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.) |
Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations
Whether you can travel lawfully as a business visitor or require work authorization depends on your nationality and the types of activities you will be conducting during your time in Angola. If you are not sure whether 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 Angola may engage in the activities below. This list is not comprehensive and other activities may qualify as business
- Attending business meetings
- Attending conferences and roundtable discussions
- Attending a convention or a trade show
- Touring a facility
- Interviewing or being interviewed
- Representing the head office of a foreign company that has offices in Angola
If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Angola?
Most nationals require an Ordinary Visa to enter Angola to conduct business activities. Business visitors who require a visa to enter Angola must obtain an Ordinary Visa from an Angolan consulate or embassy prior to travel.
Under special circumstances, a Short-Term Visa can be obtained for urgent business trips from an Angolan consulate or embassy prior to travel.
Working in Angola
What sorts of activities require a work visa?
The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Angolan law. This list is not comprehensive and many other professional activities are considered work in Angola, even if conducted for a short duration.
- Hands-on technical work
- Repairs and maintenance
- Project planning and implementation
- Consulting
- Training
If I am traveling to Angola for work, what type of work visa do I need?
The type of work visa required depends on your nationality and qualifications, whether your employer has an entity in Angola, and the nature and duration of your work. Work visa requirements may differ significantly for different industry sectors, most notably the oil and gas industry. The most common Angolan work visa is:
- Work Visa (high-skilled professionals work visa)
Are there any nationals who are exempt from work visa requirements?
Portuguese citizens and French citizens can undertake market research, feasibility studies, equipment assembly and provide after sales technical assistance in Angola without obtaining a work visa. Registrations or other formalities may be required for these nationals to work or reside in Angola.
What else should I know?
Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection or work authorization entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.
Copyright © 2019 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.
Updated Jan. 3, 2019.
News and Events
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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Government relaxes visa requirements for business visitors
ANGOLA 21 Feb 20
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Ordinary visas no longer issued for short-term business...
ANGOLA 22 Nov 19
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New rules for dependents of work visa holders
ANGOLA 19 Nov 19
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Eight Angolan embassies, consulates to close
ANGOLA 23 Oct 18
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Zambia, Angola launch visa-free travel
ANGOLA, ZAMBIA 21 Aug 18
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Zambia, Angola to launch visa-waiver plan
ANGOLA, ZAMBIA 14 May 18
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Company employee filing period opens April 1
ANGOLA 21 Mar 18
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Visas on arrival extended to tourists of 61...
ANGOLA 2 Mar 18
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Agreement reached on mutually preferential visa regime
ANGOLA, CHINA 17 Jan 18
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South Africa, Angola set to implement visa waiver
ANGOLA, SOUTH AFRICA 22 Nov 17
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Oil companies must submit annual plans by end...
ANGOLA 9 Oct 17
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3-year cap on work permit validity lifted
ANGOLA 24 Jul 17
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New minimum wage levels set
ANGOLA 14 Jun 17
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Angola eases rules on foreign employee pay, contracts
ANGOLA 25 May 17
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Company employee filing period opens April 1
ANGOLA 7 Feb 17
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Additional documents required for ‘favorable opinion’ applications
ANGOLA 19 Dec 16
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Agreement reached on mutually preferential visa regime
ANGOLA, MOZAMBIQUE 19 Oct 16
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Oil companies must submit annual plans by end...
ANGOLA 4 Oct 16
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Filing deadline approaches for company employee list
ANGOLA 5 Apr 16
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Oil companies must submit annual plans by month’s...
ANGOLA 5 Oct 15
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Treaty eases visas for professionals, interns, dependents
ANGOLA, FRANCE 30 Jul 15
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Express visa services introduced for UK applicants
ANGOLA 15 Jan 15
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Oil companies must sign program contract, submit plans...
ANGOLA 8 Oct 14
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Repatriation deposit now required
ANGOLA 13 Aug 14
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New minimum wages set
ANGOLA 30 Jun 14
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Government increases immigration fees
ANGOLA 28 Jan 14
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Some Service Contracts Exempt From Ministry Evaluation Requirements
ANGOLA 19 Sep 13
