How Do I Apply For
BIRTH CERTIFICATE
The period in which a Birth Certificate can be issued is within 24-36 hours period beginning from the time the information was given. The prescribed fee for a Birth Certificate is in the amount of forty dollars ($40.00) and a stamp totaling eighty (80) cents. A receipt voucher will be issued upon request to be paid into the Government Treasury. After the completion of the form, attach your (80) cents stamp and receipt to the form and submit.
BUSINESS LICENSE
All individuals or corporations wishing to engage in business activities in the TCI are required to carry a Business License. Annual fees for business licenses range from $100-$7500, depending on the type of business. There are currently 15 categories of business activities and over 200 fee classifications. 18 classifications are restricted and 90 classifications are reserved for Belongs or Turks and Caicos Islander controlled business.
The Business License application must be completed and turned in to the Revenue Department.
Any business engaged in several distinct activities must acquire a license for each appropriate category.
Business that require additional licenses for various activities such as liquor sales, need to go through separate channels to attain those licenses prior to commencement of operations.
In addition, Businesses whose employees need to be licensed, such as medical practitioners, need to ensure that their employees are appropriately licensed separate from their business license.
The Business License application is a four page form that must be completed and turned in to TCI Investment Agency.
- All licenses expire on March 31, regardless of when they are obtained. Licenses Fees must be paid annually by April 1st
- Businesses such as banking, insurance, and provision of corporate management require separate legislation and therefore have different forms and procedures.
- There is a $50 fee for business name registration, unless the name is the name of the person or their initials.
Company Incoporation
- Incorporation fees-$275 (company)
- Annual registration fee-$250 (company)
- Stamp Duty-0.2% on the transfer of a company’s shares but not less than $500 unless exempt to foreign company
Work Permits:
For the purposes of working in the Islands, there are two types of defined employment:
- Employed persons are those working for an employer under a contract of service or employer-employee relationship and include employees of the Government and apprentices.
- Self-employed persons are those persons who are gainfully occupied in the Islands otherwise than as employees, that is, persons working on their own account.
Individuals above the age of 18 are eligible to apply for a Work Permit in the islands. The permit allows for lawful residency and right to work within a restricted category within the islands.
- Work permits can be renewed up to 3 times for unskilled and 5 times for skilled workers.
- For first time permit holders, they must leave the country until such time as their permit is approved. For renewals, a work permit holder can continue to work during the renewal process under the same company/employer.
- In the case of an owner/manager permit or self-employeed permit, a business license should be obtained first. Such a permit will not be issued without a valid business license.
- A work permit entitles a person to work for one employer which applies for and endorses the employee. Spouses and children can be endorsed on work permits for skilled workers. Unskilled permits are prevented from including spouses or children.
Applications can be obtained from the Immigration department or online at immigrationboard.tc
Several accompanying documents will be required along with the application submission including but not limited to the following items:
- Local medical certificate obtained within six months;
- Two passport sized photos;
- Labour clearance;
- Covering letter;
- Copy of employer's passport showing photo page or in the case of a business, copy of business license and payment receipt;
- Proof of legal status or proof of departure;
- Required deposit (separate from work permit fee);
- Police record (police records are not accepted from Haiti and Dominican Republic).
Fees for work permits vary depending on the type of permit ranging from $200 – $10,000
Temporary Residence Permits:
- A TRP can be obtained by the Immigration department for those interested in residing in the islands without the right to work for a limited period of time, generally up to one-year.
- Changeover from a TPR to a work permit is not permitted. Children up to age 18 and spouses can be endorsed on a TRP.
- A Permanent Residence Permit can also be issued with or without the right to work, but is a one-time application.
Additional information for employers:
Every employer in the TCI is required to have a valid working contract for all employees.
The Labour Commission conducts periodic inspections of work environments to monitor compliance with the regulations of the TCI Labour Commission.
Business Licensing
All individuals or corporations wishing to engage in business activities in the Turks and Caicos are required to carry a Business License. Annual fees for business licenses range from $300-$13,500 depending on the type of business. There are currently 45 categories of business activities and 65 fee classifications. 20 classifications are reserved for Turks and Caicos Islanders or Turks and Caicos Islander -controlled businesses.
