The Malagasy government is committed to making Madagascar an inviting destination for tourism and business, facilitating the visa process for international employees. In most cases, workers receive their visas quickly as long as they provide all the required documents. That said, companies will still need to worry about staying compliant and obtaining work permits for international employees in Madagascar.
Types of work visas in Madagascar
Madagascar has 2 main visa categories:
- Non-Immigrant Visas: These are valid for up to 90 days and allow 1 to 3 entries into the country. They are typically issued for tourism, business, or short-term visits.
- Transformable Visas: Issued by a Malagasy embassy or consulate, these visas are valid for 30 days and allow the holder to apply for a long-term visa upon arrival in Madagascar.
Most employees will need a Transformable Visa first to later apply for a long-term visa. Applicants will likely fall under one of the following categories:
- Investors
- Executive officers or managers of companies established in the country
- Employees
- Family members in reunification
- Religious missionaries
- Retired people
- Students
- Volunteers
- Natives
- Scientists
Requirements to obtain Madagascar work visas
The requirements for getting a work visa in Madagascar depend on the employee’s category. However, all international workers seeking employment will need a work permit. Companies can sponsor employees’ stays in the country and arrange for their work permits, but self-employed individuals will need to apply for a work permit themselves.
In addition to a work permit delivered and signed by the Ministry of Labor, employees applying for a Transformable Visa will need:
- An employment contract approved by the Ministry of Civil Service, Labor and Social Laws, along with the EDBM.
- Employment authorization issued by the Ministry of Civil Service, Labor and Social Laws to the EDBM.
- An official letter of request motivated and signed by the employer, addressed to the Minister of the Interior and Decentralization.
- The company’s certificate of registration issued by the Registrar of Companies (RCS).
- The company’s tax identification number (TIN).
- The company’s statistics cards.
Application process
While obtaining a work visa in Madagascar is a relatively simple process, employees will still need to go through the application process. The first step is to find the closest consulate and gather the documentation listed above. Each applicant must pay the visa fee, which depends on where they apply, so it’s best to check the specific embassy or consulate’s website.
After they submit the materials and pay the fee, the embassy or consulate will send the employee their Madagascar work visa. Before entering the country, it’s important to get all necessary vaccines, such as hepatitis A and typhoid.
Other important considerations
While applying for a work visa in Madagascar is relatively easy, gaining residency is a more complicated process. Timing is also important, as employees’ visas and other documents have specific expiration dates that the individual must work within.
Some of the most required documents include:
- A photo ID
- The reason for the residency request
- Notice information
- A declaration of honor with a notarized signature
- A certified copy of the applicant’s original passport and entry visa
- A criminal record from the employee’s country of origin
- A certificate of residence
- And more
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