT JOBS * Seychelles Government Jobs [/government-jobs/government-careers-sc/] · Seychelles public employment authority All government jobs for Seychelles → [/government-jobs/?country=seychelles] OFFICIAL LANGUAGES English (official)French (official)Creole Verified immigration updates for Seychelles → [/countries/seychelles/immigration-updates/] Ready for visas? TURN THIS COUNTRY GUIDE INTO A PATHWAY Compare published routes for Seychelles, open a corridor from your origin, or start the arrival checklist before you pay an agent. Browse Seychelles visas [/visas/seychelles/]Find a corridor [/move/]Arrival checklist [/checklist/seychelles/] COST OF LIVING IN SEYCHELLES The cost of living index in Seychelles is 64.5, indicating a moderate cost environment compared to other countries. Rent, with an index of 27.6, suggests that housing may be more affordable relative to other expenses. With a typical net monthly salary of 1989 SCR, residents can manage their living costs effectively, though actual expenses can vary by city or region. It's advisable to research housing and daily expenses to create a realistic budget for your move. Open Seychelles tax calculator → [/tools/tax-calculator/seychelles/] COST OF LIVING BY CITY IN SEYCHELLES Monthly living-cost signals in SCR. Figures are planning estimates — rent and lifestyle vary by neighbourhood. CitySingle monthly (SCR)Family monthly (SCR)1BR center (SCR)Capital city€2,790€6,200€1,400 TAKE-HOME PAY IN SEYCHELLES (2026) Educational wage-tax examples from the MigrantIQ tax calculator in SCR. Not filing software — confirm with official rules and a licensed adviser. Entry / mid offer Gross SCR 50,000 SCR 41,783net / year ~SCR 3,482 / month · effective 16.4% Solid mid career Gross SCR 80,000 SCR 65,783net / year ~SCR 5,482 / month · effective 17.8% High earner Gross SCR 180,000 SCR 136,083net / year ~SCR 11,340 / month · effective 24.4% Open Seychelles tax calculator → [/tools/tax-calculator/seychelles/] · compare take-home vs other destinations [/tools/tax-compare/] Country hub: /countries/seychelles/ · Tax year 2026. State or provincial tax may apply on top of federal models. SETTLEMENT FUNDS & LOCAL SETUP When moving to Seychelles, prepare for proof of funds and banking arrangements. Have a reliable plan for managing finances, including setting up a local bank account for transactions. Understand the local currency (SCR) and steps for transferring or converting funds. Consider your health coverage options, as access to healthcare may be limited for immigrants during the initial waiting period. LOCAL SERVICES & SETUP Healthcare access: Limited Health waiting period: 90 day(s) WHO QUALIFIES BEST FOR SEYCHELLES * work Ideal for professionals seeking employment opportunities in a tropical environment. * family Suitable for those reuniting with family members already in Seychelles. * study Perfect for students looking to pursue education in a unique cultural setting. * visit Great for tourists wanting to explore Seychelles before deciding to relocate. WHAT PEOPLE GET WRONG ABOUT MOVING TO SEYCHELLES NEGLECTING VISA REQUIREMENTS A common mistake is not fully understanding visa requirements before your move. Ensure you have the correct visa type for your intended stay, as this affects your ability to work or study in Seychelles. UNDERESTIMATING LIVING COSTS Many newcomers underestimate the cost of living in Seychelles. Budget for both expected and unexpected expenses, as costs can vary based on lifestyle and location. IGNORING CULTURAL DIFFERENCES Failing to recognize and adapt to cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings. Take time to learn about local customs to build positive relationships with the community. Full country profile DEMOGRAPHICS, ECONOMY & DEEPER SEYCHELLES DATA Expand for topic-by-topic country profile. Decision sections above stay first. SEYCHELLES COUNTRY PROFILE In-depth facts & data for living in Seychelles on this page· Updated 2026-06-02 8 sections Seychelles maintains a small but diverse economy driven primarily by tourism, fisheries, and offshore financial services. Tourism: Seychelles is highly dependent on tourism, which contributes significantly to the country's GDP. The pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant marine life attract tourists from around… Demographics & populationPopulation size, age structure, migration, ethnicity, language, education, and health indicatorsEconomyGDP, employment, industries, public finance, and currencyGovernment & politicsGovernment structure, legal system, citizenship, and international relationsGeography & environmentLocation, land area, terrain, climate, and natural resourcesTradeImports, exports, and trading partnersTravel & safetySafety, crime, medical care, and travel conditions for visitors and newcomersInfrastructureTransport, communications, and energyNational symbolsAnthem and national symbols For planning only. Always verify immigration and legal rules on official government sites. DEMOGRAPHICS & POPULATION IN SEYCHELLES: PLANNING NOTES 220 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Seychelles. