1. Main Visa and Work Permit Categories

The categories above are the main routes covered by this guide. They are not an exhaustive list of all visa and residence categories available in Madagascar.

1. Short-term Tourism and Business Visits

A tourist entry visa does not directly authorize the holder to take up employment.

Individuals planning to work in Madagascar on a long-term basis normally need an entry arrangement for work purposes that permits conversion, followed by the appropriate labor authorization and residence procedures.

An ordinary tourist visa should not automatically be treated as convertible into work status after arrival in Madagascar. Before applying, the applicant should confirm whether the proposed visa permits conversion and verify the correct sequence for completing the work permit and residence procedures.

Whether an activity qualifies as a business visit depends on what the individual will actually do. It should not be determined solely by the name of the trip or the location from which the individual is paid.

Activities such as equipment installation, repairs, training and services performed at a customer’s premises require particular attention to determine whether a work permit or an applicable exemption is required.

2. Foreign-worker Permits and Work-based Residence

This route applies to foreign employees who are hired by a genuine Madagascar employer, enter into a local employment contract and work in Madagascar on a long-term basis.

An application normally requires:

1. A legally established local employer that satisfies the applicable eligibility requirements
2. A genuine employment contract that complies with Madagascar labor law
3. A reasonable basis for hiring a foreign employee
4. Academic qualifications, professional credentials or work experience relevant to the proposed position
5. Background and health documents that meet the applicable requirements
6. Supporting documents that satisfy the entry and residence application requirements

Labor authorization and the entry and residence status required for long-term employment must be obtained separately. Approval of one does not automatically replace the other required documents.

The initial validity period of an ordinary work permit, work visa or residence document is determined by the employment contract and the decisions approving the work permit, visa or residence card.

Validity periods available under specific investment or industry arrangements should not be applied directly to ordinary foreign employees.

Renewal applications normally require the existing work permit and an employment contract recognized by the competent authority. Under the relevant requirements of Madagascar’s investment framework, preparation for a visa renewal should preferably begin at least three months in advance.

Before changing the employer, employment contract, position or work location, the parties should confirm whether a new work permit or the applicable amendment procedure is required.

When the employment relationship ends, the employer and employee should promptly address the work permit, tax and social security requirements and complete the cancellation or conversion of the residence status or the applicable departure procedures.

2. Entry, Family Members and Other Arrangements

1. Entry and Stay

The applicant’s visa, work authorization and residence documents should remain consistent with their actual activities. The validity periods of the different documents should also remain properly aligned.

A pending application, employment contract or invitation letter is not evidence that the applicant has already received authorization to enter, reside or work in Madagascar.

2. Accompanying Family Members

Family members normally need to apply separately for the appropriate status based on their relationship to the principal applicant and the principal applicant’s residence status.

Status as an accompanying family member does not automatically provide the right to work. If a family member plans to work in Madagascar, the applicable work permit, visa and residence requirements should be reviewed separately.

Family, study, transit and other personal immigration categories are subject to their own requirements. The principal applicant’s work permit cannot be used directly as an entry or employment document for a family member.

3. Renewals, Changes, Termination and Status Maintenance

When there is a change of employer, position, work location, employment contract or assignment arrangement, both labor and immigration requirements should be reviewed. This helps prevent the employee’s actual activities from becoming inconsistent with the approved status.

4. How sailglobal Can Help

If your company plans to arrange for employees to travel to Madagascar for business visits, local employment or short-term projects, or to bring accompanying family members, sailglobal can help you understand the applicable route and application requirements based on the applicant’s status, job responsibilities, employer or inviting party and travel arrangements.

Visa, work permit and residence applications are independently reviewed by the relevant Madagascar authorities. sailglobal cannot guarantee an approval result or a fixed issuance date.