Build a Comparative Guide

1.1

Which legislative and regulatory provisions govern corporate immigration in your jurisdiction?

1.2

Do any special regimes apply in specific sectors?

1.3

Which government entities regulate immigration in your jurisdiction? What powers do they have?

1.4

What is the government’s general approach to immigration in your jurisdiction?

2.1

Do business visitors need a visa to visit your jurisdiction? What restrictions and exemptions apply in this regard?

2.2

Do the requirements vary depending on sector or purpose?

2.3

What is the maximum stay allowed for business visitors?

2.4

What activities are business visitors allowed to conduct while visiting your jurisdiction?

2.5

Is authorisation required for business visitors to provide or receive short-term training?

3.1

What are the main types of work permit in your jurisdiction? What restrictions and exemptions apply in this regard?

3.2

What is the maximum stay allowed under each type of work permit? Can this be extended?

3.3

What criteria must be satisfied to obtain each kind of permit?

3.4

Do any language requirements apply for each kind of permit?

3.5

Are any work permits subject to quotas?

3.6

Do any specific rules apply with regard to the following: (a) Work in specific sectors? (b) Shortage occupations? (c) Highly skilled workers? (d) Investors and high-net worth individuals?

3.7

What are the formal and documentary requirements for obtaining each kind of permit?

3.8

What fees are payable to obtain each kind of permit?

3.9

What is the process for obtaining a permit? How long does this typically take?

3.10

Once a work permit has been obtained, what are the rights and obligations of the permit holder? What are the penalties in case of breach?

4.1

What are the criteria for obtaining settlement in your jurisdiction? What restrictions apply in this regard?

4.2

Do any specific rules apply to foreign citizens with ancestral connections?

4.3

What are the formal and documentary requirements for obtaining settlement?

4.4

What fees are payable to obtain settlement?

4.5

What is the process for obtaining settlement? How long does this typically take?

4.6

Is the settlement process the same for EU citizens?

5.1

What are the criteria to qualify as a dependant? What restrictions apply in this regard?

5.2

What rights do dependants enjoy once admitted as such?

5.3

How are civil/unmarried partners and same-sex partners treated in this regard?

6.1

Is there a specific regime for the transfer of employees from an overseas branch of a multinational to your jurisdiction?

6.2

What is the maximum stay allowed under this regime? Can this be extended?

6.3

What criteria must the employer satisfy to obtain a permit under this regime?

6.4

What are the formal and documentary requirements to obtain a permit under this regime?

6.5

What fees are payable to obtain a permit under this regime?

6.6

What is the process for obtaining a permit? How long does this typically take?

7.1

Are employers in your jurisdiction bound by labour market testing requirements before hiring from overseas? Do any exemptions apply in this regard?

7.2

If labour market testing requirements apply, how are these satisfied and what best practices should employers follow in this regard?

7.3

Which work permits are primarily used for new hires? What is the process for obtaining them and what fees are applicable, for both employer and employee?

7.4

Is labour market testing required if the new hire is to extend his or her residence?

7.5

Can new hires apply for permanent residence?

8.1

Are any licences or authorisations required to sponsor foreign nationals? What other criteria apply in this regard?

8.2

What obligations do sponsoring employers have to ensure continued immigration compliance?

8.3

Are sponsoring employers subject to any local training requirements?

8.4

How is compliance with the sponsorship regime monitored? What are the penalties for non-compliance?

9.1

How would you describe the current immigration landscape and prevailing trends in your jurisdiction? Are any new developments anticipated in the next 12 months, including any proposed legislative reforms?

10.1

What are your top tips for businesses seeking to recruit talent from abroad and what potential sticking points would you highlight?