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Demographics & population in Seychelles for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Seychelles-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Seychelles sits in Eastern Africa, Africa, with Victoria as the capital. Common working and school languages in the dataset include English (official), French (official) and Creole. English proficiency is listed as medium. Population and age figures on this page are planning signals, not a substitute for census releases or visa eligibility rules. Seychelles profile for immigrants covering visa pathways, cost signals, local services, safety, laws, scam alerts, and practical settlement planning. Early practical steps people actually use in Seychelles include: Confirm visa status and entry conditions before booking travel; Prepare temporary housing and proof of address where required; Set up local phone, banking, tax, and health coverage steps; Save emergency numbers, official portals, and scam-reporting channels. Treat the list as a reminder, not a filing checklist. When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://ics.gov.sc/ (Department of Immigration Seychelles) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Population overview; Age & family; Migration; Ethnicity & language; Education; Health & living conditions. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: DEMOGRAPHICS & POPULATION POPULATION OVERVIEW 4 facts Population 95,981 Population Growth Rate 0.9% Urban Population 53.600000 [tel:53600000] Population in Major Urban Areas VICTORIA (capital) 27,000 AGE & FAMILY 6 facts Age Structure 20.190000 [tel:20190000] Median Age 33.400000 [tel:33400000] Birth Rate - births/1,000 population 15 Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population 6.89 Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman 1.89 Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female 1.030000 [tel:1030000] MIGRATION 1 facts Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population 1.01 ETHNICITY & LANGUAGE 2 facts Ethnic Groups mixed French, African, Indian, Chinese, and Arab Nationality Noun Seychellois (singular and plural) EDUCATION 6 facts Literacy - total population 91.8% Literacy - male 91.4% Literacy - female 92.3% Literacy Definition age 15 and over can read and write Education Expenditures - percent of GDP 3.6% Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary) 12.000000 [tel:12000000] HEALTH & LIVING CONDITIONS 9 facts Life Expectancy at Birth 74.010000 [tel:74010000] Infant Mortality Rate 11.060000 [tel:11060000] Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births 11.060000 [tel:11060000] Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population 1.51 Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population 3.6 Health Expenditures - percent of GDP 3.8% Obesity - adult prevalence rate 23.9% Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved 96.300000 [tel:96300000] Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved 97.100000 [tel:97100000] ECONOMY IN SEYCHELLES: PLANNING NOTES 206 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Seychelles. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Economy in Seychelles for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Seychelles-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. People comparing Seychelles with other destinations usually start with wages, rent, and tax, not headline GDP. GDP per capita in the planning dataset is about 27,000. Recent growth is listed at 3.5 percent. Unemployment is listed at 2 percent. A typical net monthly salary signal is 1,989. The cost-of-living index is 65. The rent index is 28. A city-centre 1-bed rent signal is 883. A monthly groceries signal is 374. Purchasing-power index: 34. Local currency code: SCR. City prices vary, and these indexes do not replace a job offer or a proof-of-funds check. Seychelles profile for immigrants covering visa pathways, cost signals, local services, safety, laws, scam alerts, and practical settlement planning. When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://ics.gov.sc/ (Department of Immigration Seychelles) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Economic overview; GDP & growth; Prices & money; Employment & labor; Labor by occupation; Public finance. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: ECONOMY ECONOMIC OVERVIEW 4 facts Economic Overview * Tourism: Seychelles is highly dependent on tourism, which contributes significantly to the country's GDP. The pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant marine life attract tourists from around the world. Tourism-related activities include hotel accommodations, restaurants, water sports, and eco-tourism ventures. However, the sector is susceptible to external factors such as global economic conditions, natural disasters, and geopolitical tensions. * Fisheries: Fisheries play a crucial role in Seychelles' economy, providing income and employment opportunities for local communities. The country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is rich in marine resources, including tuna and other fish species. Seychelles has developed partnerships with foreign countries and international organizations for sustainable fisheries management and value-added processing of fish products. Offshore Financial * Services: Seychelles has established itself as an offshore financial center, attracting investors and businesses seeking tax-efficient