How do I get a work permit in Malawi?
Foreign workers in Malawi need a Temporary Employment Permit (TEP) to take up employment. The permit is issued by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services. Your employer applies on your behalf, not you.
The key rule: all new TEP applicants must wait outside Malawi until the application is approved. You cannot apply from inside the country.
Who needs a TEP
Anyone who has been offered employment by a Malawian organisation and is not a Malawi citizen or permanent resident. This includes full-time employees, contract workers, and consultants staying longer than a few weeks.
How the TEP process works
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Employer offers you the job - the organisation must be registered in Malawi and willing to sponsor your permit.
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Employer applies - the organisation submits the TEP application form and supporting documents to Immigration Headquarters or a regional office, along with the processing fee.
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TEP Approval Committee reviews - the application goes to a committee for consideration, then to the Minister for a decision.
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You wait outside Malawi - this is mandatory for new applicants. Do not enter Malawi while your TEP is pending.
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Decision notification - once decided, you are formally notified. If approved, you must pay the appropriate fees within 30 days.
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Enter Malawi - after payment, you can enter and take up employment.
Required documents
- Completed TEP application form
- Employment offer letter from the sponsoring organisation
- Organisation’s certificate of incorporation
- Copy of your passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Passport-sized photographs
- Processing fee payment evidence
- Any additional documents requested by Immigration
The exact checklist can change, so confirm with the e-Permit portal at epermit.gov.mw before submitting.
Costs
Processing fees vary. Check the current schedule on the Department of Immigration website or the e-Permit portal. Fees are non-refundable whether the application is approved or rejected.
Validity and renewal
- A TEP is valid for the duration stated on the permit, typically tied to your employment contract.
- It can be renewed twice. Each renewal requires submission of a TEP Renewal Application Form and supporting documents.
- Renewal applications must be submitted at least 3 months before the permit expires.
A TEP does not lead to permanent residency. If you want to stay permanently, you need to apply for a separate permit.
Business Residence Permit
If you are self-employed or starting a business (not working for an employer), you need a Business Residence Permit instead. The minimum investment requirement is $50,000 USD from a legal source outside Malawi. This permit is valid for 5 years and renewable.
Other permit types
- Dependant’s Pass - for spouses and children of TEP holders
- Student Pass - for foreign students enrolled in Malawian institutions
- Retirement Permit - for retirees who can prove sufficient income
Where to apply
- Immigration Headquarters: Lilongwe
- Regional offices: Blantyre, Mzuzu
- Online: epermit.gov.mw