Mozambique Long-Term Work Permit

The Mozambique Long-Term Work Permit allows foreign nationals to live and work in Mozambique for up to two years, with the option to extend for an additional two years. This permit is primarily issued to skilled professionals working in sectors with labour shortages, such as oil, gas, energy (coal), mining, and construction. Despite demand for foreign expertise, Mozambique applies strict limits through a quota system to protect its local workforce.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold a valid employment contract with a Mozambican entity and meet both general immigration requirements and sector-specific conditions. A key factor in eligibility is whether the position falls within or outside the company’s quota for hiring foreign nationals. The quota allocation is determined by the company’s size:

• Small companies (1–10 employees): May employ up to 10% foreign nationals.
• Medium companies (11–100 employees): May employ up to 8% foreign nationals.
• Large companies (101+ employees): May employ up to 5% foreign nationals.

In-Quota Applications

Where the employer has available quota space, the application process is more straightforward. The employer does not need to prove the unavailability of local candidates. The applicant must, however, still provide a certificate of equivalence for foreign qualifications and demonstrate that all company tax and social security obligations are up to date.

Out-of-Quota Applications

If the company has already filled its quota for foreign nationals, an out-of-quota application must be made. This process is more complex and requires justification for the foreign hire. Authorities assess applications on merit, taking into account factors such as the applicant’s skills, the sector of employment, the potential for skills transfer, and broader economic benefits to Mozambique. Employers are often expected to show evidence of a diligent search for local candidates, including advertisements and interview records.

Duration of Stay

The Long-Term Work Permit is issued for 24 months and is renewable for another two-year period. Continued compliance with Mozambican labour, tax, and immigration laws is required for renewals.

Urgent Update

As of 19 November 2025, following changes to procedures for hiring foreign nationals, both within and outside the quota, the Ministry of Labour has informed that it is now mandatory to submit proof of communication/publication of the vacancy, confirming that there are no Mozambicans qualified for the position for which a foreign national is to be hired. The vacancy must be advertised for all positions except for company owners, directors and representatives.

The required communication can be completed either by submitting the job vacancy notification form to INEP in accordance with Decree-Law No. 45/2023, or by publishing the vacancy in a widely circulated newspaper or online and providing a report confirming that no qualified Mozambican nationals have applied.

Last updated: 25/11/2025

Applications must include both general immigration documents and permit-specific evidence. All foreign documents should be translated into Portuguese and, where required, notarised and authenticated.

General Documentation

• A completed and signed Mozambique visa/permit application form.
• A valid passport (minimum six months’ validity beyond application date) with at least three blank pages.
• Two current passport-size colour photographs.
• Proof of payment of the government application fee.

Long-Term Work Permit-Specific Documentation

• Two duly completed long-term work permit application forms.
• Three copies of the signed employment contract with the Mozambican employer.
• Certificate of Equivalence for foreign qualifications issued by the Ministry of Education.
• Operating licence of the Mozambican entity (where applicable).
• Certified staff complement statement for the preceding year, indicating total employees, positions, and salary structure (used to evidence quota calculations).
• Proof of authorisation of the investment project (if applicable).
• Tax compliance confirmation from the Mozambican tax authority.
• INSS (National Institute of Social Security) compliance certificate confirming social security contributions are up to date.
• Proof of payment of the long-term work permit fee.

Additional Evidence (Out-of-Quota Cases)

• Motivation detailing the necessity for the foreign hire (skills profile, impact, skills transfer plan).
• Evidence of a diligent local recruitment effort (job adverts, shortlist, interview notes), where requested.

The processing time for a Long-Term Work Permit in Mozambique varies depending on whether the application falls within the company’s quota or requires out-of-quota approval.

In-Quota Applications

• Ministry of Labour approval: Processing typically takes between 30 and 90 days, provided all documentation is in order.
• Work visa issuance: After approval, the employee applies at a Mozambican embassy or consulate. This step may take an additional 2 to 8 weeks.
• Total timeframe: On average, in-quota applications are finalised within 2 to 5 months.

Out-of-Quota Applications

• Initial review and union opinion: Includes the equivalence certification and union assessment, which can take 1 to 2 weeks.
• Ministry of Labour authorisation: More detailed review and scrutiny, often requiring 1 to 2 additional months.
• Work visa application: As with in-quota cases, expect a further 2 to 8 weeks depending on the Mozambican mission handling the application.
• Total timeframe: Out-of-quota applications usually take 3 to 6 months, and may extend further if supplementary documentation is requested.

Applicants and employers should plan well in advance, particularly for out-of-quota cases, which require more detailed review and carry longer processing timelines.

The cost of a Long-Term Work Permit in Mozambique is higher than that of short-term permits due to the length of validity and the complexity of the application process. Fees vary depending on the applicant’s nationality, the issuing Mozambican mission, and whether the application is in-quota or out-of-quota.

• Application Fee: Generally between USD 200 and USD 400 per applicant, payable at the time of submission.
• Renewal Fee: Similar to the initial application fee, required every two years when the permit is extended.
• Additional Charges: Costs for document translation, notarisation, and authentication should be budgeted separately.
• Out-of-Quota Applications: These may involve higher costs due to additional documentation, extended review, and the potential need for supplementary filings.
• Transit or Entry Visa: In some cases, a work visa or transit visa must also be obtained before entry, which carries its own fees.

Because fees and procedures may differ between provinces and Mozambican embassies, applicants should confirm the current fee schedule with the National Directorate of Labour or the Mozambican Embassy or Consulate handling their case.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure that the position qualifies for a Long-Term Work Permit and determine whether the application falls within the company’s quota or must proceed as an out-of-quota application.

Step 2: Obtain Certificate of Equivalence

Submit the foreign worker’s academic qualifications to the Mozambican Ministry of Education for assessment. The certificate of equivalence is required for all applicants and typically takes 4 to 8 weeks to process.

Step 3: Prepare Documentation

Compile all general and permit-specific documents, including the employment contract, company compliance certificates, tax clearance, INSS confirmation, and proof of quota availability (or motivation for out-of-quota applications).

Step 4: Submit Application to the Ministry of Labour

The employer lodges the application with the Ministry of Labour. In-quota applications are generally more straightforward, while out-of-quota applications require additional justification and may involve extended review.

Step 5: Apply for a Work Visa Abroad

Once the Ministry of Labour approves the work permit, the foreign employee must apply for a work visa at the Mozambican embassy or consulate in their country of residence. This visa enables lawful entry into Mozambique.

Step 6: Enter Mozambique and Register

After arrival, the worker must register with the immigration authorities and obtain a residence permit linked to the work permit. Compliance with local tax and social security requirements is mandatory throughout the validity of the permit.

Step 7: Renewal

The Long-Term Work Permit is valid for two years and can be renewed for another two years. Renewal requires evidence that the employment relationship continues and that the employer remains compliant with Mozambican regulations.