
IMMIGRATION
Working with you on all aspects of immigration, work permits and nationality
In this section
About our Immigration services
Whether it’s working, joining family, setting up a business or investing in the Isle of Man, we assist with all aspects of immigration, work permit and nationality law
The Isle of Man is not part of the United Kingdom, but its immigration system is aligned with the UK system and many routes are similar. The system allows people with a close connection to the Isle of Man to live there; it also promotes the migration of individuals and businesses likely to be of benefit to the Isle of Man.
Due to the close geographical and historical connections between the Isle of Man and the UK, natives of the Isle of Man are full British citizens. This also applies to people who have been naturalised in the Isle of Man.
Visiting, living and working in the Isle of Man
British and Irish citizens can currently live in the Isle of Man without a visa or other permission. However, they may require an Isle of Man work permit should they wish to take up employment or self-employment.
The Isle of Man is part of the Common Travel Area with the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and Ireland. This means, for example, that there are no fixed immigration checks on travel between the Isle of Man and the United Kingdom. Isle of Man residents are free to travel to the UK, provided they comply with the terms of any Isle of Man visa they hold.
People other than British and Irish citizens typically require Isle of Man immigration permission in order to visit, work or live in the Isle of Man. The holders of existing UK immigration permission can travel to the Isle of Man without the requirement for further permission, provided they comply with the terms of their UK permission. Applications for Isle of Man visas are decided solely by the immigration authorities of the Isle of Man, and not by the UK.
Quality of life
The Isle of Man offers a host of advantages as a place for internationally mobile people to establish their base. They can establish Indefinite Leave to Remain (British permanent residency) through the Isle of Man. They can also potentially acquire full British citizenship, without ever becoming resident for tax purposes in the UK itself.
Due to its links with the UK, there are very many immigration categories in the Isle of Man. While we have set out the most popular routes here, Kinley Legal also has experience across the length and breadth of the immigration system. In recent years, this has included Tier 4 students, Tier 5 temporary workers, and more complex areas such as leave to remain granted on human rights grounds.
Common Questions
Now I have an Isle of Man visa, how do I get there? There is no direct flight to the Isle of Man from where I live.
The UK recognises Isle of Man visas, so you can transit in the UK on your way to the Isle of Man without needing a separate UK visa. You will enter the Common Travel Area when you cross the UK border, and you should not need to complete immigration formalities again on arrival in the Isle of Man.
I am in the Isle of Man/UK on a Tier 4 student visa, can I extend my stay in the Isle of Man?
Yes, at Kinley Legal we can discuss your options to stay in the Isle of Man or UK post-study.
I am visiting the Isle of Man/UK, can I extend my stay in the Isle of Man?
It isn't generally possible for a visitor to extend his/her stay, but Kinley Legal we can discuss Isle of Man options to help plan a future in the Isle of Man or UK.
I am already in the UK on a long-term visa, how do I apply to extend my stay in the Isle of Man?
Your current UK immigration category, and the Isle of Man category in which you move, will dictate whether you can apply directly in the Isle of Man, or whether you need to apply from outside the UK or Isle of Man and apply through the British immigration agency there. Kinley Legal can guide you through the process.
How good does my English need to be for an Isle of Man visa?
Any English language requirements will depend on the category of visa being applied for; if you need to take a test or get your qualifications confirmed, Kinley Legal can assist with the arrangements.
I live in the Isle of Man but have overstayed on my visa, what can I do?
Speak to Kinley Legal as soon as possible, so we can assess your circumstances and the options you may have to regularise your immigration position without leaving the Isle of Man.
Can I claim asylum in the Isle of Man?
No. It is not possible to be granted asylum or refugee status in the Isle of Man. If you have a valid claim to make, it will be necessary to return to the UK or Ireland in order to do so.
Do I need to pay NHS Surcharge?
No, there is no NHS Surcharge in the Isle of Man. This means that the costs of making an Isle of Man visa application are often considerably cheaper than in the UK.
Is it easier to get an Isle of Man visa than a UK visa?
The Isle of Man and UK systems are aligned, but not identical. An Isle of Man visa can only be obtained if you will have a genuine Isle of Man connection. The Isle of Man makes its own immigration decisions based on its own policy, which can often benefit migrants of value to the island's economy.
Will I need an Isle of Man work permit as well as a visa?
The Isle of Man work permit system applies to all people working in the Isle of Man, including British citizens, and is independent of the immigration system. However, certain immigration visas provide exemptions from the requirement to have a work permit. Kinley Legal can help assess your position.
I have a UK visa, can I visit the Isle of Man?
You may visit the Isle of Man on a UK visa, provided you comply with its conditions. However, you may not be able to work, and Kinley Legal can help assess any immigration or work permit requirements should you wish to do so.
I have an Irish visa, can I visit the Isle of Man?
Whether you can visit the Isle of Man on your Irish visa will depend on your current Irish immigration category and your nationality. Kinley Legal can help assess whether you require a separate Isle of Man visa.
I have been refused an Isle of Man visa. Can Kinley Legal help?
Yes, contact us as soon as possible so we can discuss your options. Unlike in the UK, in the Isle of Man applicants have a full right of appeal against immigration decisions, which means that if you have wrongly been refused, an appeal can often be heard by an independent immigration judge within weeks.
I entered the Isle of Man via southern Ireland and my passport wasn't stamped - what do I do?
Immigration Officers are not permanently based at the airport and sea ports in the Isle of Man, and do not routinely meet ships and aircraft arriving in the Isle of Man from southern Ireland. The burden is on you to see an Immigration Officer in Douglas within three days of your arrival to complete the necessary formalities; Kinley Legal is available should you need assistance.