Angola
At a Glance
| Capital | Luanda |
| Language | Portuguese, Umbundu |
| Population | 30,355,880 (2018 est.) |
| GDP Total | $193.6 billion (2017 est.) |
| GDP Per Capita | $6,800 (2017 est.) |
When traveling to Angola, your nationality and the types of activities you will conduct during your trip will determine whether you may travel lawfully as a business visitor or if you require work authorization. Please seek advice from your immigration counsel if you are uncertain about the specific types of activities that constitute business or work.
What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?
As a business visitor to Angola, you may engage in the activities below. While this list is not exhaustive and other activities could qualify as business, you may:
- » Attend business meetings
- » Attend conventions or trade shows
- » Tour a company facility
If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Angola?
Most foreign nationals, including nationals of the United States and the European Union Member States, are required to obtain a visa prior to travel. The most common types of visas for business travelers are the Tourist Visa and the Short-Term Visa. In general, Tourist Visas and Short-Term Visas must be obtained from an Angolan Consulate or Embassy prior to travel, though select nationalities are eligible to apply for a Tourist e-Visa. Only nationals from select countries, including Namibia, are eligible for visa waiver status, which allows visitors to enter and conduct business activities in Angola. Please obtain an individual assessment prior to travel to determine your eligibility for a visa waiver and to determine the applicable visa type.
What types of activities require work authorization?
The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Angolan law. This list is not exhaustive, and many other professional activities are considered work in Angola, even if conducted for a short duration.
- » Hands-on technical activities
- » Marketing
- » Consulting
In limited circumstances, French and Portuguese nationals may be eligible for visa facilitation for a Short-Term Visa to engage in specific, short-term professional activities, although strict preconditions must be met. An individual assessment is recommended prior to travel to determine eligibility.
If I am traveling to Angola for work, what type of work authorization do I need?
The most common form of work authorization in Angola is the Work Visa, which is issued to foreign nationals seeking to perform work activities in Angola. The requirements for a Work Visa depend on your qualifications, on the nature and duration of your work, and the sector of the economy in which the employer operates in Angola.
Is it possible to be exempted from work authorization requirements?
In general, Angola does not offer long-term work authorization exemptions.
Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection, as well as visa waiver and work authorization eligibility, entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.
Copyright © 2020 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.
News and Events
COVID-19: Work permit renewals
At a Glance
| Capital | Luanda |
| Language | Portuguese, Umbundu |
| Population | 30,355,880 (2018 est.) |
| GDP Total | $193.6 billion (2017 est.) |
| GDP Per Capita | $6,800 (2017 est.) |
Immigration Links
Related News
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COVID-19: Work permit renewals
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Government relaxes visa requirements for business visitors
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New rules for dependents of work visa holders
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Eight Angolan embassies, consulates to close
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Agreement reached on mutually preferential visa regime
ANGOLA, CHINA 17 Jan 18
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Oil companies must submit annual plans by end...
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3-year cap on work permit validity lifted
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New minimum wage levels set
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Angola eases rules on foreign employee pay, contracts
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Company employee filing period opens April 1
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Additional documents required for ‘favorable opinion’ applications
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Agreement reached on mutually preferential visa regime
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Oil companies must submit annual plans by month’s...
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Express visa services introduced for UK applicants
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Oil companies must sign program contract, submit plans...
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Repatriation deposit now required
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Some Service Contracts Exempt From Ministry Evaluation Requirements
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