Immigration Law at Mozambique
Here’s a structured and up-to-date overview of immigration law and related rules in Mozambique—covering entry requirements, residency, work permits, and citizenship:
1. Entry & Visa Requirements
Visa-Exempt Travel & Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Citizens of certain countries—including most EU states, the U.S., UK, Canada, China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, and others—can enter visa-free for up to 30 days, with a possible extension of another 30 days once inside Mozambique.
As of April 2025, all visa-exempt travelers must complete an electronic pre-travel registration (ETA) at least 48 hours before departure, with a required entry fee of roughly MZN 650 (~USD 10).
Upon arrival, entry requires proof of onward/return ticket and accommodation—e.g., hotel reservation or invitation letter.
Visitors from countries not eligible for visa exemption may obtain a visa on arrival (approx. USD 50) or apply for an e-Visa in advance for tourist, business, or other purposes.
Visas & Pre-Approvals
Different visa categories exist: tourist, business, visitor (for residing with local hosts), crew, humanitarian, cultural, investment, etc. Pre-approval is managed via Mozambique’s e-Visa platform, though final authorization is made upon arrival.
Diplomatic, official, student, work, and longer residency visas must be secured at Mozambican embassies or consulates before travel.
2. Residence, Work Permits & Employment Rules
Work & Immigration Regulations
Mozambique's labor and immigration framework is governed by:
The Labour Law (2007),
Decree 108/2014 (Immigration Law Regulation),
Decree 37/2016 (General Hiring of Expats),
Sector-specific rules (e.g., Decree 63/2011 for mining/petroleum sector).
Work Permit Quotas
Employers face quotas on expatriate hires:
5% for large firms (>100 employees),
8% for medium (10–100),
10% for small (<10).
Exceptions are possible if the foreign national possesses unique skills not available locally, or via government-approved investment projects.
Application Process
Employer submits application for a work permit to the Ministry of Labour (takes ~1–3 weeks for quota-level, 4–6 months for above-quota).
Once approved, the worker applies for a work visa at the Mozambican consulate.
Upon entry, they obtain a residence permit.
Visa Types & Validity
Short-term work visas (≤ 90 days) for temporary assignments.
Long-term work visas (>90 days) tied to corresponding work permits.
Work permit and residence permit typically last one year and can be renewed. Permanent residency may be possible after 5 years of continued legal stay, with certain conditions.
Dependents of permanent residents may work with specific approval; those of temporary permit holders may not.
3. Nationality & Citizenship
By Birth: Automatic Mozambican nationality for those born in the country to Mozambican parents, or to prevent statelessness.(Wikipedia)
Naturalization: Foreigners (≥18 years old) who have lived in Mozambique for at least 5 years, speak Portuguese, and meet good character requirements can apply.
By Marriage: Foreign women married to Mozambican men may naturalize after meeting residency and legal requirements. Dual nationality is widely allowed except for the President, who must hold only Mozambican nationality.(Wikipedia)
Summary Table
| Category | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Entry/Visa | Visa-free for certain nationals with ETA and fee; others via visa-on-arrival or e-Visa; embassy applications for special categories |
| Work & Residence | Quota-based work permits, multi-step process, temporary and long-term options, possible pathway to permanent residency |
| Citizenship | By birth, marriage, or naturalization (5-year residency); dual nationality mostly accepted |
Would you like help with particular visa types, expat residence pathways, or documentation for manual applications? Let me know—happy to assist!
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