Although Falkland Islands Government remains the largest employer, with a workforce of some 600 people, there is a growing private sector supporting industries such as fisheries, tourism and infrastructure development as well as business services and shops. Business is represented collectively by the Falkland Islands Chamber of Commerce: www.falklandislandschamberofcommerce.com.

There is a workforce of over 2,000 people in the Falkland Islands. Technical and professional posts that cannot be filled from local resources are filled by recruits from overseas, usually the UK, St. Helena, Australia or New Zealand, on fixed term contracts. Permits are required to work in the Islands.

Salaries are comparable to the UK.

The Falkland Islands General Employees Union is registered under the Trade Unions and Trade Disputes Ordinance and is an affiliate of the International Confederation of Trade Unions.

Taxation

The Falkland Islands tax year runs from 1st January to 31st December. Employers are required to withhold POAT (Payments on Account of Tax) from employee remuneration.

Corporation Tax
Companies are charged Corporation Tax at 21% on the first £1 million and any amount thereafter at 26%.

A pay and file system is in operation, which requires companies to pay Corporation Tax without demand and to file accounts, both within specified limits.

Income Tax
For individuals, the first £12,000 of income is tax free the next £12,000 charged at 20% and any amount thereafter charged at 25%. The complex system of individual deductions and allowances previously in place has been removed.

Retirement Pension Scheme
This is a compulsory scheme for all persons resident in the Falkland Islands (both permanent and temporary) between the ages of 17 and 64, who have earnings in excess of £160. The weekly rate of contribution from January 2004 is £19.00 per week (£9.50 employer / £9.50 employee).

Under the terms of Falkland Islands law there is no facility for refunds of contributions to be made, under any circumstances. However, a partial pension may be paid at retirement age provided an individual makes 250 weekly contributions to the scheme. If a period of residence in the Falklands is less than five years, it is possible to make voluntary payments to the scheme from anywhere in the world in order to achieve 250 contributions.

This is a state operated scheme. It is not recognised in the UK and likewise UK National Insurance is not recognised in the Falklands.

Taxation Office

           Stanley, Falkland Islands, FIQQ 1ZZ
           Tel: (500) 27288
           Fax: (500) 27287
           E-mail: general@taxation.gov.fk

EMPLOYMENT FAQS Additional information can be obtained from the Falkland Islands Government Office using the contact form or by contacting the Customs and Immigration Department in Stanley on telephone (500) 27340, Fax: (500) 27342, or email admin@customs.gov.fk. How do I find out about employment in the Falkland Islands? Falkland Island Government does advertise locally and in relevant professional magazines and journals for applications for its own contract positions when they become available. For other employment the best contact may be the Falkland Islands Chamber of Commerce on email: commerce@horizon.co.fk Can I go and live in the Falkland Islands without having a job to go to? Prospective immigrants to the Falkland Islands must have either work permits, residence permits or permanent residence permits granted prior to their arrival. Applications should be made to the Customs & Immigration Dept, 3 H Jones Road on the appropriate form obtainable using the contacts at the top of this page. Work permit applications should be accompanied by sponsorship and a form of bond signed by the applicants prospective employer in the Falklands, and a criminal record check containing details of all, including spent, offences (other than minor motoring offences). Residence permit applications (both temporary & permanent) should include details of financial resources. All applicants must show that they have secure accommodation arrangements. All applicants may be required to undergo a medical examination and provide evidence that they have not been convicted of a serious criminal offence. What other visa information do I need to know if I am interested in living and working in the Falkland Islands? If applying for a work permit it is important that employment is arranged prior to making an application. Please contact Customs and Immigration for application forms when you have received a secure offer of employment. Can I build - or own - property in the Islands? If you wish to build / buy property a permanent residence permit would be the most appropriate immigration requirement as a licence is required to purchase land. For further information regarding the possibility of purchasing land or building property please contact Alison Inglis. email: ainglis@sec.gov.fk