Uganda Work Permit (Entry Permits)

The Uganda Work Permit, formally referred to as an Entry Permit, is the primary authorisation required for foreign nationals to live and work in Uganda on a long-term basis. It is issued by the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control and is always sponsored by a registered organisation or company in Uganda.

Uganda operates a class-based work permit system, where each permit category is aligned to the type of activity being undertaken. Common classes include employment, business and trade, professional services, and investment activities. The most widely used category is the Class G2 (Employees), which applies to foreign nationals employed by Ugandan or foreign entities operating in Uganda.

Work Permits are typically issued for periods ranging from 6 months up to 3 years, depending on the employment contract and supporting documentation. Once approved, the foreign national is permitted to enter Uganda and have the permit endorsed in their passport.

Last updated: 14/04/2026

Applications for a Uganda Work Permit require documentation from both the employer and the foreign national. The application must demonstrate the legitimacy of the employment and the need to hire a foreign national.

Employer requirements include:

• A cover letter from the employing company or organisation
• An appointment letter confirming the employment offer
• Proof of company registration and legal status
• Income tax clearance of the company
• A list of employees indicating nationality and positions held

Foreign national requirements include:

• A valid passport
• A recent passport-sized photograph
• Copies of previous visas or permits, where applicable
• A police clearance certificate or Interpol letter from the home country
• Certified academic and professional qualifications

For employment-based permits such as Class G2, the employer must demonstrate that efforts were made to recruit locally and that the foreign national brings skills that are not readily available in Uganda. Supporting evidence may include job advertisements or recruitment records.

Uganda has a relatively efficient processing system for work permits due to its electronic application platform.

Typical processing timeline:

• Work Permit applications are generally processed within 2 to 3 weeks

Processing times may vary depending on the completeness of the application, the permit class selected, and whether additional verification is required. Applications supported by clear and complete documentation are processed more efficiently.

The government fees for a Uganda Work Permit vary depending on the permit class and duration of validity.

Typical fee ranges (depending on permit class):

6 months: approximately USD 250 to USD 1500

12 months: approximately USD 400 to USD 3000

24 months: approximately USD 800 to USD 6000

36 months: approximately USD 1200 to USD 9000

The variation in fees reflects the type of activity being undertaken, such as employment, investment, or professional services. Applicants must confirm the exact fee applicable to their permit class at the time of application.

The application for a Uganda Work Permit is submitted online and is typically initiated by the sponsoring employer in Uganda.

Step 1: Employer prepares documentation

The employer gathers all required company documents and prepares the supporting letters and employment documentation.

Step 2: Submit the application online

The application is submitted through the official Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control platform using the organisation’s registered details.

Step 3: Provide supporting documents

The foreign national submits personal documentation, including passport, qualifications, and police clearance.

Step 4: Await processing and approval

The authorities review the application and may request additional information before issuing a decision.

Step 5: Entry and endorsement

Once approved, the foreign national may travel to Uganda, and the Work Permit is endorsed in the passport upon arrival.

Disclaimer

At IBN Immigration Solutions, an Envoy Global company, we adhere to standards of transparency. As a private immigration firm, we operate in accordance with the laws and regulations governing immigration in Uganda. We are not affiliated with the Government of Uganda. Our clients pay for our expertise in handling applications for both temporary and permanent residency.

While forms required during the process may be obtained free of charge from the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control, we also provide them as part of our service. Individuals who prefer to deal directly with the authorities may visit the official website at www.immigration.go.ug/