Mozambique Immigration and Visas

A Mozambique Short-Term Work Permit allows foreign nationals to carry out temporary assignments in the country. It is widely used in sectors such as mining, oil, and gas, where there are recognised shortages of local skills. In these industries, the permit can be granted for up to 180 days per calendar year.

In all other sectors of the economy, the permit is limited to 90 days per calendar year. Where a single-entry 30-day visa is issued on entry, it may be renewed twice for 30 days each, at the discretion of the Ministry, to reach the 90-day maximum.

Both the 90-day and 180-day permits are restricted to a single calendar year and cannot be used as a pathway to permanent residence in Mozambique. They are intended only for short-term projects or urgent assignments requiring foreign expertise.

A Mozambique Long-Term Work Permit authorises foreign nationals to live and work in the country for up to two years, with the option to renew for another two years. It is designed for skilled professionals, particularly in industries such as oil, gas, mining, energy, and construction, where local expertise may be limited.

Mozambique operates a quota system to regulate the hiring of foreign employees. The quota is based on the size of the company: small companies may employ up to 10% foreign nationals, medium companies up to 8%, and large companies up to 5%. Applications within quota are simpler, while out-of-quota applications require additional justification, including proof of skills transfer and efforts to recruit locally.

The permit ensures compliance with Mozambican labour and immigration laws but does not itself grant permanent residence. Renewals are possible as long as the employment contract remains valid and the employer continues to meet all regulatory obligations.

A Mozambique Study Visa is granted to foreign nationals who wish to pursue education or training at an accredited institution in Mozambique. It is available for university students, vocational training, and other recognised academic programmes.

The applicant must provide proof of enrolment from the institution, along with supporting documents such as a valid passport, photographs, medical certificate, and police clearance. Unlike minor children, who may reside on a dependant visa, foreign students must hold a dedicated study visa to begin their studies.

The visa is generally issued for the duration of the academic programme and can be renewed as long as the student remains enrolled and in good standing. It does not authorise employment in Mozambique and is strictly limited to educational purposes.

A Mozambique Business Visa is issued to foreign nationals travelling for short-term business purposes such as meetings, negotiations, conferences, or training. It is typically granted for up to 90 days, though each stay may not exceed 30 consecutive days.

Applicants are usually required to present an invitation from a Mozambican company, along with proof of accommodation and travel details. Business visas can be single-entry or multiple-entry, depending on the needs of the applicant and the approval of the issuing mission.

This visa does not authorise the holder to take up employment or perform hands-on work. Foreigners intending to work in Mozambique must instead apply for a work permit or relevant authorisation.

A Mozambique Investment Visa is designed for foreign nationals who establish or participate in approved investment projects in Mozambique. It provides residence rights linked directly to the continuation of the investment and enables the investor to manage operations within the country.

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate an investment of at least USD 500,000, registered and approved by the Investment Promotion Centre (IPC). The project must clearly contribute to Mozambique’s development, either through job creation, infrastructure growth, or sectoral benefits in areas such as mining, agriculture, or tourism.

The visa is generally valid for two years and renewable for further two-year periods. Its purpose is to facilitate long-term investor presence while ensuring that the investment continues to benefit Mozambique’s economy.

A Mozambique Accompanying Spouse and Dependants Visa allows family members of a primary work or residence permit holder to legally reside in Mozambique. It applies to spouses, recognised life partners, minor children, and in some cases other dependants who rely financially on the main applicant.

Mozambique recognises life partnerships for immigration purposes, provided the couple can prove cohabitation and shared financial responsibilities. Same-sex marriages, however, are not legally recognised. Children must show proof of enrolment if they will be attending school in Mozambique.

The visa is typically issued in line with the validity of the main applicant’s permit and can be renewed on the same basis. It does not allow independent employment but ensures family unity during the main applicant’s authorised stay in Mozambique.

A Mozambique Temporary Residence Permit is required for foreign nationals who intend to stay in the country for more than three months. It is typically issued to those residing on the basis of work, study, investment, or as accompanying family members.

Applicants must already hold a valid entry visa linked to their purpose of stay and submit supporting documents such as a work permit, enrolment confirmation, or proof of family relationship. The permit is also subject to police clearance, medical certification, and confirmation of tax and social security compliance where applicable.

The permit is generally valid for one year and can be renewed annually as long as the conditions of stay remain valid. It provides lawful residence but does not grant permanent immigration rights, although consecutive renewals may later count toward eligibility for permanent residence.

A Mozambique Permanent Residence Permit is the highest form of residence status available to foreign nationals, but despite its name, it is valid for only five years and must be renewed for equal periods. It is available only to those who have legally resided in Mozambique for more than a decade under temporary residence permits.

The path to permanent residence involves holding a precarious residence permit, renewing it five times, and then a temporary residence permit, renewed ten times. Only after this sequence may an application for permanent residence be made. Applicants must also prove financial stability, tax compliance, good conduct, and secure accommodation.

Permanent residence provides greater stability for long-term residents but does not equate to permanent immigration status. Renewal every five years remains mandatory to maintain lawful residence in Mozambique.

A Mozambique Residence Permit by Investment provides residence rights to foreign nationals who establish approved investment projects in the country. It grants more favourable quota access than other permits, as investors may employ themselves within their own projects.

To qualify, the investment must be worth at least USD 500,000 and registered with the Investment Promotion Centre (IPC). The project must demonstrate clear benefits to Mozambique’s economy, such as job creation, infrastructure development, or contributions to priority sectors like mining, energy, agriculture, or tourism.

The permit is issued for five years and is renewable as long as the investment remains active and compliant with Mozambican law. While it allows long-term residence, it is not indefinite and must be renewed to maintain lawful status.