structures, asset protection, and confidentiality. The jurisdiction offers a range of financial services, including banking, insurance, trust management, and company registration. However, Seychelles faces challenges related to compliance with international regulatory standards and efforts to combat money laundering and illicit financial activities. * Agriculture: Agriculture, including crop cultivation and livestock farming, contributes to food security and rural livelihoods in Seychelles. The sector produces fruits, vegetables, spices, and livestock products for domestic consumption and limited export. However, agricultural production is constrained by limited arable land, water scarcity, and vulnerability to climate change. Infrastructure * Development: Seychelles has invested in infrastructure projects to support economic growth and development. Investments have been made in transportation, energy, telecommunications, and public services to improve connectivity, efficiency, and quality of life for residents and businesses. Debt * Sustainability: Seychelles faces challenges related to high public debt levels, which have increased due to external borrowing for infrastructure projects and budgetary support. Efforts to maintain debt sustainability include fiscal consolidation measures, debt restructuring, and engagement with international financial institutions. External * Trade: Seychelles engages in trade with regional and international partners, exporting goods such as fish products, processed food and beverages, and essential oils. Imports include foodstuffs, consumer goods, machinery, and petroleum products. The country seeks to promote trade diversification and value-added production to reduce dependence on imports and enhance export competitiveness. Sustainable * Development: Seychelles places a strong emphasis on sustainable development and environmental conservation, recognizing the importance of preserving its natural resources for future generations. Initiatives include marine conservation, renewable energy development, waste management, and climate resilience strategies. Industries * fishing * tourism * processing of coconuts and vanilla, coir (coconut fiber) rope, boat building, printing, furniture * beverages GDP - per capita (PPP) $27,000.00 (USD) GDP - real growth rate 3.5% GDP & GROWTH 9 facts GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP) $2,400,000,000 (USD) GDP Per Capita $27,000.00 (USD) GDP - real growth rate 3.5% GDP - official exchange rate $1,375,000,000 (USD) GDP - composition, by end use * consumption: 53.4% government * consumption: 21.7% investment in fixed * capital: 38.8% investment in * inventories: 0.2% exports of goods and * services: 70.8% imports of goods and * services: -84.9% GDP by Sector- agriculture 3% GDP by Sector- Industry 14.6% GDP by Sector- services 82.4% Industrial Growth Rate 2% PRICES & MONEY 5 facts Inflation Rate -2.2% Exchange Rate per US Dollar Seychelles rupee (SCR) Currency Name and Code Seychellese Rupee (SCR) Fiscal Year calendar year Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate 12.4% EMPLOYMENT & LABOR 4 facts Labor Force 39,560 Unemployment Rate 2% Major Industries * fishing * tourism * processing of coconuts and vanilla, coir (coconut fiber) rope, boat building, printing, furniture * beverages Agriculture Products * coconuts, cinnamon, vanilla, sweet potatoes, cassava (tapioca), bananas * broiler chickens * tuna fish LABOR BY OCCUPATION 3 facts Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture 3% Labor Force By Occupation- industry 23% Labor Force By Occupation- services 74% PUBLIC FINANCE 4 facts Annual Budget $316,500,000 (USD) Public Debt (% of GDP) 129.7% Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP 2% Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP 40.7% GOVERNMENT & POLITICS IN SEYCHELLES: PLANNING NOTES 216 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Seychelles. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Government & politics in Seychelles for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Seychelles-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Seychelles's government and legal structure matters for visas, ID, tax residence, and later naturalization. The immigration authority in our records is Department of Immigration Seychelles. Confirm current forms and fees on https://ics.gov.sc/. In the planning dataset, permanent residence is listed at 5 years of qualifying stay; dual citizenship is listed as restricted. Seychelles profile for immigrants covering visa pathways, cost signals, local services, safety, laws, scam alerts, and practical settlement planning. Early practical steps people actually use in Seychelles include: Confirm visa status and entry conditions before booking travel; Prepare temporary housing and proof of address where required; Set up local phone, banking, tax, and health coverage steps; Save emergency numbers, official portals, and scam-reporting channels. Treat the list as a reminder, not a filing checklist. When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://ics.gov.sc/ (Department of Immigration Seychelles) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Identity & names; Political system; Capital & time; International role. