Table of contents
- Employers must apply for Temporary Employment Permits (TEPs) on behalf of foreign workers, and the application must be logged while the applicant is outside Malawi56
- Business Residence Permits require a minimum investment of $50,000 from a legal source outside Malawi and are valid for 5 years7
- NGO workers applying for TEPs must provide an Annual Compliance Certificate issued by the NGO Board5
- All residence permit applications must include certified copies of the permit and proof of dependency for dependants2
Foreigners can work and live in Malawi through several types of permits. Employers apply for Temporary Employment Permits (TEPs) on behalf of employees, while individuals can apply for Business Residence Permits to work as self-employed people, or for Permanent Residence Permits.67
Temporary Employment Permits
A Temporary Employment Permit is required if you are a foreigner offered employment by any organisation in Malawi.6 Your employer has the responsibility to apply for the permit on your behalf.6 The application must be logged with the Department of Immigration while you are outside Malawi, before you take up employment.5
Working without a permit is a criminal offence under the Immigration Act.5
For NGO workers, your employer must submit an Annual Compliance Certificate issued by the NGO Board along with the application.5
Business Residence Permits
A Business Residence Permit authorises you to reside in Malawi to carry on business, a profession or occupation for gain, profit or reward as a self-employed person, partner or proprietor.7 The funds to be invested must originate from a legal source outside Malawi with a minimum of $50,000.00.7 The permit is valid for 5 years from date of approval and is renewable for successive 5-year periods.7
If you want to include an additional business on an existing permit, you can apply at Immigration Headquarters or Regional offices with your Business Profile, current Bank Statement, and Registration Certificates.3
Where to apply
Submit your application and supporting documents at Immigration Headquarters or Regional Offices.8 For consultants and others engaged by an institution, the application can be submitted by that institution.8
Documents needed
Non-Malawian citizens must provide certified copies of their relevant Permanent Residence Permit, Business Residence Permit or Temporary Employment Permit.2
If you have dependants, they must provide certified proof of their dependency such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, adoption order, plus a copy of passports.2
Adopted children whose adopting parents are non-Malawians must submit certified copies of the Adoption Order plus the relevant immigration permit of the adopting parents.2
Frequently asked questions
No; working or being employed without a Temporary Employment Permit is a criminal offence under the Immigration Act.5
The organisation that has offered you employment has the responsibility to apply for your Temporary Employment Permit.6
Official sources
- Citation nrb.gov.mw · PDF
- Business Residence Permit immigration.gov.mw
- Notice on Temporary Employment Permits immigration.gov.mw
- Temporary Employee Permit immigration.gov.mw
- Permits immigration.gov.mw
- Temporary Residence Permit immigration.gov.mw
Every fact in this guide comes from these official Government of Malawi pages, numbered to match. Fees, dates and rules change: confirm on the official site before you go. Spotted an error? Tell us.