Any business engaged in several distinct activities must acquire a license for each appropriate category.
Business that require additional licenses for various activities such as liquor sales, need to go through separate channels to attain those licenses prior to commencement of operations.
In addition, Businesses whose employees need to be licensed, such as medical practitioners, need to ensure that their employees are appropriately licensed separate from their business license.
The Business License application is a four page form that must be completed and turned in to TCI Investment Agency.
All licenses expire on March 31, regardless of when they are obtained. Licenses Fees must be paid annually by April 1st
Businesses such as banking, insurance, and provision of corporate management require separate legislation and therefore have different forms and procedures.
There is a $50 fee for business name registration, unless the name is the name of the person or their initials.
Company Incorporation
- Incorporation fees-$275 (company)
- Annual registration fee-$250 (company)
- Stamp Duty-0.2% on the transfer of a company’s shares but not less than $500 unless exempt to foreign company
DRIVER'S LICENSE
A Driver`s licenses is issued after successful completion of the written Exam and the Road Test.
Belongers
- The individual must be 17 years of age.
- Must be in possession of a valid passport/birth certificate.
Non-Belongers
- Must provide copy of passport/birth certificate.
- Copy of work permit or copy of contract.
- Persons under the age of 18 years must provide proof of endorsement on their parents/guardians work permit.
Driver`s licenses are issued for a period of 4 years expiring on the individual`s birthday of the fourth year after being issued.
EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
National Health Insurance Plan
The National Health Insurance Board (NHIB) was established under the National Health Insurance Ordinance 2009, as a statutory body. NHIB’s goal is to facilitate the provision of accessible, affordable and quality health care services to all its beneficiaries as specified in the ordinance.
National Health Insurance is a form of health coverage that insures the entire population against meeting the costs associated with ill health. It is a key pillar of a comprehensive social security system intended to protect the well-being of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Enrolment in the NHIP is mandatory for all those who are employed or reside in the TCI including:
a. Belongers, resident in the islands
b. Expatriates employed by the government or any government agency or any statutory body
c. Expatriates on current work permits or temporary work permits
d. Permanent resident cardholders with a right to work
e. Pensioners that satisfy all eligibility requirements
f. NIB non-contributory old age pensioners
g. Indigents enrolled with the Social Development Department
h. Prisoners
i. Dependents of any person referred to in (a), (b), (c), (d)
All employers are required to register their employees with the NHIP and declare and pay monthly contributions. A total contribution of 6% of the monthly salary is required for all employees, which is split 50-50 between the employer (3%) and employee (3%). The employer will deduct the employes portion from their regular paycheck and pay it on their behalf to the NHIP.
Self-employed individuals are also required to submit their payments monthly based on their salaries.
Deadline for submission of salary information and payments is on the 7th of every month. However, payments can be made on or before the 14th of the month. If the 14th falls on a weekend or holiday, customers have until the next business day to submit contributions. Failure to submit payments within the allotted time will result in a 10% late fee per month.
Salary submissions can be made online via the HNIP eServices website. Payments are also accepted via online bill payment with your local CIBC or Scotiabank.
Registering with the National Health Insurance Board is quick and simple.
The package of benefits for the NHIP includes:
All essential medical services, most of which are provided by the health care facilities managed by Interhealth Canada on Grand Turk and Provo
Access to the primary care clinics which the government manages on the Outer Islands
Government’s provision of public health services directly such as immunizations and wellness programs.
Benefits are structured on social principles of equal access to comprehensive health care services for all residents. Unlike private insurance there will be no exclusions or waiting periods for pre-existing conditions; and no deductibles or co-insurance.
National Insurance System
The Turks and Caicos Islands National Insurance Board was established under The National Insurance Ordinance No.10 of 1991 coming into effect April 6, 1992. The National Insurance is the sole provider of social insurance benefits to persons who are gainfully employed within the Turks and Caicos Islands between the ages of 16 and 65 years. The National Insurance Board (NIB) is a statutory body of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government. The board's Head Office is located in the capital island of Grand Turk as well as a branch office with other branches in South Caicos, North Caicos and Providenciales.