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: GOVERNMENT & POLITICS IDENTITY & NAMES 7 facts Full Country Name Republic of Seychelles Country Name Seychelles Local - Long Republic of Seychelles Local - Short Seychelles Etymology- history of name named by French Captain Corneille Nicholas MORPHEY after Jean Moreau de SECHELLES, the finance minister of France, in 1756 Independence 29 June 1976 (from the UK) National Holiday Constitution Day, 18 June (1993); Independence Day (National Day), 29 June (1976) POLITICAL SYSTEM 10 facts Government Type presidential republic Constitution * history: previous 1970, 1979; latest drafted May 1993, approved by referendum 18 June 1993, effective 23 June 1993 * amendments: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the National Assembly; passage of amendments affecting the country’s sovereignty, symbols and languages, the supremacy of the constitution, fundamental rights and freedoms, amendment procedures, and dissolution of the Assembly also requires approval by at least 60% of voters in a referendum; amended several times, last in 2018 Legal System: mixed legal system of English common law, French civil law, and customary law Executive Branch: * chief of state: President Wavel RAMKALAWAN (since 26 October 2020); Vice President Ahmed AFIF (since 27 October 2020); the president is both chief of state and head of government * head of government: President Wavel RAMKALAWAN (since 26 October 2020); Vice President Ahmed AFIF (since 27 October 2020) * cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president * elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 22 to 24 October 2020 (next to be held in 2025) * election results: 2020: Wavel RAMKALAWAN elected president; Wavel RAMKALAWAN (LDS) 54.9%, Danny FAURE (US) 43.5%, other 1.6% 2015: President James Alix MICHEL reelected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - James Alix MICHEL (PL) 47.8%, Wavel RAMKALAWAN (SNP) 35.3%, other 16.9%; percent of vote in second round - James Alix MICHEL 50.2%, Wavel RAMKALAWAN 49.8% Legislative Branch: * Description: unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (35 seats in the 2020-25 term; 26 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and up to 9 members elected by proportional representation vote; members serve 5-year terms) * Elections: last held on 22-24 October 2020 (next to be held in October 2025); * Note: the election was originally scheduled for 2021 but was moved up a year and held alongside the presidential election in order to cut election costs * Election Results: percent of vote by party - LDS 54.8%, US 42.3%, other 2.9%; seats by party - LDS 25, US 10; * Composition: men 27, women 8, percent of women 22.9% Judicial Branch: * office: all judges appointed by the president of the republic upon the recommendation of the Constitutional Appointments Authority, a 3-member body, with 1 member appointed by the president of the republic, 1 by the opposition leader in the National Assembly, and 1 by the other 2 appointees; judges serve until retirement at age 70 * subordinate courts: Magistrates' Courts of Seychelles; Family Tribunal for issues such as domestic violence, child custody, and maintenance; Employment Tribunal for labor-related disputes Regions or States: 27 administrative districts; Anse aux Pins, Anse Boileau, Anse Etoile, Anse Royale, Au Cap, Baie Lazare, Baie Sainte Anne, Beau Vallon, Bel Air, Bel Ombre, Cascade, Glacis, Grand Anse Mahe, Grand Anse Praslin, Ile Perseverance I, Ile Perseverance II, La Digue, La Riviere Anglaise, Les Mamelles, Mont Buxton, Mont Fleuri, Plaisance, Pointe Larue, Port Glaud, Roche Caiman, Saint Louis, Takamaka Political Parties and Leaders: * Seychelles Party for Social Justice and Democracy or SPSJD [Vesna RAKIC] * Seychellois Democratic Alliance or LDS (Linyon Demokratik Seselwa/Union Démocratique Seychelloise) (coalition includes SNP and SPSJD) [Roger MANCIENNE] * Seychelles National Party or SNP [Wavel RAMKALAWAN] * United Seychelles or US [Patrick HERMINIE] * Note: only parties with seats in the National Assembly listed Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Citizenship Criteria: * birth: no citizenship by descent * only: at least one parent must be a citizen of the Seychelles dual citizenship * recognized: no residency requirement for * naturalization: 5 years CAPITAL & TIME 3 facts Capital Name Victoria Capital - geographic coordinate 4 37 S, 55 27 E Capital Time Difference UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) INTERNATIONAL ROLE 4 facts International Organization Participation: * ACP * AfDB * AOSIS * AU * CD * COMESA * EITI (candidate country) * FAO * G-77 * IAEA * IBRD * ICAO * ICC (NGOs) * ICCt * ICRM * IDA * IFAD * IFC * IFRCS * ILO * IMF * IMO * InOC * Interpol * IOC * IOM * IPU * ISO (correspondent) * ITU * MIGA * NAM * OIF * OPCW * SADC * UN * UNCTAD * UNESCO * UNIDO * UNWTO * UPU * WCO * WHO * WIPO * WMO * WTO International Law Organization Participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Diplomatic Representation from US: * Chief of Mission: Ambassador Henry V. JARDINE (since 22 February 2023); Chargé d’Affaires Adham LOUTFI (since 6 October 2023) note - Ambassador JARDINE is posted in Mauritius and is accredited to Seychelles, and Chargé d’Affaires LOUTFI is posted in Victoria, Seychelles to manage the expanding policy interests * Embassy: 2nd Floor, Oliaji Trade Center, Victoria Mahe, Seychelles; note - US Embassy in Seychelles reopened on 1 June 2023 after having been closed in 1996 * Telephone: [248] 422 5256 [tel:4225256] Diplomatic Representation in the US: * Chief of Mission: Ambassador Ian Dereck Joseph MADELEINE (since 1 December 2021) note - also Permanent Representative to the UN * Chancery: 685 Third Avenue, Suite 1107, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10017 * Telephone: [1] (212) 972-1785 [tel:2129721785] * FAX: [1] (212) 972-1786 [tel:2129721786] * Email: seychelles@un.int * Consulate(s) General: New York GEOGRAPHY & ENVIRONMENT IN SEYCHELLES: PLANNING NOTES 143 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Seychelles. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Geography & environment in Seychelles for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Seychelles-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Seychelles's capital is Victoria in Eastern Africa, Africa. Traffic keeps to the left. Geography here is for settlement planning: climate, distance to work, and which city you can actually afford, not a travel brochure. Seychelles profile for immigrants covering visa pathways, cost signals, local services, safety, laws, scam alerts, and practical settlement planning. When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://ics.gov.sc/ (Department of Immigration Seychelles) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Location & size; Physical geography; Climate & time; Climate; Environment. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: GEOGRAPHY & ENVIRONMENT LOCATION & SIZE 5 facts Geographic Location Africa Geographic Coordinates 4 35 S, 55 40 E Total Area 176 Square Miles 455 Square Kilometers Land Area 176 Square Miles 455 Square Kilometers Coastline 305 Miles 491 Kilometers PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY 6 facts Terrain Mahe Group is granitic, narrow coastal strip, rocky, hilly; others are coral, flat, elevated reefs Highest Point 905 Meters Highest Point Location Morne Seychellois 905 m Lowest Point Location Indian Ocean 0 m Natural Resources fish, copra, cinnamon trees Irrigated Land 1 Square Miles 2 Square Kilometers CLIMATE & TIME 1 facts Time Zone UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) CLIMATE 4 facts Climate * tropical marine * humid * cooler season during southeast monsoon (late May to September) * warmer season during northwest monsoon (March to May) Terrain Mahe Group is granitic, narrow coastal strip, rocky, hilly; others are coral, flat, elevated reefs Location archipelago in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar Total Area 176 Square Miles 455 Square Kilometers ENVIRONMENT 2 facts Environment - Current Issues water supply depends on catchments to collect rainwater Environment - International Agreements party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements TRADE IN SEYCHELLES: PLANNING NOTES 146 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Seychelles. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Trade in Seychelles for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Seychelles-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Trade figures for Seychelles help explain which industries hire, which ports matter, and how imported goods show up in grocery prices. Settlements and contracts usually run in SCR. They are not a visa pathway. Work permission still depends on the destination's immigration rules. Seychelles profile for immigrants covering visa pathways, cost signals, local services, safety, laws, scam alerts, and practical settlement planning. When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://ics.gov.sc/ (Department of Immigration Seychelles) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Trade overview; Trading partners; Partners (summary). Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: TRADE TRADE OVERVIEW 4 facts Exports $464,000,000 (USD) Imports $831,000,000 (USD) Major Exports canned tuna, frozen fish, cinnamon bark, copra, petroleum products (reexports) Major Imports machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, petroleum products, chemicals TRADING PARTNERS 2 facts Top Export Partners UK 24.6%, France 17.1%, Mauritius 8.7%, Italy 7.5%, US 7.2%, Germany 6.7%, Japan 5.8%, Netherlands 5.8%, Spain 5.8%, Thailand 5.5%0 Top Import Partners Saudi Arabia 14.8%, France 12.2%, South Africa 10.9%, Spain 9.4%, Italy 9.1%, Singapore 6.8%, UK 5.7%0 PARTNERS (SUMMARY) 2 facts Export Partners UK 24.6%, France 17.1%, Mauritius 8.7%, Italy 7.5%, US 7.2%, Germany 6.7%, Japan 5.8%, Netherlands 5.8%, Spain 5.8%, Thailand 5.5%0 Import Partners Saudi Arabia 14.8%, France 12.2%, South Africa 10.9%, Spain 9.4%, Italy 9.1%, Singapore 6.8%, UK 5.7%0 TRAVEL & SAFETY IN SEYCHELLES: PLANNING NOTES 221 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Seychelles. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Travel & safety in Seychelles for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Seychelles-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Safety in Seychelles is local. Neighbourhood, night transport, and documentation checks matter more than a single country score. Tap water is listed as generally safe in the planning dataset. Healthcare system type: Universal/Beveridge. Immigrant health access note: Limited. Health coverage waiting period in the dataset: 90 days. Read current travel advice from your origin government before you book. Seychelles profile for immigrants covering visa pathways, cost signals, local services, safety, laws, scam alerts, and practical settlement planning. Early practical steps people actually use in Seychelles include: Confirm visa status and entry conditions before booking travel; Prepare temporary housing and proof of address where required; Set up local phone, banking, tax, and health coverage steps; Save emergency numbers, official portals, and scam-reporting channels. Treat the list as a reminder, not a filing checklist. When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://ics.gov.sc/ (Department of Immigration Seychelles) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Before you travel; Crime & law; Health & roads. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: TRAVEL & SAFETY BEFORE YOU TRAVEL 2 facts Country Description The Republic of Seychelles consists of 115 islands off the east coast of Africa. The main islands of the archipelago include Mahé, which is the largest, followed by Praslin and La Digue. Seychelles has a stable government and a per capita GDP of US $11,200, one of the highest in the region. Facilities for tourism are well-developed. The total population is approximately 90,000. The capital, Victoria, is located on Mahé. The three official languages spoken in the Seychelles are Creole, English, and French. Seychelles lies within the consular jurisdiction of the U.S. Embassy in Port Louis, Mauritius. Safety & Security U.S. citizens should avoid crowds, political rallies, and street demonstrations. It is dangerous to swim alone at some beaches due to strong currents. U.S. citizens should exercise caution when planning ocean activities. Currently, travel by ship to the Outer Islands including the Amirantes group, Coetivy, and Platte requires prior approval from Seychellois authorities. Two fatal shark attacks occurred in the waters off of Praslin Island in 2011. The Government of Seychelles is monitoring the waters and, in some locations, installing safety nets around swimming areas. CRIME & LAW 2 facts Crime Petty crime is a problem, but violent crime against tourists is rare. To reduce the risk of theft, travelers should keep valuables in hotel safes and close and lock hotel windows at night, even while the room is occupied. Hotels that do not have private safes in the rooms will usually have one at the reception desk. Travelers are also advised to take precautions and not leave bags unattended either on the beach while swimming or in plain sight of their vehicles. Foreigners should exercise caution on beaches and poorly-lit or deserted areas at night. Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Bootlegs are illegal in the United States, and their purchase may also violate local laws in Seychelles. Criminal Penalties While you are traveling in Seychelles, 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. It may be illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. 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 still illegal in the United States. 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 Seychelles, 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. Persons violating Seychellois laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines in Seychelles. Arrest notifications in host country: While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case. To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas. HEALTH & ROADS 2 facts Medical Facilities The 24-hour emergency number for all medical emergencies is 999. Medical facilities in Seychelles are limited, especially on the isolated islands where doctors are often unavailable. There is one government-owned hospital and several clinics, private and government-run. The Seychellois Ministry of Health operates an ambulance service on the islands of Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue which can be reached by dialing 999. Waiting times can vary considerably based on location. For more information, contact the Ministry of Health at P.O. Box 52, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles; telephone ( 248) 388-000 [tel:248388000]. It is recommended that travelers bring and use insect/mosquito repellent while in Seychelles and apply it at night on all exposed areas. Outbreaks of the mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus and yellow fever virus have been reported in recent years, as well as Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease transmitted to humans and animals by exposure to water contaminated by infected animals. For more information on these diseases and current outbreaks, please see the CDC’s fact sheets on chikungunya, leptospirosis, and yellow fever. Traffic Safety While in Seychelles, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. Driving is on the left side of the road. Roads are generally not well-maintained and are narrow and winding. Drivers should exercise caution due to a lack of shoulders and inadequate street lighting. Speed limits range from 25 to 50 miles per hour. Drivers and front-seat passengers are required to wear seatbelts. There are no laws regarding child safety seats. Public transportation by bus is available but tends to be crowded during rush hours and may require a transfer to reach a desired destination. Taxis are also available. INFRASTRUCTURE IN SEYCHELLES: PLANNING NOTES 146 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Seychelles. