Law of Bermuda - Immigration

Immigration

The main categories of resident in Bermuda are:

• Bermudian. Bermudian status can be obtained:

1. By birth. Although it is possible to be born Bermudian, simply being born in Bermuda does not automatically confer this status. You must be born in Bermuda to a parent who holds Bermudian status, in order to be considered Bermudian by birth.
2. Through a lengthy period of residence. People who have attained Bermudian status in this way are colloquially, and somewhat disparagingly, known as "status Bermudians", although the title is something of a misnomer since someone who is Bermudian by birth can be said to have Bermudian status.

• Spouse of a Bermudian. This status confers many of the rights of a Bermudian (free access to the job market, for example) but does not itself bring citizenship rights. People with this status eventually become Bermudian in their own right. However the status is lost if the marriage itself breaks down.
• Permanent resident. People with a "permanent residence certificate" are entitled to reside in Bermuda, but they are not citizens and their children do not become Bermudian (unless those children become status Bermudians in their own right).
• Guest worker. Persons with this status have no citizenship rights, and require a work permit in order to work, and to reside on the island (although the spouses and minor children of guest workers are entitled to reside in Bermuda, also).
• Property owner. A person who owns property under a licence (see Property Law, below) does not thereby acquire any citizenship rights. However such people are entitled to reside in Bermuda.