If you are 16-65 years old and working, you must be registered with the National Insurance Board. To get your number and card, you will need to complete and submit a registration application and provide documents that show your age, identity, citizenship and your work permit (where applicable).
- To register, the employee and the employer must complete and submit to the nearest office of the Board, the Insured Person’s Registration Application Form. Every employee must therefore ensure that his employer properly registers him/ her promptly within the prescribed time.
- Registration on the islands of Grand Turk or Providenciales, should take no more than 5 working days. Family islands may take slightly longer.
- Once registered, the employee is allocated a national insurance number and a registration card is issued bearing his/ her name and national insurance number. The employee is responsible for the safe custody of the registration card and must produce his card to his employer when commencing employment with a new employer or whenever the employer may ask for its production.
- Registering with the National Insurance Board and obtaining your original card is free of charge.
The National Insurance Board currently issues one type of card, which will show your name, date of birth, signature and National Insurance Number (NINO). NINO (National Insurance Number) is used to store all your relevant information; this includes a record of your earnings.
In the case of an employee, there is liability for contribution for every week in which he receives earnings from his employer of not less than $25.00 per week if he is a weekly-paid employee or $108.00 per month if he is a monthly paid employee. In the case of an apprentice there is always liability irrespective of the amount of earnings.
Voluntary Contributors
An insured person who has paid at least 50 contributions as an employed or self-employed person can apply for a Certificate of Voluntary Insurance which entitles him to pay Voluntary Contributions. The application for a certificate of voluntary insurance is made on Form Ins.002 and must be submitted to any office of the Board not later than the end of the contribution year which follows the year which includes the contribution weeks for which the insured person wishes to make voluntary contributions.
Failure to apply for a Certificate of Voluntary Insurance within the prescribed time may result in the rejection of the application.
Liability for Contributions
In the case of an employee, there is liability for contribution for every week in which he receives earnings from his employer of not less than $25.00 per week if he is a weekly-paid employee or $108.00 per month if he is a monthly paid employee. In the case of an apprentice there is always liability irrespective of the amount of earnings.
In the case of a self-employed person there is liability for contributions for every week in which he works as a self-employed person.
Liability for contributions ceases when the insured person reaches the age of 65.
MARRIAGE LICENSE
Requirements to obtain a Marriage License in the Turks and Caicos Islands- Photo Identification / Passport ID
- Birth Certificate
- From a Certificate of No-Impediment the Registry, Country/State where you reside
- Affidavit of Single Status (Office will provide form)
- Divorce Decree
- Death Certificate (if widow or widower) and, copy of Marriage Certificate verifying the marriage between the deceased Spouse and Declarant
- Two (2) Declaration Forms
- Application Form for Special License (Application form can be obtained from the Registrar General's Office or from any Marriage Officer)
- Copy of TCI Immigration Arrival and Departure Stamp
- Visitors and Tourist must be in the Turks and Caicos 48 hours before submitting Application
- Persons under the age of 21 years must have consent from parents of guardians
- Application Fee - $250.00
- All copies of documents must be notarized and sealed
Marriage Officers and Registrars in the Turks and Caicos Islands
