Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

Whether you can travel lawfully as a business visitor or require work authorization depends on the types of activities you will be conducting during your time in Mozambique.  In case you are unsure if your activities constitute business or work, please seek advice from your immigration counsel.

Traveling for Business

What sorts of activities can I pursue as a business visitor?

Business visitors traveling to Mozambique may engage in the activities below. This list is not comprehensive and other activities may qualify as business.

• Attend business meetings
• Attend conferences
• Tour a company facility
• Develop professional business contacts
• Negotiate business contracts

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Mozambique?

Although a few select African nationals do not require a visa to enter Mozambique for touristic purposes, all foreign nationals require a Business Visa to enter Mozambique to conduct business activities.  The Business Visa must ordinarily be obtained at a Mozambican Diplomatic Post prior to travel.

Working in Mozambique

What sorts of activities require a work permit?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Mozambican law. This list is not comprehensive and many other professional activities are considered work in Mozambique, even if conducted for a short duration.

• Hands-on technical work
• Repairs and maintenance
• Project planning and implementation
• Installation and testing of software
• Management Consultancy

If I am traveling to Mozambique for work, what type of work permit do I need?

The type of work permit required depends on your qualifications, whether your employer has an entity in Mozambique, the industry-sector involved, and the nature and duration of your work. The most common Mozambican work permits are:

• Short Term Work Permit (short-term work permit)
• Communication Work Permit (long-term work permit)
• Authorization Work Permit (long-term work permit)

Are there any nationals who are exempt from work permit requirements?

There are no nationals who are exempt from the work permit requirement in Mozambique.

What else should I know?

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection or work authorization eligibility entail careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.