Mozambique Accompanying Spouse/Dependants Visa

The Mozambique Accompanying Spouse and Dependants Visa allows family members of a primary work or residence permit holder to legally reside in Mozambique. This visa category is available to spouses, life partners, minor children, and in certain cases, other dependants. Mozambique recognises life partnerships for immigration purposes, provided that evidence of cohabitation and shared financial responsibilities is submitted. Same-sex marriages are not currently recognised under Mozambican law.

Eligibility

Applicants must be immediate family members or recognised partners of a foreign national who holds a valid work permit or residence permit in Mozambique. The principal applicant (the main visa holder) must prove their legal status in the country and undertake responsibility for the dependant’s stay. Minor children attending school in Mozambique are also covered, subject to confirmation of enrolment.

Common Use Cases

• Spouses joining a partner employed in Mozambique on a long-term work permit.
• Life partners who can demonstrate a genuine, documented partnership.
• Minor children accompanying their parent(s) and attending school in Mozambique.
• Other recognised dependants who rely financially on the primary visa holder.

Duration of Stay

The Accompanying Spouse and Dependants Visa is generally issued in line with the validity of the main applicant’s work or residence permit. Extensions are possible, provided that the primary visa holder maintains valid status in Mozambique.

Last updated: 01/09/2025

The application for an Accompanying Spouse and Dependants Visa requires both general documents, which apply to all Mozambican visas, and specific documents that demonstrate the family relationship to the main visa holder.

General Documentation

• A properly completed and signed visa application form.
• A valid passport with at least six months’ validity remaining.
• At least three blank pages in the passport for endorsements.
• Two recent passport-size colour photographs.
• Proof of payment of the applicable visa fees.

Visa-Specific Documentation

• A copy of the main applicant’s valid work or residence permit.
• A police clearance certificate for the spouse or dependant, issued by the country of residence.
• A confirmation letter from the main applicant’s employer in Mozambique confirming current employment.
• A signed term of responsibility from the main applicant for their family members.
• A marriage certificate or life partnership evidence (such as proof of shared accommodation or financial responsibilities).
• A school enrolment confirmation letter for children who will study in Mozambique.
• A declaration of responsibility signed by the spouse or dependant.
• A copy of the spouse’s or dependant’s work contract, where applicable.

Additional documents may be requested by the Mozambican authorities, depending on the applicant’s family circumstances and the type of dependant applying.

The processing time for an Accompanying Spouse and Dependants Visa varies depending on where the application is submitted and the completeness of the documentation:

• Initial Entry: Family members typically enter Mozambique on a tourist visa, valid for up to 90 days. This must be converted into an accompanying spouse or dependant visa after arrival.
• In-Country Processing: Once submitted to the Mozambican immigration office, applications are generally processed within 2 to 3 months, although timelines can vary between provinces.

Delays are common if documents require additional authentication or if the main applicant’s work or residence permit is under review. Applicants are advised to submit their application as early as possible within the validity of their tourist visa.

The cost of an Accompanying Spouse and Dependants Visa depends on the number and type of family members included in the application. Fees are set by the Mozambican authorities and may differ by mission or province:

• Base Application Fee: Generally between USD 50 and USD 100 per applicant, payable upon submission.
• Tourist Visa Fee: Family members usually require a tourist visa (valid for up to 90 days) to enter Mozambique before applying in-country, typically costing around USD 50.
• Additional Charges: Costs vary depending on the number of dependants (for example, spouse plus children or elderly parents), as well as local administrative or authentication fees.

Applicants should confirm the exact fee schedule with the Mozambican Embassy, Consulate, or provincial immigration office where the application will be processed. It is also recommended to budget for translation, certification, and notarisation costs, where applicable.

Step 1: Enter Mozambique

Accompanying family members must first enter Mozambique legally, usually on a tourist visa valid for up to 90 days. This provides the legal basis for applying in-country for the accompanying spouse or dependants visa.

Step 2: Gather Documentation

Prepare all required documents, including the completed visa application form, valid passport, photographs, proof of fee payment, and the specific family-related documents such as a marriage certificate, proof of life partnership, or school enrolment confirmation for children.

Step 3: Submit Application

Lodge the complete application pack at the immigration office in the province where the main applicant resides and works. The application should be submitted before the expiry of the tourist visa.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fees

Pay the official visa fees as determined by the Mozambican authorities. Costs vary depending on the number of family members and the type of dependant included.

Step 5: Await Processing

Applications are typically processed within 2 to 3 months. Processing times may vary by province and depending on whether additional verification of documents is required.

Step 6: Receive Visa Approval

Once approved, the accompanying spouse or dependants visa will be endorsed in the applicant’s passport. The validity period will generally align with the primary visa holder’s work or residence permit.