Who Needs a Work Permit in Chad
In Chad, any foreign national who intends to work within the country requires a work permit, unless they are already exempt due to special agreements or arrangements. This includes expatriates and skilled workers coming to Chad for temporary or long-term employment. Typically, work permits are required for individuals in professional, managerial, and technical roles, as well as those in high-level positions. Employers must ensure that all non-Chadian workers hold valid work permits before employment begins.
Types of Work Visas in Chad
Common Hiring Scenarios for Chad
When hiring talent inChad, employers typically choose one of three pathways depending on the role, duration, & legal requirements. Below are the most common models.
Use Case 1: Sponsoring a Foreign Employee via Work Permit or Visa
This is the most common route for companies hiring full-time foreign talent in Chad. To sponsor this visa, an employer (or Playroll as the Employer of Record) must have a registered legal entity in-country and issue a compliant offer of employment.
Key Employer Considerations:
- Sponsorship is required — contractors or freelancers cannot apply under this visa.
- Employees must remain in the approved work location unless authorized to relocate or change employers.
- Processing timelines vary (around 2 to 4 weeks on average), depending on the consulate or embassy.
This is best for: Long-term roles with in-office or hybrid presence in Chad.
Use Case 2: Hiring a Foreign Contractor in Chad
Independent professionals in Chad can legally work with international clients without employer sponsorship, but must comply with local tax registration and reporting laws.
With Playroll’s Contractor Management solution, you can:
- Draft fully compliant local contractor agreements.
- Automate contractor invoicing and cross-border payments, in Central African CFA Franc (XAF) or USD.
- Mitigate risk of permanent establishment and contractor misclassification.
This is best for: Freelancers, consultants or project-based roles, especially if the worker already lives in Chad.
Use Case 3: Relocating an Existing Employee to Chad
Transferring an existing team member to Chad? You’ll still need to navigate the same visa and payroll setup process. Even if the employee works for you elsewhere, a local employer of record is required to stay compliant.
EOR’s, like Playroll, handle all local steps, including:
- Work permit sponsorship and immigration paperwork,
- Registration with local authorities and payroll systems,
- Enrollment in mandatory benefits and statutory schemes.
This is best for: Internal transfers or remote-first companies looking to expand into Africa, or talent retention offerings for global mobility programs.
Types of Work Visas in Chad
Chad offers a range of work visas tailored to the needs of different types of employment. These visas allow foreign nationals to live and work in the country for varying durations, depending on the type of visa issued.
Visa Type | Description |
Temporary Work Visa | A visa for foreign nationals intending to work in Chad for a temporary period (usually up to 1 year). |
Long-term Work Visa | A visa for employees who are hired for an extended period, typically for more than one year. |
Intra-company Transfer Visa | For employees being transferred within the same company from a foreign branch to a Chad-based branch. |
Skilled Worker Visa | Issued to foreign nationals with specific technical skills needed by employers in Chad. |
Requirements For a Work Permit in Chad
To obtain a work permit in Chad, several requirements must be met by the foreign employee and the employer. These requirements ensure that the employee has the appropriate qualifications and the employer complies with labor laws.
Typically, a work permit application requires the submission of supporting documents, including a valid passport, a job offer letter, proof of the employee’s qualifications, and details of the company in Chad. Employers must also demonstrate that the job cannot be filled by a local worker, and in some cases, an advertising period in local newspapers may be required.Requirements for a work permit include:
- Valid Passport: The employee must have a passport that is valid for at least six months.
- Job Offer Letter: A formal job offer outlining the employee’s position, salary, and duration of employment.
- Proof of Qualifications: The employee must provide relevant certificates or qualifications for the role they are being hired for.
- Company Registration in Chad: The employer must be a legally registered company in Chad.
- Evidence of Effort to Hire Locals: In some cases, employers must show evidence that no qualified local candidate could be found for the position.
Chad Work Permit Application Process
The application process for a work permit in Chad involves several steps, ensuring that both the employer and the employee comply with the necessary immigration laws. Employers should prepare to submit various documents and wait for the approval from the Ministry of Employment and Labour.Here are the key steps:
- Step 1: The employer submits a formal application for a work permit to the Ministry of Employment and Labour, including necessary documents like the employee's passport and job offer letter.
- Step 2: The Ministry reviews the application and verifies the company's compliance with labor regulations. This may include confirming that no qualified local workers are available for the job.
- Step 3: Upon approval, the work permit is issued for the foreign employee, usually for a one-year duration, with the possibility of renewal.
- Step 4: The employee applies for a residence visa at the Ministry of the Interior to live and work in Chad.
Process for Visa Sponsorship In Chad
Visa sponsorship in Chad is a process where the employer is responsible for applying for and obtaining a work permit on behalf of the foreign employee. The employer must demonstrate that they are legally operating in Chad and have a legitimate need for foreign labor. Typically, the employer must provide proof that the position cannot be filled by a local resident, which may involve an advertising requirement in the local job market.
Once the employer has submitted all required documents and the work permit is approved, they will also sponsor the employee’s residence visa, which is necessary for living in the country long-term.
What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in Chad
Work permit and visa fees in Chad vary depending on the type of visa, the duration of stay, and other factors such as the employee's qualifications. Employers should be prepared to budget for these costs as part of the overall relocation expenses for their international employees.
Visa Type | Application Fee |
Temporary Work Visa | $150 |
Long-term Work Visa | $250 |
Intra-company Transfer Visa | $200 |
Skilled Worker Visa | $175 |
Processing Time for a Work Permit Or Visa in Chad
The processing time for a work permit or visa in Chad typically ranges from 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the type of visa and the complexity of the application. Employers should plan ahead and ensure all required documents are submitted on time to avoid delays. In some cases, additional documentation may be requested, which can extend the processing time.
Work Permit Renewal Periods in Chad
Work permits in Chad are generally issued for a period of one year, and they must be renewed annually. The renewal process involves submitting proof of ongoing employment, updated documentation, and payment of the renewal fee. Employers should start the renewal process well in advance of the permit's expiration to ensure there is no disruption to the employee's ability to work in the country.
Visa Requirements For Digital Nomads in Chad
Chad does not currently have a specific visa category for digital nomads. However, foreign nationals working remotely for companies outside Chad may apply for a tourist visa if they plan to stay for a short period. If a digital nomad wishes to stay for a longer duration, they will need to apply for a standard work permit. Employers can sponsor digital nomads for work permits, but this process requires a full job offer and evidence of the employee's role and income.
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months.
- Proof of Remote Work: Documentation proving the employee works remotely and is employed by an overseas company.
- Employment Contract: A contract detailing the terms of the remote work.
- Health Insurance: Proof of adequate health insurance coverage for the duration of stay.
Common Challenges and Tips for Employers Hiring in Chad
Hiring in Chad presents a unique set of challenges. Employers may face difficulties in obtaining work permits, ensuring compliance with labor laws, or dealing with bureaucratic delays. Understanding the local job market and regulatory environment is crucial for successfully hiring international workers.
- Challenge 1: Bureaucratic delays in the processing of work permits and visas can affect timelines.
- Challenge 2: Strict requirements for local job advertising may delay the hiring process.
- Challenge 3: Limited availability of skilled workers for specialized positions in some sectors.