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Select the passports you hold to see short-stay access and per-route eligibility for Malawi.
5 routes
Visit
Short stays: tourism, transit, business trips, medical, pilgrimage.
Tourist Visa
Malawi e-Visa (Multiple Entry, 6 or 12 Months)
The multiple-entry e-Visa lets frequent travellers enter Malawi several times within the validity period for tourism, family visits or short business. The Department of Immigration publishes two options: a 6-month multiple-entry visa at USD 150 and a 12-month multiple-entry visa at USD 250. Each individual stay is limited to the visitor's-permit ceiling of up to 90 days, after which an extension or a residence permit is required. It is applied for online at evisa.gov.mw, paid by Visa or Mastercard, and is non-refundable if rejected. It does not grant work, study or residence rights.
Passport bio-data pageScan of a passport valid at least 6 months beyond the intended stay.
Passport photographRecent digital passport-style colour photograph.
Completed online applicatione-Visa form on evisa.gov.mw selecting the 6- or 12-month multiple-entry option.
Proof of accommodationBooking or host address for the first stay in Malawi.
Supporting purpose documentsOptionalInvitation letter or itinerary supporting the repeat-travel purpose.
Payment by cardVisa or Mastercard payment of USD 150 or USD 250 plus convenience fee.
Tourist Visa
Malawi e-Visa (Tourist / Visit)
The electronic visa applied for online at evisa.gov.mw is the standard route for nationals who require a visa to enter Malawi for tourism, visiting relatives or short business. Since March 2020 Malawi no longer issues visas on arrival, so non-exempt travellers must hold an e-Visa before boarding. The single-entry e-Visa carries a USD 75 government fee (plus a small convenience fee) and supports a stay of up to 90 days; payment is by Visa or Mastercard only and is non-refundable if the application is rejected. It does not authorise employment or study and does not lead to residence. From 3 January 2026 several previously exempt Western nationalities (including the UK, US, Canada, France and Belgium) again require a visa.
Passport bio-data pageScan of a passport valid at least 6 months beyond the intended stay, with blank pages.
Passport photographRecent digital passport-style colour photograph uploaded to the e-Visa portal.
Completed online applicatione-Visa form on evisa.gov.mw with personal, passport and travel details.
Proof of accommodationHotel booking, lodge reservation or host address in Malawi.
Return or onward ticketEvidence of return or onward travel from Malawi.
Proof of sufficient fundsOptionalEvidence of funds to cover the stay where requested.
Payment by cardVisa or Mastercard payment of the visa fee plus convenience fee (non-refundable).
Tourist Visa
Malawi Visitor's / Business Visit Permit
The visitor's (or business visit) permit is the entry permission granted to a foreign national to enter and reside in Malawi for a short period for tourism, visiting relatives or business. It is initially valid for 30 days and may be extended for a further period up to a maximum total stay of 90 days, with extensions applied for at local immigration offices (around MK 10,000 per 30-day extension). Holders are not authorised to work; longer stays require a Temporary Residence Permit or an employment/business permit. Visa-exempt nationals receive this permit on arrival, while visa-required nationals first obtain an e-Visa.
Valid passportPassport valid at least 6 months beyond the intended stay.
e-Visa or visa-exempt statusApproved e-Visa for visa-required nationals, or eligible visa-exempt nationality.
Proof of accommodationHotel/lodge booking or host address in Malawi.
Return or onward ticketEvidence of return or onward travel.
Extension applicationOptionalApplication and fee at a local immigration office to extend beyond the first 30 days (up to 90 days total).
Transit Visa
Malawi Transit Visa
The transit visa is issued to travellers passing through Malawi en route to another country for a period of up to seven days, on a single-use basis. It is applied for online via the e-Visa portal and carries a government fee of USD 50, payable by Visa or Mastercard and non-refundable if rejected. Holders must show onward travel and may not work, study or take up residence. Visa-exempt nationals do not need it for short transit.
Passport bio-data pageScan of a passport valid at least 6 months beyond travel.
Passport photographRecent digital passport-style colour photograph.
Completed online applicationTransit e-Visa form on evisa.gov.mw.
Onward travel ticketConfirmed ticket to the onward destination beyond Malawi.
Visa or entry permit for destinationOptionalVisa/entry document for the onward country where required.
Payment by cardVisa or Mastercard payment of USD 50 (non-refundable).
Business Visitor Visa
Malawi e-Visa for Business Visits
Short business trips to Malawi (meetings, negotiations, conferences, site visits) are made on the same e-Visa platform, selecting a business purpose. The single-entry option costs USD 75; frequent business travellers can take the 6-month (USD 150) or 12-month (USD 250) multiple-entry visa instead. Stays are capped at 90 days per visit. The visa permits business activity but not local employment, which requires a Temporary Employment Permit. Applications are filed at evisa.gov.mw and paid by card; the fee is non-refundable if rejected.
