Malawi Work Permits & Visas: Employer Guide to Types & Sponsorship

Who Needs a Work Permit in Malawi?

In Malawi, any foreign national intending to engage in employment must obtain a Temporary Employment Permit (TEP) before commencing work. Employers are responsible for applying for this permit on behalf of their prospective international employees.

Types of Work Visas in Malawi

Malawi offers various visas catering to different purposes of stay.

Visitor’s Permit / Business Visit Permit

The Visitor’s Permit (also referred to as the Business Visit Permit) allows foreign nationals to enter Malawi for short-term business-related purposes, such as attending meetings, conferences, or exploring potential partnerships. It does not permit paid employment and is typically issued for 30 to 90 days, with limited extensions possible.

This permit is suited for exploratory or preparatory visits, such as site evaluations, due diligence, or onboarding new hires before a work permit is issued.

This is a useful tool for bringing in executives, consultants, or job candidates for short, non-remunerated business engagements.

💡Best work permit option if: You’re hosting foreign nationals for short-term business activity such as client visits, preliminary training, interviews, or project scoping. It’s ideal before formal employment begins or for quick, temporary business involvement.

Temporary Permit

The Temporary Permit is a general category that covers short-term visits for various reasons, including family, business, or education. In some cases, it may be used for temporary stays linked to non-employment activities or pending approval of a long-term permit.

While It does not authorize employment, it may be useful for accompanying dependents or bridging immigration status while longer-term permits are processed.

This permit usually comes into the fold when relocating employees with families or arranging interim legal status for new hires transitioning to work authorization.

💡Best work permit option if: You need to support a foreign employee or dependent’s temporary legal stay while awaiting approval of employment-related permits. Useful for families or transitional scenarios.

Temporary Residence Permit (TRP)

The Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) allows foreign nationals to reside in Malawi for an extended but finite period. It is commonly issued to spouses, dependents, missionaries, volunteers, or retirees, and is not an employment visa unless specifically endorsed.

For employers, the TRP is mostly relevant for supporting dependents of employees on work permits or for non-working foreign nationals attached to international NGOs, religious organizations, or academic institutions.

Employers generally coordinate this visa in parallel with a Temporary Employment Permit for the primary visa holder.

💡Best work permit option if: You are supporting the relocation of employee family members or working with NGOs and institutions where foreign staff or affiliates need residence without formal employment status.

Temporary Employment Permit (TEP)

The Temporary Employment Permit (TEP) is the primary work permit in Malawi, allowing foreign nationals to live and work in the country for a specific employer. It is issued for up to 2 years, renewable, and subject to approval by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services and the Ministry of Labour.

Employers must demonstrate:

• The necessity of hiring a foreign worker
• That no qualified local talent is available (labor market test)
• A valid employment contract and job description
• Organizational registration and tax compliance

Employers are responsible for initiating and sponsoring the TEP application, including covering fees and compliance reporting. This permit is required before employment can legally commence.

💡Best work permit option if: You are hiring foreign professionals, executives, or technical experts into full-time roles in Malawi. This is the most important visa for international staffing and talent mobility into the country.

Business Residence Permit

The Business Residence Permit is issued to foreign nationals who wish to establish and operate a business in Malawi. This includes investors, entrepreneurs, and business owners who can demonstrate financial capacity and a viable business plan. It does not allow traditional employment under an existing employer, but the individual may work within their own business.

Requirements include:

• Proof of business registration in Malawi
• Minimum capital investment thresholds
• Business plan and financial documentation

This permit is useful if you're expanding operations into Malawi and bringing in founders, co-founders, or foreign directors to launch or manage local entities.

💡Best work permit option if: You’re setting up a new business in Malawi and want to relocate investor-operators or entrepreneurial leadership. It’s best for those managing or owning the business, rather than traditional employees.

Permanent Residence Permit (PRP)

The Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) grants indefinite residency to foreign nationals who meet specific conditions, such as:

• Long-term residency in Malawi (typically after holding a TEP or TRP for several years)
• Marriage to a Malawian citizen
• Retirement with proof of financial stability

This permit allows individuals to reside in Malawi without time limits, and in some cases, may allow work. However, in employment contexts, most employers still require a TEP unless the PRP holder has specific work rights included.

