Understanding the Health System in Fiji

• Understand the Types of residency Permits
  • Fiji offers different types of residency permits, including Work Permits, Investment Permits, Retirement Permits, and Dependent Permits. Each has its own requirements and conditions.
• Meet the Eligibility Requirements
  • Each type of permit has specific eligibility requirements. For example, to obtain a Work Permit, you must have a job offer from a local company. To obtain an Investment Permit, you must invest a certain amount of money in a business in Fiji.
• Gather Required Documents
  • The required documents will depend on the type of permit you are applying for, but may include:
    • Valid passport
    • Passport-sized photos
    • Police clearance certificate
    • Medical certificate
    • Proof of financial stability
    • Job offer letter or investment documents
• Apply for a Tax Identification Number (TIN)
  • Before you can apply for a residency permit, you must obtain a TIN from the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS).
  • Visit the FRCS website (https://frcs.org.fj/) and download the TIN application form.
  • Complete the form and submit it to the FRCS along with the required documents, such as a copy of your passport.
• Submit Your Residency Permit Application
  • Once you have gathered all the required documents and obtained your TIN, you can submit your residency permit application to the Department of Immigration in Fiji.
  • You can download the application form from the Department of Immigration website (https://immigration.gov.fj/).
  • Complete the form and submit it along with the required documents and the application fee.
• Wait for Approval
  • The processing time for residency permit applications varies depending on the type of permit and the volume of applications received by the Department of Immigration.
  • You can check the status of your application by contacting the Department of Immigration directly.
• Register with the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF)
  • If you are employed in Fiji, you must register with the FNPF within one month of starting work.
  • Visit the FNPF website (https://myfnpf.com.fj/) and download the registration form.
  • Complete the form and submit it to the FNPF along with the required documents, such as a copy of your passport and employment contract.
• Understand the Rights and Responsibilities of Residency Permit Holders
  • As a residency permit holder in Fiji, you have certain rights and responsibilities. For example, you have the right to live and work in Fiji, but you also have the responsibility to obey Fiji's laws and pay taxes.

Renewing Your Residency Permit

Residency permits in Fiji are typically valid for a specific period, such as one or two years. To renew your permit, you must submit a renewal application to the Department of Immigration before your current permit expires. The renewal process is similar to the initial application process and requires you to submit updated documents and pay a renewal fee.

Permanent Residency

If you wish to become a permanent resident of Fiji, you must meet certain criteria, such as having lived in Fiji for a certain number of years and demonstrating a commitment to the country. The application process for permanent residency is separate from the temporary residency permit process and requires you to submit additional documents and pay a separate application fee.

Insider Tips from Expats in Fiji: How to Navigate the Health System

"It is better to go to a private hospital or private clinic rather than waiting in along queue waiting to be addressed by a few rude nurses," commented one expat living in Suva, Fiji.

"Fiji offers a range of services, including primary care, hospital care, and specialist services. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and permanent residents. The quality of public healthcare in Fiji is generally good, with a range of modern facilities and well-trained staff. Foreign residents are able to access the public healthcare system, although they may be required to pay for some services. Expats in Fiji can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay for some services. Expats may also choose to use private healthcare services, which are available in Fiji," mentioned one expat living in Fiji.

"it is about a 10 mins drive to the Suva hospital and most of the emergencies are attended promptly. The services are appreciable depending on how well the medical workers serve or help you," commented one expat living in Suva, Fiji.

"Emergency services in Fiji are generally reliable and efficient. In the event of an emergency, the best way to call for an ambulance is to dial the emergency number 917. This number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is free of charge. Ambulance services are provided by the Fiji National Fire and Emergency Services, which is part of the Ministry of Health. Ambulance services are available in all major cities and towns in Fiji," mentioned one expat living in Fiji.