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Infrastructure in Seychelles for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Seychelles-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Infrastructure in Seychelles affects commute time, remote work, and whether a city is livable in the first 90 days. Typical internet speed in the dataset is 20 Mbps. Airports, rail, and roads on this page are inventory, not a promise that your neighbourhood is well served. Seychelles profile for immigrants covering visa pathways, cost signals, local services, safety, laws, scam alerts, and practical settlement planning. When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://ics.gov.sc/ (Department of Immigration Seychelles) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Transportation; Communications; Energy. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: INFRASTRUCTURE TRANSPORTATION 6 facts Airports - total 14 Airports with Paved Runways 7 Heliports 1 Roadways- total 316 Miles 508 Kilometers Roadways- paved 304 Miles 490 Kilometers Ports and Terminals Victoria COMMUNICATIONS 7 facts Telephones 22,100 Cell Phones 77,300 Internet Users 32,000 Internet Country Code .sc Internet Hosts 256 Broadcast Media * the government operates the only terrestrial TV station, which provides local programming and airs broadcasts from international services * multi-channel cable and satellite TV are available * the government operates 1 AM and 1 FM radio station * transmissions of 2 international broadcasters are accessible in Victoria Telephone System * assessment: effective system * domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity exceeds 170 telephones per 100 persons; radiotelephone communications between islands in the archipelago * international: country code - 248; direct radiotelephone communications with adjacent island countries and African coastal countries; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) ENERGY 3 facts Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh) 232,500,000 Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh) 250,000,000 Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day) 7,793 NATIONAL SYMBOLS IN SEYCHELLES: PLANNING NOTES 129 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Seychelles. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. National symbols in Seychelles for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Seychelles-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. National symbols for Seychelles are background for civic life and ceremonies. They do not change visa rules. Use the government and visa pages for status, work, and stay conditions. Seychelles profile for immigrants covering visa pathways, cost signals, local services, safety, laws, scam alerts, and practical settlement planning. When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://ics.gov.sc/ (Department of Immigration Seychelles) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: National anthem. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: NATIONAL SYMBOLS NATIONAL ANTHEM 2 facts Anthem Lyrics Avec couraz e disipline nou ti briz tou barier. Gouvernaye dan nou lamin, nou pou reste touzour Frer. Zamin, zamin nou pou aret lite. Plito lamor qui viv dan lesclavaz! Zamin, zamin nou pou aret lite. Legalite pou nou tou! Laliberte pou tou zour! Chorus Debout, Zome lib! Fier Seychellois, Nou la port ine ouvert. Nou semin ine trace, Nou soleil ine leve, Nou pa pou tourne derier. Debout, Zome lib! Debout, Seychellois! Enou reste dan Linite, dan Laliberte! Avec dignite nou later nou bezouin kiltive, Ave determinasion lamer nou pou exploite. Enou touzour mars nou tou ensam, Pou recolte tou sa qui noune sinmin. Enou tou zour mars nou tou ensam, Fraternite dan leker, nou lavenir devan nou. Chorus Anthem Lyrics English With courage and discipline we have broken all barriers. With the tiller in our hands, we will always remain brothers. Never, never shall we cease struggling. Death rather than to live in slavery! Never, never shall we cease struggling. Equality for all of us! Freedom for ever! Chorus Rise, free men! Proud Seychellois, our doors are open. Our path is traced, Our sun has risen, We will not turn back. Rise, free men! Rise, Seychellois! Let us remain in unity and liberty. With dignity we must cultivate our land, With determination we must exploit our seas. Let us for ever march together To harvest all we have planted. Let us for ever march together, Fraternity in our hearts, to the future ahead of us. Chorus SOURCES & REFERENCES FOR SEYCHELLES Country data is a planning aid. Official government sources override MigrantIQ summaries for immigration, legal, tax, health, and emergency rules. * MigrantIQ country profile Summary profile maintained for planning. Last updated 2026-05-07. * World Bank and public data sources Used for economic and country-level indicators where