Senegal has a diverse and emerging economy that has made this West African country an excellent destination for international professionals to live and work. If your company is planning to grow to Senegal, you’re probably looking for a team of talented employees to make the move. But before they can begin working, you’ll need to make sure they have the necessary visas and permits to do so legally.
Types of work visas in Senegal
There are several different kinds of visas that will allow international workers to enter Senegal. Individuals who are planning to work in Senegal will need a work permit to do so. The most common types of work permits in Senegal are:
- Local hire work permits
- Assignment work permits
The type of permit professionals will need depends on several variables, including their qualifications and the nature and duration of the work they will be performing for your company. Senegal’s government also issues business visas, which may be relevant for some members of your team. Business visas allow international workers to enter Senegal for short-term business activities, such as:
- Negotiating business contracts
- Attending conferences, business meetings, or training seminars
- Developing professional contacts for business purposes
However, long-term employees will need a work permit.
Requirements to obtain Senegal work visas
Applicants should get in touch with Senegal’s Ministry of Interior and Public Security for a full list of the documents needed to apply for a work permit. The main documents required are:
- A completed application form addressed to the Ministry of Interior
- A birth certificate
- 3 recent passport photos
- A valid passport
- A recent medical certificate
- A certificate of police clearance in the applicant’s country, obtained within the last 3 months
- The employment contract
- Proof that the prospective employer is registered in Senegal
Application process
To live and work in Senegal for more than 90 days, international workers will need to obtain a work permit as well as a residence permit, or carte d’identité d’étranger. Employees can apply for the residence permit upon arrival in Senegal. While the application is being processed, applicants will be issued a receipt, or récépissé, that authorizes them to live in Senegal until the permit is issued. Residence permits are granted for 6 months and can be renewed as needed.
To apply for a work permit, employees should take the following steps:
- Contact the Ministry of Interior in Senegal, the Direction général du Travail et de la Sécurité sociale, for a full list of the documents needed to apply.
- Prepare the documents and have them translated into French and signed by an authorized translator.
- Submit these documents, a cover letter, and a letter of sponsorship from the prospective employer to the Direction général du Travail et de la Sécurité sociale.
In Senegal, work permits are generally issued for an initial duration of 2 years. Like residence permits, Senegal work permits are also renewable.
Along with the work permit, employees will be issued a foreign identification document as proof that they are authorized to live and work in Senegal.
Other important considerations
Applicants should be aware that Senegal work permits are typically tied to the sponsoring employer. If an employee chooses to leave their position and seek employment at another company, they will need to obtain a new work permit.
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