How To Apply to Settle On Pitcairn

August 2024

“Please be advised that the settlement process for the Pitcairn Islands is currently under review and no applications will be received during this period.”

Pitcairn is only accessible by sea, Before you complete your settlement application form go the Pitcairn Tourism website to find out what you need to do to get to Pitcairn. Additionally, read this website carefully, including the FAQs, where you will find answers to a wide range of questions.

Download and complete the Settlement Application form Here.

Send a scanned copy of the completed form and a scanned copy of the passport photo pages of all applicants to both the Immigration Officer on Pitcairn Island: immigration@pitcairn.gov.pn and the Pitcairn Island Office: admin@pitcairn.gov.pn

All the information you need about your Settlement Application process can be found within the GPI Immigration, Visa and Settlement Information Policy Here.

Declaring Criminal Convictions

Applicants are required to send a scanned copy of their completed SA forms along with a scanned copy of their passport bio page to the PI-IO and the PIO in the first instance. At that the time applications must also attach a police certificate or letter from every jurisdiction in which they have resided in, disclosing whether they have any convictions and the nature of those convictions.

If your application is successful you will receive a letter from the Governor formally granting you entry clearance for settlement on Pitcairn.

  • When a Settlement Application is approved the applicant will receive a letter from the Governor granting Entry Clearance to settle on Pitcairn.

  • Those approved for settlement are required, under the Pitcairn Island Immigration Control Ordinance, to arrive at Pitcairn within 12 months of the date of their letter of approval from the Governor.

  • Should an approved new migrant not be able to meet this requirement they must contact the Pitcairn Island Immigration Officer to discuss options. The Pitcairn Island Immigration Officer will pass this information to the Deputy Governor and the Pitcairn Island Council for consideration.

Booking Your Voyage To Pitcairn

Prior to completing your Settlement application form please go to the Passenger Shipping Schedule to check berth availability. As your application progresses, you should contact the Pitcairn Islands Travel Coordinator to reserve your berths.

Relocating To Pitcairn

It is possible to have your household effects shipped to Pitcairn Island. New migrants generally have their effects shipped to Shuttle Express Services Ltd NZ, an international freight company. Shuttle Express also handles all of Pitcairn’s quarterly freight requirements. They provide a very helpful and reliable service.

Subsidised Freight for New Migrants

  • Approved new migrants are entitled to the subsidised freight cost of NZ$350 per cubic within their 2 year (non-consecutive) permanent residency period on household goods shipped to Pitcairn for settlement.

  • Approved new migrants, who wish to build their first home (within their 2 year non-consecutive permanent residency period) are entitled to the subsidised freight cost of NZ$350 per cubic meter. This rate applies to all building /construction materials, fittings and tools. This provision excludes water tanks which are freight free.

  • After new migrants have been granted permanent residency, they continue to be entitled subsidised freight costs of NZ$350 per cubic meter. This provision excludes water tanks which remain freight free.

Container Shipping – Size Requirements

  • Only 6ft Containers are permissible for freighting goods from NZ to Pitcairn on the GPI chartered vessel. This being due to Pitcairn’s limited unloading facilities and health and safety requirements for longboat crew and landing personnel. Goods too large for 6ft containers are managed as break-bulk.