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Haiti Work Permits & Visas: Processes for Employers

Looking to sponsor an international hire in Haiti? This guide breaks down what employers need to know — from visa types to employer obligations and timelines. Whether you're hiring locally or relocating international talent, we've got you covered.

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Capital City

Port-au-Prince

Currency

Haitian Gourde

(

)

Timezone

(

GMT -4

)

Payroll

Monthly

Employment Cost

Milani Notshe

Research Specialist

Last Updated

July 11, 2025

In This Guide

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Hiring Foreign Talent in Haiti: What Employers Need to Know

Are you an employer looking to sponsor international talent in Haiti? Navigating Haiti’s visa and work permit process can be complex — especially without a local legal entity or dedicated HR team.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about employer-sponsored work visas in Haiti, including processing times, documentation, and local compliance rules. Whether relocating a team member or hiring locally, Playroll simplifies visa sponsorship through an end-to-end employer of record platform.

Key Takeaways

Employers must be registered with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor to sponsor foreign workers.

The work permit process usually takes around two to six months.

Common work visas include the Temporary Work Visa and the Permanent Work Visa. Fees generally range from $100 to $200.

Independent contractors follow a separate process and are not dependent on employer sponsorship.

Work permits are location-specific, and approval may be needed for job changes or moves.

Who Needs a Work Permit in Haiti

In Haiti, non-citizens who wish to work must obtain a work permit, regardless of the nature of their employment. This requirement applies to professionals, skilled workers, teachers, and any foreign national seeking employment. Even foreign entrepreneurs and investors who plan to manage businesses in Haiti are required to obtain the necessary permits. Employers must ensure that all foreign workers have the correct authorization before beginning employment to avoid penalties or legal complications.

Types of Work Visas in Haiti

Haiti offers different work visas to accommodate various types of employment needs. Employers must choose the correct visa based on the duration and nature of the foreign employee’s position.

Visa Type	Description
Temporary Work Permit	Issued for short-term employment, typically not exceeding one year, suitable for project-based or seasonal work.
Long-Term Employment Visa	Designed for individuals seeking to reside and work in Haiti for extended periods, generally valid for up to three years and renewable upon expiration.
Skilled Worker Visa	For professionals with specialized skills in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, engineering, and education.

Common Hiring Scenarios for Haiti

When hiring talent in Haiti, 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 Haiti. 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 (approximately two to six months), depending on the consulate or embassy.

This is best for: Long-term roles with in-office or hybrid presence in Haiti.

Use Case 2: Hiring a Foreign Contractor in Haiti

Independent professionals in Haiti 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 Haitian Gourde (HTG) 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 Haiti.

Use Case 3: Relocating an Existing Employee to Haiti

Transferring an existing team member to Haiti? 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 Caribbean, or talent retention offerings for global mobility programs.

Not Sure What to Pay in Haiti? Compare fair, local salaries with our free benchmarking tool.

Requirements For a Work Permit in Haiti

Obtaining a work permit in Haiti involves several essential documents and procedures.

Completed Application Form: Applicants must fill out and submit the application form provided by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.
Passport-Sized Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photos are necessary for identification.
Purpose of Stay Letter: A letter explaining the employee's intent to stay and work in Haiti, supported by details about the position.
Valid Passport: A passport with at least six months of validity beyond the intended employment duration.
Employer's Letter: A letter from the employer confirming the job offer and employment terms, stating the foreign employee’s role.
Work Contract: A signed employment contract outlining the terms and conditions of employment.

Haiti Work Permit Application Process

The process for applying for a work permit in Haiti involves multiple steps that employers need to follow to ensure successful submission.

Secure a Job Offer: The prospective employee must have a valid job offer from a registered Haitian employer.
Gather Documents: The employer and employee must collect all necessary documents, including the completed application form, photographs, passport, and a letter from the employer.
Submit to Authorities: Submit the completed application to the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs in Port-au-Prince.
Wait for Processing: Processing time usually takes two to six months, so applicants should plan accordingly.
Work Permit Issuance: If approved, the work permit will be issued, allowing the employee to legally work in Haiti.

