Equatorial Guinea recently changed its immigration requirements in 2018, which can lead to confusion among prospective employers in the country. If you’re just now expanding to the country, you must know how to get an Equatorial Guinea work visa and permit for all foreign employees as well as understand all of the country’s different laws and regulations.
Types of Work Visas in Equatorial Guinea
Foreign nationals from some countries, such as the US, can travel to Equatorial Guinea for up to 90 days without a visa. However, your employees will most likely need to stay for longer, which requires a visa. The country has business, tourist, and work visas with single- and multiple-entry types depending on the applicant’s needs. There’s also the option to apply for a visa on arrival if your employees do not have an Equatorial Guinea diplomatic mission in their home country.
Most of your employees will also need a work permit, which is valid for one year with the option to renew. They can choose a multiple-entry work visa if they only need to work for six months to a year with no more than 90-day stays at a time. Anyone looking to live in Equatorial Guinea for longer than 90 days will need a residence permit as well.
Under Equatorial Guinea’s new immigration requirements, your employees can apply for one of several work permits, including:
- BI: This initial work permit is valid for a year and applies to any employer.
- BR: The BR work permit is the renewal of the BI permit and is valid for two years.
- C: When an individual renews the BR permit, they get a C work permit that’s valid for three years.
- A: This temporary work permit, valid for six months with the option for renewal, is for temporary employees.
- I: The informal work permit is for employed or self-employed workers in the informal sector who are not allowed to be contract workers. It’s valid for one year with the option to renew.
- PCP: The PCP is a work permit for self-employed workers conducting business in Equatorial Guinea. It’s open to contract workers and valid for up to three years.
- PTA: The PTA is an agriculture work permit for employed or self-employed individuals in the industry. It’s renewable and valid for three years.
- PP: Foreigners meeting certain conditions in the country can apply for this permanent work permit.
Requirements to Obtain Equatorial Guinea Work Visas
Every visa in Equatorial Guinea has various requirements. That said, some of the common documentation your employees will need follows:
- Completed visa application
- One passport-type photo
- A copy of proof of yellow fever vaccination
- Passport with six months’ validity beyond completion of the trip
- One blank visa page within the passport
- A copy of the flight itinerary
- A company business letter (if they’re traveling for business)
Application Process
All work visa applications must include a formal letter addressed to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. Your prospective employees also need to enclose their application and the required documents listed above. Once the ministry receives the application, it will give a yes or no within seven days.
Applying for a work permit is a separate process that you can typically undertake as the employer. You must provide documents showing your business activity and specifying the services that the foreign worker will provide. You also need to prove that the employee meets the specific qualifications of the position.
Other Important Considerations
If an application gets denied, applicants can file an appeal with the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. The ministry’s decision is the final part of the administrative appeal process, so a denial at that stage means your employees cannot work for your Equatorial Guinea entity.
Partner With G-P
G-P is a global PEO with subsidiaries around the world. You can count on our team for help with your expansion and contact us to learn more.