available. * Numbeo and public cost datasets Used for cost-of-living signals for Seychelles where available. FOREIGN EMBASSIES IN SEYCHELLES 26 active diplomatic missions in our directory. Sample listings below. * Consulate General of Switzerland in Victoria, Seychelles [/embassies/mission/switzerland-in-seychelles-victoria-consulate-general/] — 🇨🇭 Switzerland, Victoria * Consulate of Belgium in Victoria, Seychelles [/embassies/mission/belgium-in-seychelles-victoria-consulate/] — 🇧🇪 Belgium, Victoria * Consulate of Cotedivoire in Victoria, Seychelles [/embassies/mission/cote-d-ivoire-in-seychelles-victoria-consulate/] — 🇨🇮 Ivory Coast, Victoria * Consulate of Denmark in Victoria, Seychelles [/embassies/mission/denmark-in-seychelles-victoria-consulate/] — 🇩🇰 Denmark, Victoria * Consulate of Germany in Victoria, Seychelles [/embassies/mission/germany-in-seychelles-victoria-consulate/] — 🇩🇪 Germany, Victoria Browse all embassies in Seychelles → [/embassies/in/seychelles/] FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MOVING TO SEYCHELLES What is the healthcare system like in Seychelles?+ Seychelles has a universal healthcare system, but access for immigrants may be limited initially. It's important to understand the registration process and any waiting periods for health coverage. How can I find housing in Seychelles?+ You can find housing through local real estate agents, online listings, or expat forums. Be prepared to provide proof of income or employment when applying for rentals. What types of visas are available for moving to Seychelles?+ Seychelles offers various visa options, including Business/Investor Visas, Family/Spouse Visas, and Gainful Occupation Permits. Choose the right visa based on your situation. RELATED SEYCHELLES GUIDES * VisaSeychelles Visa Hub [/visas/seychelles/] * LegalSeychelles Laws [/laws/seychelles/] * SafetySeychelles Scam Alerts [/scam-alerts/seychelles/] * ChecklistSeychelles Arrival Checklist [/checklist/seychelles/] * BlogMigration blog [/blog/] Plan smarter Save countries, compare destinations, track visa checklists, and sync your migration plan across devices. Open My Plan [/plan/]Account Dashboard [/account/] Free resources TOOLS & GUIDES Full sitemap → [/sitemap/] PLAN YOUR MOVE * Eligibility quiz [/tools/eligibility/] * Tax calculator [/tools/tax-calculator/] * Tax compare [/tools/tax-compare/] * Tax guides [/tools/tax-guides/] * Points calculator [/tools/points-calculator/] * Cost calculator [/calculator/] * Move planner [/tools/planner/] * Best country [/tools/best-country/] * Pathway finder [/tools/pathway-finder/] * Corridor fit [/tools/corridor-fit/] * Compare 3 countries [/tools/compare-three/] * Job → visa matcher [/tools/job-visa-match/] * Scam checker [/tools/scam-check/] * All tools [/tools/] GUIDES & SAFETY * Visa guides [/visas/] * Scholarships [/scholarships/] * Government jobs [/government-jobs/] * Immigration updates [/countries/canada/immigration-updates/] * Embassies [/embassies/] * Laws [/laws/] * Scam alerts [/scam-alerts/] * Checklists [/checklist/] * Country profiles [/countries/] ARRIVAL HUBS * Settle [/settle/] * Driving [/driving/] * Sponsors [/sponsors/] * Ancestry [/ancestry/] * Housing [/housing/] * Money [/money/] * Family [/family/] * Pets [/pets/] * Shipping [/shipping/] * Investment [/investment/] * Retire [/retire/] * Return [/return/] * Safe migration [/safe-migration/] COMMUNITY * Q&A [/qa/] * People stories [/stories/] * Blog [/blog/] * Android app (Google Play) [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.migrantiq.app&hl=en] * Write for us [/write-for-us/] * Experts [/experts/] * Apply for expert listing [/experts/apply/] * Documentation [/documentation/] * Employers (HR) [/employers/] ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#organization","name":"MigrantIQ","url":"https://migrantiq.com","logo":"https://migrantiq.com/logo.png","description":"MigrantIQ publishes free migration guides covering visas, laws, costs, culture, banking, healthcare, scam alerts, and moving checklists for 220 countries.","knowsAbout":["immigration","visa requirements","moving abroad","cost of living","immigrant laws","scam protection","arrival checklists"],"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/migrantiq/","https://x.com/MigrantIQ","https://www.instagram.com/migrantiqorg/","https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.migrantiq.app&hl=en"],"contactPoint":[{"@type":"ContactPoint","contactType":"customer support","email":"Info@MigrantIQ.com","url":"https://migrantiq.com/contact/","availableLanguage":["English"]}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#website","name":"MigrantIQ","url":"https://migrantiq.com","publisher":{"@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#organization"},"inLanguage":"en","potentialAction":{"@type":"SearchAction","target":"https://migrantiq.com/search/?q={search_term_string}","query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}}]} {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/countries/seychelles/#webpage","name":"Moving to Seychelles: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide","description":"Moving to Seychelles can be a good option for families and individuals seeking a tropical lifestyle. 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