Your Central Source for Information on Immigration, Permits and Visas in Uganda
Uganda is in East Africa. Kampala is its capital city, and the entire country boasts a unique landscape, from the Rwenzori Mountains to Lake Victoria.
Uganda’s primary income relies heavily on exporting merchandise, including coffee, oil, metals, and sugar.
Its economy shows consistent growth year-on-year, making it one of the more attractive African countries business and immigration-wise.
Why wait? Immigrate to Uganda today!
There are a plethora of forms and documents necessary for Uganda Visa and Permit Applications.
The admin required can be overwhelming and sometimes dispiriting.
Contact us, and we’ll assign an immigration consultant specialising in Ugandan Visas to oversee your case.
The first step is a consultation with your immigration specialist to determine which type of Ugandan Visa/Permit best suits your needs.
This is especially important in the case of the different types of Work Visas (Also known as Special Pass).
Following the consultation, your Uganda immigration specialist will go over the requirements for your Visa so that you know exactly what you need to do to start the application process.
We look at the requirements for the different Ugandan Visas and Permits below.
The different types of Ugandan Visas and Permits have different costs according to the duration and renewal process.
Your Ugandan immigration consultant will provide you with an accurate cost estimate that includes direct and indirect fees and expenses.
Your consultant aims to be as comprehensive as possible, so you aren’t caught out by hidden fees.
Your Ugandan Visa Specialist will guide you through the application process step-by-step.
This way, you can be sure that you’ll get it right the first time and don’t waste time and energy going back and forth to meet the requirements for any Visa Applications.
The Business Visitors Visa is issued to people travelling to Uganda purely for business purposes, including conferences, seminars, training activities, and meetings. They may conduct their business but can’t work while in the country.
The Tourist Visa is strictly for tourism and travel in Uganda.
It doesn’t allow for any business or work-related activities.
After you’ve collected all the necessary information, you and your consultant will go through all the forms and documents to compile an application pack.
The application pack will be sent for an in-house quality check, after which your consultant will submit your application to the relevant Ugandan immigration authority.
The Short-term Work Visa and Permit / Special Pass The Short-Term Work Permit, also known as a Special Pass, is issued to people for short-term work assignments and projects in Uganda.
It’s valid for an initial period of 90 days but can be extended for a further 60 days.
The types of applicants include those seeking medical treatment or on a short-term contract for a maximum of five months.
This Work Permit and Visa also applies to people who need a reasonable amount of time to apply for and obtain an Entry Permit to Uganda or who need a fair amount of time to complete any immigration formalities.
The Special Pass is processed in Uganda and does not require the applicant to be present.
After you’ve gone through all the information with your consultant and collected the documentation to meet your visa’s requirements, you will compile an application pack.
The pack goes for an in-house quality check to ensure everything is in place, after which your consultant will submit it to the relevant Ugandan immigration authority.
Note: It takes approximately 10 days for special passes to be approved.
There are different types of work permits in Uganda.
The categories for Work Authorisation, also known as Entry Permits, include Class A, A2, B, C, D, E, F, G1 & G2.
Each class is valid for different periods, depending on the category.
Applicants can only enter Uganda once they receive their Entry Authorisation letter.
Then they can apply for a Visa to enter the country.
Work Visa Categories in Uganda (Entry-Permit)
Note: It takes approximately 10 -15 days to obtain an approved authorisation letter.
Work Visas & Permits can be requested for six to 36 months maximum.
Dependant Visa
The Dependant Permit allows dependants to accompany the principal visa Ugandan permit applicant to Uganda legally.
They are included on the principal applicant’s passport.
Dependants are family members dependent on the applicant, such as a spouse and children.
Study Visa
Everyone who wants to attend a school or receive tertiary education in Uganda must have a study visa.
Applicants must have been accepted to their school or tertiary education, or training institution before they can apply for their visa.
You’ll get a list of additional requirements for your specific visa from your specialist in Ugandan visas.
Your Ugandan immigration specialist will help you get the ball rolling as far as documents, forms, costs, and requirements for applications are concerned.
Together you will collate all of the information and compile an application pack, which is submitted for an in-house quality check.
After your application pack has passed the check, it’s ready for your consultant to submit to the relevant immigration authority.
How long will my permit be valid?
The Retirement Permit in available to foreign nationals over the age of 60 who can prove sufficient pension income to sustain themselves while in Uganda.
Their annual income must be no less than US$36,000, derived from sources outside Uganda or from a pension or annuity payable from sources in Uganda.
Retirees are not permitted to work in Uganda to gain sufficient income to support themselves while in the country.
Your Ugandan immigration consultant will provide a further list of requirements.
By this stage, your Ugandan visa specialist has helped you through some application processes. Now, they will guide you through the next steps, which include compiling a comprehensive application pack, submitting the package for our in-house quality check, and submitting the application to the relevant immigration authority.
Note: It takes approximately 10 -15 days for the authorisation letter to be approved.
Permits can be requested for between six and 36 months.
Business and Trade Visas are available to foreign nationals who intend to trade, become partners in an existing local business, or open and run their own business in Uganda.
Your specialist in Ugandan visas will provide a list of further requirements.
By now, you and your consultant will have worked together to gather and complete all the required forms and documents.
The next step in the process is to collate the information and compile an application pack. The pack will be submitted for an in-house quality check, after which your consultant will submit it to the relevant Ugandan immigration authority.
You may only work for the employer or organisation specified in your documentation. You will not be permitted to work at a third-party site.
Your dependents will not be able to accompany you on a Special Pass but may apply for a separate tourist permit.
No, the permit duration is too short to provide a path to permanent residence.
Yes, dependents may accompany the work permit holder by applying for a study permit or dependent’s pass.
Yes, it provides a path to a Certificate of Residence (issued for five years). You must have lived in Uganda for a minimum of 10 years or be married to a Ugandan Citizen or someone who used to be a Ugandan citizen.
You can apply online for a Ugandan eVisa.
You must apply for your entry permit at the closest Uganda Mission in your home country.
Your spouse and children can apply for dependent visas to accompany you.
Note: Life partnerships and same-sex relationships aren’t recognised by the Ugandan Government.
Any foreigner wishing to study at a primary, secondary, or tertiary education level must have a study permit.
We provide a full range of immigration services for Uganda. With our professional and trusted network of partners, we are always informed of any policy changes and the practical realities that govern immigration rules and regulations.
We will first consult to determine which visa or permit is correct for you. We advise you about the required documentation and compile the complete application on your behalf. We will help you save time gathering the required documents to finalise your application.
There is a great advantage in having a reliable local representative who will submit the application in Uganda and collect the necessary documents for you.
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