Moving to Bermuda: The Ultimate 2026 Relocation Guide

Moving to Bermuda requires more than just a plane ticket and a suitcase. Before you book your flight, you need to secure a job offer and obtain a work permit. This is a lengthy process that requires careful planning and preparation (and a lot of paperwork). In 2026, the Bermuda Department of Immigration requires all first-time residents to provide a clean police certificate (from your home country and any country you've lived in for the last two years) and a medical clearance certificate. You will also need original certified copies of your marriage certificate (regardless of whether your spouse is relocating) as well birth certificates for any relocating dependents.

And this is only the tip of the iceberg! Read more about relocating to Bermuda and make sure you're up to speed with all of documents required to secure your Standard Work Permit.

Pro tip: Start your document collection well in advance; police checks in the US and UK can take weeks up to months to process.

You cannot "just move" to Bermuda to find a job; you must have a job offer and Work Permit in hand first. The most common route for expats is the Standard Work Permit, which can be granted for up to 5 years. Be aware that the "Bermudian First" policy is strictly enforced: an employer must prove that no qualified Bermudian was available for the role before a permit is granted.

Pro tip: Before applying, check the Closed and Restricted job categories list. Categories like Retail Floor Supervisor, Office Receptionist and Taxi Driver are closed to expats to prioritize the local workforce. If your profession is on the "Closed" list, a work permit will not be granted.

Ready to find your dream job? Browse openings in finance, actuarial, insurance, accounting or technology. Just looking? Browse all jobs.

Bermuda is world-renowned for its beauty and its price tag. As of early 2026, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment ranges from $2,800 in the outer parishes to over $4,500 in the City of Hamilton (Source: Propertyskipper). Beyond rent, the "Island Tax" hits hardest at the grocery store; expect to pay roughly $16.00 for a gallon of imported milk (Source: Numbeo/Wise 2026 Data). While electricity base rates saw a 10% decrease in January 2026, the average household still pays roughly $300/month due to fuel adjustment costs (Source: BELCO 2026 Rates).

While there is no personal income tax, your "take-home" pay is reduced by mandatory deductions. You will pay a weekly Social Insurance contribution of ~$35.92 (Source: PWC Tax Summary) and a tiered Payroll Tax of up to 11.5% for mid-to-high earners (Source: Gov.bm Payroll Tax). For those moving to Bermuda for work, employers are legally required to provide health insurance plans to their employees, whether they are Bermudian citizens or foreigners. However, the extent of that health insurance coverage can vary from one employer to another, which means you may decide to take out a private health insurance plan to fill in any gaps. Private health insurance premiums for adults average $450-$2000+ per month (Source: AXA).

Bermuda is divided into nine distinct parishes, each offering a different lifestyle. Pembroke is the "Commuter's Choice", since it's minutes away from downtown Hamilton. For a family-friendly vibe with the best pink-sand beaches, look toward Warwick or Paget. If you prefer a slower, historical pace, the East End (St. George's) offers charm but a longer commute. At the far West End, Sandys is home to the Royal Naval Dockyard and offers a quieter and relaxed lifestyle.

Selection tip: If you don't plan on driving a car or riding a scooter, you'll want to either live in Pembroke (walking distance to Hamilton) or near one of the Bermuda Ferry terminals.

Living in Bermuda presents many unique logistical challenges. For example, did you know Bermuda allows only one car per household? Or that you can only enroll your children in public schools within your zone? Or that air freight services are essential to ship in your favorite Amazon items?

Pro tip: You cannot own a car until you have a valid Bermuda Driver's License, which requires passing both a written and a road test as well as getting permission from your landlord to use the Assessment Number of your residence.

Successfully relocating to Bermuda requires more than just a great job-it's about learning to appreciate the island's unique cultural idiosyncrasies and laid-back lifestyle. While the social scene is vibrant (think happy hours and sunset boat cruises), it is a small, close-knit community and it may take some time to find your crew. Expats who join sports clubs, sailing associations or social groups tend to settle in much faster.

Finding the right career in Bermuda starts with finding the right organization. While a job description tells you what you'll do, our Employer Directory is designed to show you where you'll belong. This curated space is the bridge between the island's most prestigious firms and the high-caliber professionals both local and international looking to make their next move.

Pro tip: Bookmark your favorite employers' job listing pages to check back daily for new openings.