GRAND TURK
- Re. Reuben Hall
- Rev. Richard Taylor
- Fr. Lamuel Been
- Fr. Mark Raymond Kendall
- Bishop Austraham Hamilton
- Pastor Tomlinson Skippings
- Pastor Vernon O. Malcolm
- Pastor Frederick Braithwaite
- Pastor Dennis Swann
- Pastor Peter Kerr
- Pastor Solomon Altidor
- Pastor Oscar Talbot
- Pastor Mary L. Forbes
- Evangelist Marilyn Forbes
- Pastor Richard Garland
- Evangelist Ruth Ariza
- Rev. Fr. Basil Lek
- Rev. Mark Christmas
- Rev. Chad Archibold
NORTH CAICOS
- Rev. Calvert James Hamilton
- Rev. Samuel G. Williams
- Rev. Willard Smith
- Rev. Fuller Gardiner
- Rev. Winston Gardiner
- Pastor Shirley Smith
- Pastor George Christopher Forbes
MIDDLE CAICOS
- Rev. Samuel G. Williams
- Rev. Calvert James Hamilton
SOUTH CAICOS
- Rev. John Malcolm
- Pastor George Fulford
- Pastor Clayton Harris
- Pastor Alexander Minott
- Pastor Nicolas Maurice Pierre
- Pastor Rodney Calvin Fox
SALT CAY
- Patricia Ann Simmons - Marriage Registrar
- George James Oates - Marriage Registrar
PROVIDENCIALES
- Rev. Derek Hamilton
- Rev. Derek Browne
- Rev. Daniel H. Delancy
- Rev. E.Conrad Howell
- Fr. Peter Baldachinno
- Fr. Edward G. Klybus
- Bishop Clarence N. Williams
- Bishop C.Alexander Williams III
- Bishop Usril A. Morris
- Pastor Leslie S. Myers
- Pator Wayde Coleby
- Pastor McDonald Stubbs
- Pastor Pedro S. Williams
- Pastor Bradley D. Handfield
- Pastor Reuben S. Johnson
- Pastor Florencio Zabala
- Pastor Tom Rigby
- Pastor James Williams
- Pastor Uriel Emanuel Dean
- Heusen Handfield - Marriage Registrar
- Cheryl Astwood - Marriage Registrar
- Emmanuel Missick
- Delores C. Connolly - Marriage Officer
- Sandra E. Garland - Marriage Officer
- Evangelist Claudette Basden
- Catechist Arthur Wesley Hamilton
- Rev. Sherlock Henderson Padmore
- Pastor Uriel Emanuel Dean
- Fr. Bruno Sammarco
- Pastor Solomon Morency
- Pastor Felix Guzman Fabian
- Pastor Dale Lyndon Taylor
- Pastor Line Francois
- Ricardo Don-Hue Gardiner - Marriage Registrar
- Rev. Cecil Arlington Newbold
- Rev. Andrew Anthony Stone
- Pastor Colin A.G. Sterling
- Pastor Hoplyn Leovin Parker
- Pastor Wesley Wiberforce Missick
- Pastor Francisco Padua
Downloadbale Marriage License Application Forms
- Affidavit of Single Status
- Application of Special License
- Declaration in Support of Application for Special License
Turks and Caicos Marriage Amendment
POLICE CERTIFICATE
If you live in the Turks and Caicos
You may apply in person at your local police station. There is a fee of US$15 ($10 in stamp fees and $5 in processing fees).
If you live outside the Turks and Caicos
You can apply for a police certificate by writing directly to the police headquarters (see address below). Include the following documents with your request:
- a copy of the bio-data page of your passport;
- your passport page showing any Turks and Caicos immigration stamps, including entry stamps as evidence that you were living in the Turks and Caicos;
- a copy of any immigration status you had at the time of residence (work permit, resident status or citizenship); and
- US$15 ($10 in stamp fees and $5 in processing fees).
You can obtain a form by writing to:
Police Headquarters
Church Folly Road
Grand Turk
Turks and Caicos Islands
Telephone: 649-946-2371
Fax: 649-946-2099
BUYING LAND
Crown Land Policy
Crown Land Inventory maps are available for the islands of Grand Turk and Providenciales, South Caicos, Middle Caicos, North Caicos, East Caicos, West Caicos and Salt Cay. The maps show remaining Crown land that could potentially be used for development in the future, subject to planning considerations and further technical assessments. The maps exclude areas within Protected Areas and areas of land that are particularly low lying and prone to flooding.
Crown Land Register Fees
The fees apply to various Crown lands administrative transactions, including application for lease, licence and easement over Crown land, surrender of lease, and other charges. The fees are established to recover the Department's administrative costs of processing various transactions.
