 Brunei has technically been under martial law since the Brunei Revolt of 1962 and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah also serves as the country’s Prime Minister, Finance Minister and Defence Minister.

He became the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam on 5 October 1967, after his father abdicated. On 9 March 2006, the Sultan was reported to have amended Brunei’s constitution to make himself infallible under Bruneian law. Bolkiah, as Prime Minister, is also the head of government.

Unitary stateAbsolute monarchyConstitutional monarchyIslamic state

Since 1962 Brunei has been ruled under a State of Emergency. The Sultan possesses wide legislative powers, and during a State of Emergency the Sultan may pass any legislation he deems expedient by Emergency Order.

Most laws under Common Law and the Sharia Penal Code apply to all people in Brunei, regardless of nationality or religion. Adultery and close proximity in private between an unmarried man and woman is illegal if one party is a Muslim. Possession of pornographic material is illegal. Homosexual activity is illegal.

However, accumulated reserves have dwindled after reaching a peak of about $50 billion or 220 percent of GDP in 2013 to less than $39 billion at the end of 2020. At this pace, Brunei’s reserves could be exhausted in two decades unless revenue is diversified or spending reduced.

Japan has traditionally been the main customer for Brunei’s oil exports, but its share dropped from 45% of the total in 1982 to 19% in 1998. In contrast, oil exports to South Korea increased from only 8% of the total in 1982 to 29% in 1998. Other major customers include Taiwan (6%), and the countries of ASEAN (27%).

Brunei Darussalam has proven reserves equivalent to 188.4 times its annual consumption. This means that, without Net Exports, there would be about 188 years of oil left (at current consumption levels and excluding unproven reserves).

Average Salary / Brunei. Average salary in Brunei is 56,635 BND per year. The most typical earning is 15,861 BND. All data are based on 319 salary surveys.

Brunei Darussalam, the Abode of Peace, is a small Southeast Asian country with a population of approximately 350,000 people. Data on poverty in Brunei is scarce, but it shows that roughly five percent of the country’s population lives in poverty. Brunei also ranks well in the gender development index (GDI).

No, Brunei is not an expensive travel destination. While Brunei costs more than its Southeast Asian neighbors, its cheaper to visit than the United States, Western Europe, Australia and East Asia (Japan, South Korea).

Expats moving to Brunei will find a small, tropical country with a tiny population of just over 400,000 residents. As such, most expats won’t experience much of a language barrier. Brunei is generally a safe destination for expats and crimes tend to be opportunistic rather than violent.

Foreigners can buy property In both Brunei and Malaysia, most people would assume that you cannot purchase property unless you are a citizen. However, non-citizens are now allowed to purchase property in both countries. From 2017, foreigners in Brunei can hold a strata title property for up to 99 years.

Retirement in Brunei may be difficult for a ‘newcomer’ as there might be no provision in Brunei immigration regulations for anything beyond a tourist or work visa and no incentive schemes aimed at attracting expat retirees to Brunei, such as in relatively nearby Malaysia.

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Violent crime is rare. Petty crime, such as break-ins and theft, occurs. Crime increases in July when school is out of session, and during the December holidays. Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

As of 28 September 2019, Bruneian citizens had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 165 countries and territories, ranking the Bruneian passport 21st in terms of travel freedom according to the Henley & Partners Passport Index. Brunei is also a part of ASEAN and has visa-free access to these countries and vice versa.

BY NATURALIZATION: Acquisition of Bruneian citizenship is only possible through marriage or adoption. MARRIAGE: Marriage of a Bruneian male and a foreign female. The foreign spouse may register for citizenship after 10 years residency. Marriage of a Bruneian female and a foreign male.

Brunei is probably just too small to cater for every single need. But most expats are satisfied or adapt. If you are enterprising and resourceful, living in Brunei can be a very comfortable and enjoyable experience. The government has promoted Brunei as “The Kingdom of Unexpected Treasures”.

Sale of all alcohol is banned in Brunei (including hotels). However non-Muslim visitors over 17 years old are allowed to bring in alcohol into Brunei for their personal consumption. Brunei has one of the most generous duty free allowances of any country in the world.