Hiring a PRP holder can reduce administrative burdens, as the employee may already have legal residence and (depending on PRP terms) work rights.

💡Best work permit option if: You are hiring a long-term foreign resident of Malawi who already holds PRP status. This can simplify onboarding and remove the need for visa sponsorship, especially for strategic hires with deep local ties.

Work Permit Application Process in Malawi (Step-by-step)

Malawi’s work authorization process is overseen by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services and often involves coordination with labor and investment authorities. The exact steps can vary by permit type, but most employer-sponsored applications follow a similar sequence.

• Step 1: The employer defines the role and confirms the need for a foreign national. This usually includes preparing a detailed job description, proposed salary, and evidence of attempts to recruit suitably qualified Malawian nationals before turning to an international candidate.
• Step 2: The employer gathers corporate documentation. This may include the company’s certificate of incorporation, business registration, tax registration and compliance certificates, and, where applicable, investment approvals or sector-specific licenses to show the business is duly established and in good standing.
• Step 3: The prospective employee compiles personal and professional documents. Typical items include a valid passport, curriculum vitae, educational and professional qualifications, reference letters, police clearance from the country of residence, and, in some cases, medical reports or health insurance evidence.
• Step 4: The employer prepares and completes the relevant application forms. For work-related stays, this often means applying for a Temporary Employment Permit (TEP) and, where residence is also needed, a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP), ensuring that all forms are accurately completed and signed.
• Step 5: The employer (or authorized representative) submits the application to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services. Submission may be made at the central office in Lilongwe or designated regional offices, together with supporting documents and proof of payment of the applicable government fees.
• Step 6: Authorities review the application and may request clarifications. During this stage, immigration officials assess the labor market justification, the applicant’s qualifications, and the employer’s compliance history, and they may ask for additional documents or conduct background checks.
• Step 7: A decision is issued and, if approved, the permit is endorsed. The employee may receive a permit approval letter and, where relevant, a visa or entry endorsement in the passport, after which they can enter or continue to work in Malawi strictly in accordance with the conditions of the permit.

Requirements and Eligibility for a Work Permit

Eligibility for a work permit in Malawi depends on both the employer’s status and the foreign national’s qualifications and role. Authorities focus on protecting local employment opportunities while allowing genuine skills and investment into the country.

Common requirments inlcude:

• Proof of a genuine job offer and role description. This helps immigration officials confirm that the position is real, necessary, and aligned with the applicant’s skills and experience.
• Evidence of attempts to recruit Malawian nationals. Employers are often expected to show that they advertised the role locally or otherwise attempted to fill the position with a suitably qualified Malawian before seeking a foreign worker.
• Relevant qualifications and experience of the foreign national. Copies of degrees, professional certifications, and work references demonstrate that the applicant is suitably skilled and not displacing local workers who could perform the job.
• Valid passport and clean immigration record. A passport with sufficient validity and no serious immigration violations supports the integrity of the application and ensures the applicant can lawfully travel.
• Corporate registration and tax compliance documents for the employer. Authorities typically require proof that the sponsoring company is properly registered, operating legally, and up to date with tax and regulatory obligations.
• Police clearance and, where requested, medical reports. These documents help Malawi manage public safety and public health risks associated with long-term foreign residents.
• Payment of prescribed government fees. Proof of fee payment is necessary for the application to be receipted and processed, and unpaid fees can delay or invalidate the application.

Work Permit Processing Time in Malawi

Processing times for work permits and related visas in Malawi can vary depending on the type of permit, the volume of applications, and whether additional checks are required. Seasonal peaks or policy changes can also affect how quickly files move.

The typical processing time for a work permit or visa in Malawi can vary depending on the specific category (such as a Temporary Employment Permit, Temporary Residence Permit, or Business Visit Visa), the completeness of the application, and whether authorities request further information or clearances. Generally, you can expect the following timelines:

• Temporary Residence or Work Permit: Often around 2 to 4 months after all documents are submitted and the required fees are paid, assuming there are no major queries or policy-related delays.
• Permanent Residence: Commonly 6 to 12 months or longer, as applications may involve more extensive background checks, verification of long-term residence or investment, and detailed assessment of eligibility.
• Short-Term Business or Work Visas: Frequently about 2 to 4 weeks after submission of a complete application, particularly for straightforward business visits, meetings, or short technical assignments.

