Malawi Work Permits & Visas: Processes for Employers

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.

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

Requirements for a Work Permit in Malawi

To secure a Temporary Employment Permit (TEP) in Malawi, employers must ensure the following requirements are met:

• Completed Application Form: Accurate and thorough completion of the TEP application form is essential.
• Employment Contract: A formal contract outlining the terms of employment between the employer and the foreign employee.
• Valid Passport: The employee's passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of employment.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed CV of the prospective employee, highlighting relevant experience and qualifications.
• Academic Qualifications: Certified copies of the employee's educational certificates and professional credentials.
• Job Vacancy Advertisement: Proof that the job was advertised locally, demonstrating efforts to hire a Malawian citizen before considering a foreign applicant.

Malawi Work Permit Application Process

• Step 1: Gather all necessary documents, including the completed application form, employment contract, employee's CV, academic qualifications, and proof of job vacancy advertisement.
• Step 2: Submit the application and supporting documents to the Department of Immigration at the Immigration Headquarters or Regional Immigration Offices.
• Step 3: The TEP Approval Committee reviews the application, followed by a decision from the Minister.
• Step 4: Employers receive formal notification of the application's approval or rejection.
• Step 5: Pay the appropriate fees within 30 days from the date of notification.
• Step 6: Ensure the foreign employee remains outside Malawi until the TEP is approved, as required by law.

Process for Visa Sponsorship in Malawi

In Malawi, employers act as sponsors for foreign employees by applying for the Temporary Employment Permit (TEP) on their behalf. This process involves demonstrating the necessity of hiring a foreign national due to a lack of suitable local candidates. Employers must provide all required documentation and ensure compliance with Malawian labor laws throughout the employment period.

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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Processing Time for a Work Permit Or Visa in Malawi

The processing time for a Temporary Employment Permit (TEP) in Malawi typically ranges from 14 to 30 working days. However, this duration can vary depending on the completeness of the application and the workload of the Department of Immigration. Employers are advised to submit applications well in advance to accommodate any potential delays.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Malawi

A Temporary Employment Permit (TEP) in Malawi is initially valid for two years and can be renewed twice, each time for an additional two-year period. Employers must submit renewal applications at least three months before the permit’s expiration to ensure continuity of employment. It is important to note that applicants for new TEPs are required by law to remain outside Malawi until their applications have been approved.

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.

Common Challenges and Tips for Employers Hiring 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.