PART A – Grant of Lease or Licence
| Tourism development; including hotel, golf course, etc. | $1,000.00 |
| Marina. | $1,000.00 |
| Mining | $500.00 |
| General industrial | $500.00 |
| Communication site | $500.00 |
| Commercial recreation | $250.00 |
| General commercial; excluding hotel, marina or golf course | $250.00 |
| Public utilities | $250.00 |
| Residential | $100.00 |
| Agricultural | $100.00 |
| Institutional/Community | $250.00 |
PART B – Other Items
| Extension/conversion/surrender of a conditional purchase lease | $100.00 |
| Surrender of a lease (other than a conditional purchase lease) | $50.00 |
| Grant of an easement | $100.00 |
| Extinguishment of an easement | $50.00 |
| Copy of record held by the Crown Land Unit (per page) | $10.00 |
VISAS & PERMITS
Effective November 1, 2013.
Visitor's Visas
• for a single entry visitor’s visa -$150
• for a one year multiple entry business visa - $500
• for a student visa - $300
In addition a non-fundable application fee of $100 ispayable.
There is also now provision for:
• a seaman’s visa - $300
• and a visa for a person to attend a charitable, sporting or religious event -$25
All applicants must satisfy the Department of Immigration that they are genuine visitors, that they will not engage in an occupation and that they will leave the Islands at the end of the stipulated period.
Endorsement of Spouse and/or Child on Work Permits
• for a spouse - $500
• for each child - $500
Residence Permit for Spouse of a Turks and Caicos Islander (Belonger)
• for the spouse - $500
• for the endorsement of each child -$300
Temporary Work Permits
• For groups performing at commercial entertainment events - $250 per member
• For groups performing at religious, charitable or civic events - $25 processing feeing
• In all other cases the fee remains $700
Employed and Self Employed Work Permits
• To apply for an extension or renewal of a work permit by a self- employed person or employed person, regulations have been introduced to require that such applications must be made at least 30 days before the expiration of the existing permit.
• If the application is made after the expiry of the work permit, a penalty fee of $250 shall apply.
• Where a request is made for the processing of an application for a work permit within 7 days of making the application, a fee of $500 is payable.
WORKING IN TURKS & CAICOS
Immigration:
For the purposes of working in the Islands, there are two types of defined employment:
Employed persons are those working for an employer under a contract of service or employer-employee relationship and include employees of the Government and apprentices.
Self-employed persons are those persons who are gainfully occupied in the Islands otherwise than as employees, that is, persons working on their own account.
Work Permits:
Individuals above the age of 18 are eligible to apply for a Work Permit in the islands. The permit allows for lawful residency and right to work within a restricted category within the islands.
Work permits can be renewed up to 3 times for unskilled and 5 times for skilled workers.
For first time permit holders, they must leave the country until such time as their permit is approved. For renewals, a work permit holder can continue to work during the renewal process under the same company/employer.
In the case of an owner/manager permit or self-employeed permit, a business license should be obtained first. Such a permit will not be issued without a valid business license.
A work permit entitles a person to work for one employer which applies for and endorses the employee. Spouses and children can be endorsed on work permits for skilled workers. Unskilled permits are prevented from including spouses or children.
Applications can be obtained from the Immigration department or online at immigrationboard.tc
Several accompanying documents will be required along with the application submission including but not limited to the following items:
- Local medical certificate obtained within six months;
- Two passport sized photos;
- Labour clearance;
- Covering letter;
- Copy of employer's passport showing photo page or in the case of a business, copy of business license and payment receipt;
- Proof of legal status or proof of departure;
- Required deposit (separate from work permit fee);
- Police record (police records are not accepted from Haiti and Dominican Republic).
Fees for work permits vary depending on the type of permit ranging from $200 – $10,000
Temporary Residence Permits:
A TRP can be obtained by the Immigration department for those interested in residing in the islands without the right to work for a limited period of time, generally up to one-year.
Changeover from a TPR to a work permit is not permitted. Children up to age 18 and spouses can be endorsed on a TRP.
A Permanent Residence Permit can also be issued with or without the right to work, but is a one-time application.
Additional Information for Employers:
Every employer in the TCI is required to have a valid working contract for all employees.
The Labour Commission conducts periodic inspections of work environments to monitor compliance with the regulations of the TCI Labour Commission.