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Madagascar Work Permits & Visas: Processes for Employers

Looking to sponsor an international hire in Madagascar? 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

Antananarivo

Currency

Malagasy ariary

(

)

Timezone

EAT

(

GMT +3

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Payroll

Monthly

Employment Cost

18%

Milani Notshe

Research Specialist

Last Updated

July 11, 2025

In This Guide

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Hiring Foreign Talent in Madagascar: What Employers Need to Know

Are you an employer looking to sponsor international talent in Madagascar? Navigating Madagascar’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 Madagascar, 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 register with the Ministry of Labor to sponsor foreign workers for work permits.

The process typically takes 2-4 weeks.

Common work permits include the Temporary Work Permit and the Professional Visa, with fees starting at €30.

Independent contractors follow a separate process and typically apply for a self-employed or freelancer visa.

Work permits are location-specific, and employees may need approval to move or change jobs.

Who Needs a Work Permit in Madagascar

In Madagascar, any foreign national intending to engage in employment activities requires a work permit. This mandate applies across various employment categories, including investors, executive officers, managers, employees, and specialized professionals. Employers must ensure that their international hires obtain the necessary work permits to comply with Malagasy labor laws and avoid legal complications.

Types of Work Visas in Madagascar

Madagascar offers several work visa categories tailored to different employment needs and durations.

Visa Type	Description
Short-Term Work Visa (Visa de Travail Court Séjour)	Suitable for individuals intending to work in Madagascar for less than three months, typically for short-term projects, conferences, or training assignments.
Long-Term Work Visa (Visa de Travail Long Séjour)	Designed for foreign nationals employed in Madagascar for extended periods, usually exceeding three months, and often linked to long-term employment contracts.
Specialized Professional Visa	Issued to professionals with specialized skills, such as engineers, healthcare workers, or educators, whose expertise is in demand within Madagascar.

Common Hiring Scenarios for Madagascar

When hiring talent in Madagascar, 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 Madagascar. 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 2-4 weeks), depending on the consulate or embassy.

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

Use Case 2: Hiring a Foreign Contractor in Madagascar

Independent professionals in Madagascar 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 Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) 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 Madagascar.

Use Case 3: Relocating an Existing Employee to Madagascar

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

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

Requirements for a Work Permit in Madagascar

Obtaining a work permit in Madagascar necessitates meeting specific criteria to ensure compliance with local labor regulations.

Valid Passport: The employee must possess a passport with at least six months' validity beyond the intended stay.
Employment Contract: A formal job offer or employment contract from a Malagasy employer, detailing the position, salary, and duration.
Proof of Qualifications: Documentation verifying the employee's qualifications and experience relevant to the job position.
Medical Certificate: A recent health certificate confirming the employee's fitness for employment.
Police Clearance: A certificate from the employee's country of residence indicating a clean criminal record.
Employer's Documentation: The employer must provide company registration details, tax identification number, and a letter justifying the hiring of a foreign national.

Madagascar Work Permit Application Process

Step 1: Secure a Job Offer – The prospective employee must obtain a confirmed job offer from a Malagasy employer.
Step 2: Document Preparation – Gather all necessary documents, including a valid passport, employment contract, proof of qualifications, and employer details.
Step 3: Application Submission – Submit the complete application to the Ministry of Labour in Madagascar. Ensure translations are in French.
Step 4: Await Processing – Processing time may vary; applying well in advance is recommended.
Step 5: Approval and Visa Issuance – Upon approval, the work permit and corresponding visa are issued.

Process for Visa Sponsorship in Madagascar

In Madagascar, employers are typically responsible for sponsoring foreign nationals' work visas. This involves demonstrating the necessity of hiring a foreign worker, providing requisite company documents, and ensuring compliance with immigration laws. Employers must facilitate the application process by supplying necessary documentation and may need to justify that the position cannot be filled by a local candidate.

Processing Time for a Work Permit or Visa in Madagascar

The processing time for work permits and visas in Madagascar typically ranges from 2 to 4 weeks. However, this duration can vary depending on factors such as the completeness of the application, the specific consulate or embassy handling the application, and the current workload of the immigration authorities.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Madagascar

In Madagascar, work permits are typically issued for an initial period of one year. As the expiration date approaches, it is advisable to initiate the renewal process at least three months in advance to accommodate any potential bureaucratic delays.

The renewal process requires gathering updated documentation, including a valid passport, current work permit, updated employment contract, and any additional documents requested by Malagasy authorities. Employers should submit the renewal application to the Ministry of Labour and await approval before the current permit expires.

Visa Requirements for Digital Nomads in Madagascar

Madagascar has recently introduced a Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) to attract remote workers and entrepreneurs. This visa provides an opportunity for individuals to live and work in Madagascar while maintaining employment outside the country.

Employers hiring remote workers under this category should ensure their employees meet the eligibility criteria and have the required documentation prepared for the application process.

Remote Employment: Applicants must be self-employed or employed by a company outside Madagascar.
Financial Stability: Proof of sufficient income or financial means to support oneself during the stay is required.
Valid Passport: A passport with at least six months' validity is necessary.
Online Application: Complete the application form on the official e-Visa website.
Documentation: Submit proof of remote employment, financial means, accommodation arrangements, and a letter outlining the purpose of the visit.

Common Challenges and Tips for Employers Hiring in Madagascar

Employing foreign nationals in Madagascar presents several challenges, particularly in navigating complex legal and bureaucratic processes. Employers must carefully plan and prepare to address these challenges effectively.

Bureaucratic Processes: Navigating visa and work permit application procedures can be time-consuming and require detailed documentation.
Compliance with Labor Laws: Employers must ensure strict adherence to Malagasy labor regulations to avoid penalties or legal complications.
Cultural Differences: Integrating international employees into the local work culture may pose challenges, necessitating orientation programs.

Tips for Employers:

Early Planning: Start the visa and work permit application process well in advance to avoid delays.
Legal Consultation: Engage legal experts familiar with Malagasy employment laws to ensure compliance.
Cultural Training: Provide cultural orientation programs to help foreign employees integrate smoothly into the workplace.

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 Madagascar

Can Playroll sponsor a visa in Madagascar?

We don’t currently sponsor visas in Madagascar — 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 Madagascar, 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 Madagascar?

A work visa allows entry into Madagascar for employment purposes, while a work permit authorizes the individual to legally work within the country. Both are required for foreign nationals seeking employment in Madagascar.

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

Processing times can vary, but it is advisable to initiate the application process at least three months before the intended start date to accommodate any potential delays.

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

Employers must provide a formal job offer, company registration details, tax identification number, and a letter justifying the hiring of a foreign national. Additionally, they must ensure compliance with Malagasy labor laws.

What types of work permits and visas are available in Madagascar?

Madagascar offers various work visas, including Short-Term Work Visas, Long-Term Work Visas, Specialized Professional Visas, and the recently introduced Digital Nomad Visa, each catering to different employment needs and durations.