Expected Processing Timeline: Employer vs Employee

While exact timelines differ by case, it is helpful to think of the process as a shared project with distinct tasks for the employer and the employee over several weeks.

• Week 1: Employer confirms the role, gathers corporate documents, and aligns on the appropriate permit type with immigration advisers or local counsel.
• Week 2: Employee compiles personal documents such as passport copies, CV, qualifications, police clearance, and any required medical reports.
• Week 3: Employer finalizes application forms for the Temporary Employment Permit or related authorization, reviews all attachments, and arranges payment of government fees.
• Week 4: Application is submitted to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services, and both parties monitor for any immediate queries or requests for clarification.
• Weeks 5–8: Authorities conduct substantive review; the employer may need to respond to follow-up questions or provide additional evidence of local recruitment efforts.
• Weeks 9–12: Many straightforward cases receive a decision in this window, after which the employee can obtain the permit endorsement or visa and finalize travel and onboarding plans.

Who Does What During Malawi Work Permit Sponsorship?

• Employers are responsible for: Defining the role, demonstrating the need for a foreign hire, preparing and submitting the work permit application, paying applicable government fees, and ensuring ongoing compliance with labor, tax, and immigration rules. They must also monitor permit expiry dates and initiate renewals in good time.
• Employee is responsible for: Providing accurate personal information and supporting documents, attending any required medicals or interviews, maintaining a valid passport and immigration status, and complying with the specific terms of the work permit, such as role, employer, and location.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Malawi

Work permits and related residence permits in Malawi are typically granted for a limited duration, often linked to the employment contract or project period, and may be renewable if the underlying role and business need continue. Renewal applications usually need to be filed before the current permit expires, and authorities may require updated documents such as proof of ongoing employment, tax compliance, and continued efforts to train or employ Malawian nationals.

In practice, renewal periods and evidentiary requirements may vary by permit type and the applicant’s circumstances, so it is important to check current guidance from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services or seek local legal advice. As a practical rule, your company should start renewal planning several months in advance, set internal reminders, and avoid last-minute filings that could lead to gaps in the employee’s work authorization.

What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in Malawi?

The fees for work permits and visas in Malawi vary based on the type and duration.

Note: The above fees reflect government fees for work permits and visas in Malawi, and is not associated with Playroll's fees for visa support services. Please contact our team for detailed information on our visa support services.

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Visa Requirements for Digital Nomads in Malawi

As of now, Malawi does not offer a specific visa category tailored for digital nomads. However, individuals intending to work remotely in Malawi may consider applying for a Temporary Residence Permit, which allows for short-term consultancy or other work-related activities. This permit is valid for 30 days and can be extended upon application and payment of appropriate fees.

Requirements for the Temporary Residence Permit:

• Valid Passport: The applicant's passport must have at least two blank pages and be valid for the duration of the stay.
• Completed Application Form: A properly filled application form submitted to the Department of Immigration.
• Proof of Activity: Documentation supporting the purpose of the stay, such as a contract for consultancy services.
• Financial Means: Evidence of sufficient funds to support oneself during the stay in Malawi.
• Accommodation Details: Proof of accommodation arrangements for the duration of the stay.

Employer Compliance & Obligations in Malawi

Employing foreign nationals in Malawi presents several challenges that employers should be prepared to address:

• Navigating Bureaucracy: The process of obtaining work permits involves multiple steps and can be time-consuming.
• Compliance with Labor Laws: Employers must adhere to Malawian labor regulations, which may differ from those in other countries.
• Cultural Integration: Facilitating the integration of foreign employees into the local work culture requires sensitivity and effective communication.

Tips for Employers:

• Early Preparation: Initiate the work permit application process well in advance to accommodate potential delays.
• Legal Consultation: Engage with legal experts familiar with Malawian labor and immigration laws to ensure compliance.
• Cultural Training: Provide cultural orientation programs for foreign employees to ease their transition into the Malawian 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.