Process for Visa Sponsorship In Haiti

Visa sponsorship in Haiti requires employers to play an active role in the application process. Employers must submit the work permit application on behalf of their employees and ensure that the job position cannot be filled by a local worker, which justifies the need for foreign talent. Additionally, employers are responsible for ensuring the validity of the foreign employee’s visa throughout their employment.

What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in Haiti

Fees for work permits and visas in Haiti can vary depending on the type of visa and duration. Employers should check with the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs for the most up-to-date information.

Visa Type	Application Fee
Temporary Work Permit	Varies; consult official sources
Long-Term Employment Visa	Varies; consult official sources
Skilled Worker Visa	Varies; consult official sources

Processing Time for a Work Permit Or Visa in Haiti

The processing time for work permits and visas in Haiti typically ranges from two to six months. Factors such as the completeness of the application, the type of visa, and the current volume of applications can affect processing speed. Employers should submit applications well in advance to ensure a timely process.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Haiti

Work permits in Haiti are generally valid for one year and can be renewed. Renewal applications should be submitted well before the permit’s expiration to avoid any lapses in employment status.

Visa Requirements For Digital Nomads in Haiti

Currently, Haiti does not offer a specific visa tailored for digital nomads. However, digital nomads can work remotely from Haiti using a general tourist visa or other relevant work permits, depending on their employment status and the nature of their work.

Common Challenges and Tips for Employers Hiring in Haiti

Employers in Haiti may face several challenges when hiring foreign employees:

Bureaucratic Delays: Work permit processing can take several months, and incomplete documentation or mistakes in the application process can cause significant delays.
Uncertainty Around Fees and Regulations: Fees and regulatory requirements can change frequently, requiring employers to stay up to date on any updates from Haitian authorities.
Language Barriers: Communication difficulties may arise due to the official use of French and Haitian Creole, so it’s essential to have access to translators or bilingual staff when necessary.

Hire Global employees without hassle with an EOR solution

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be a logistical nightmare to hire and pay employees in different countries. That’s the advantage of using a trusted Employer of Record like Playroll. They can:

Handle your international payroll: An EOR will act as your payroll provider, paying your employees on your behalf in the local currency. The company will also have in-depth knowledge of local tax codes, regulatory practices, and everything else that goes into managing global payroll.
Alleviate compliance concerns: Different countries each have their own federal and local laws governing employee payments. An EOR helps ensure that you are compliant with the unique set of laws for any country in which your company operates. This is extremely important since a compliance slip-up can result in heavy fines or even a lawsuit.
Hire and pay international contractors: Sometimes a particular project or role doesn’t require hiring a full-time employee. An EOR gives employers the flexibility to also hire contractors as needed, and avoid the potential for misclassification under local labor law.

Disclaimer

THIS CONTENT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE. You should always consult with and rely on your own legal and/or tax advisor(s). Playroll does not provide legal or tax advice. The information is general and not tailored to a specific company or workforce and does not reflect Playroll’s product delivery in any given jurisdiction. Playroll makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this information and shall have no liability arising out of or in connection with it, including any loss caused by use of, or reliance on, the information.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Milani Notshe

Milani is a seasoned research and content specialist at Playroll, a leading Employer Of Record (EOR) provider. Backed by a strong background in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, she specializes in identifying emerging compliance and global HR trends to keep employers up to date on the global employment landscape.

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FAQs about Work Permits & Visas in Haiti

Can Playroll sponsor a visa in Haiti?

We don’t currently sponsor visas in Haiti — but we can still help. Our in-house compliance team supports employers through every stage of the visa process: helping you compile documentation, set timelines, and coordinate with our network of trusted local immigration advisors.

If you’re looking to hire in Haiti, book a demo and we’ll help you prepare, flag potential issues, and streamline the path to compliant onboarding.

What is the difference between a work permit and a work visa in Haiti?

A work permit is required to work legally in Haiti, while a work visa is the formal permission for foreign nationals to enter and stay in the country for employment purposes. Both are essential for foreign workers.

How long does it take to process a work permit or visa in Haiti?

Processing can take from two to six months, depending on the type of visa and the completeness of the application.

What are the requirements for sponsoring a work permit or visa in Haiti?

Employers must submit the necessary documents, including a letter of employment and proof that the position could not be filled by a local worker, to sponsor a foreign employee.