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

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Population

95,981

Population Growth Rate

0.9%

Urban Population

53.600000

Population in Major Urban Areas

VICTORIA (capital) 27,000

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Age Structure

20.190000

Median Age

33.400000

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

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

1.01

Ethnic Groups

mixed French, African, Indian, Chinese, and Arab

Nationality Noun

Seychellois (singular and plural)

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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

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Life Expectancy at Birth

74.010000

Infant Mortality Rate

11.060000

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

11.060000

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

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

97.100000

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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%

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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%

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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%

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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

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Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

3%

Labor Force By Occupation- industry

23%

Labor Force By Occupation- services

74%

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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%

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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)

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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 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)

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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

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
• FAX: [1] (212) 972-1786
• Email: seychelles@un.int
• Consulate(s) General: New York

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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

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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

Time Zone

UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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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 - 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

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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

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

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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

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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)

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

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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