Passport bio-data pageScan of a passport valid at least 6 months beyond the stay.
Passport photographRecent digital passport-style colour photograph.
Completed online applicatione-Visa form on evisa.gov.mw indicating business purpose.
Business invitation letterLetter from the Malawian host company stating purpose and duration of the visit.
Proof of accommodationHotel booking or host address.
Return or onward ticketEvidence of return or onward travel.
Payment by cardVisa or Mastercard payment of the visa fee (non-refundable).
Not yet researched
Medical Treatment Visa
Pilgrimage Visa
1 route
Study & Training
Universities, language courses, internships and exchanges.
Student Visa
Malawi Student Permit
The Student Permit allows a foreign national to enter Malawi to study at an approved educational institution or to conduct educational research. Applications are decided by the Chief Immigration Officer and are filed at Immigration Headquarters, regional offices or via epermit.gov.mw, with fees payable before processing. The permit is renewable for the duration of the course; renewals must be filed three months before expiry. It authorises study, not general employment.
Study: Full enrolment at the approved institution or for educational research.
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (6)
Student Permit application formCompleted Student Permit application (epermit.gov.mw or at an immigration office).
Passport and photographsValid passport plus recent passport-size photographs.
Letter of admissionAcceptance/enrolment letter from an approved Malawian educational institution.
Proof of tuition / financial meansEvidence of ability to pay tuition and support oneself during study.
Academic certificatesOptionalPrevious academic qualifications supporting the application.
Proof of fee paymentReceipt for the prescribed permit fee.
Not yet researched
Language Course Visa
Internship / Trainee Visa
Exchange Program Visa
1 route
Work & Self-Employment
Digital nomad, freelance, skilled employment and company transfers.
Skilled Work Visa
Malawi Temporary Employment Permit (TEP)
The Temporary Employment Permit is the main work permit for foreign nationals taking up specified employment with a Malawian employer, who must apply on the worker's behalf. It is typically issued for up to two years and may be renewed up to twice, with renewals filed at least three months before expiry. Government fees are a USD 100 processing fee on submission and a USD 500 prescribed fee on approval (payable within 30 days of notification). Applicants for a new TEP must by law remain outside Malawi until the permit is approved; processing takes roughly 14-30 working days. The permit ties the holder to the named employer and role.
Work: Authorises employment only with the named employer and role.
Residency after 5 years
Family: Spouse and minor children may apply for dependant permits linked to the TEP holder.
Government fee
$500
Processing time
22 days
Validity
730 days
Document checklist (8)
TEP application formEmployer-submitted Temporary Employment Permit application (epermit.gov.mw or at an immigration office).
PassportApplicant's passport valid for the requested period, with copies.
Employment contract / offer letterContract from the Malawian employer stating the position, salary and duration.
Proof of qualificationsCertified academic and professional certificates relevant to the post.
Localisation / advertisement evidenceEvidence supporting the need to employ an expatriate per the Policy on Employment of Expatriates.
Police clearancePolice clearance certificate from the country of origin.
Proof of fee paymentUSD 100 processing fee on submission and USD 500 prescribed fee on approval.
Not yet researched
Digital Nomad Visa
Freelancer Visa
Self-Employment Visa
Startup / Entrepreneur Visa
Seasonal Work Visa
Intra-Company Transfer Visa
1 route
Invest & Capital
Golden visas, real estate, citizenship by investment, passive income.
Business Investor Visa
Malawi Business Residence Permit (BRP)
The Business Residence Permit authorises a foreign national to reside in Malawi to carry on a business, profession or occupation for gain as a self-employed person, partner or proprietor, typically in sectors such as manufacturing, mining, agriculture, fisheries, tourism and financial services. Applicants must show that at least USD 50,000 of investment funds, originating from a legal source outside Malawi, has been brought into the country. The permit is valid for five years and renewable for successive five-year periods, with renewals filed three months before expiry. Fees are payable within 30 days of approval. The Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC) facilitates the BRP through its One Stop Service Centre, alongside the mandatory Investment Certificate.
Work: Authorises self-employment in the approved business; additional businesses can be added to the permit.
Residency after 5 years
Family: Spouse and minor children may apply for dependant permits.
Validity
1,825 days
Min. investment
$50,000
Document checklist (8)
BRP application formCompleted Business Residence Permit application submitted at Immigration HQ, a regional office or via MITC's One Stop Service Centre.
Passport and photographsValid passport plus two passport-size photographs.
Business registration certificateCertificate of incorporation/registration of the Malawian business.
Business planBusiness plan for the enterprise to be established in Malawi.
Bank statement / proof of capitalBank statement showing at least USD 50,000 brought into Malawi from a legal source outside the country.
Police clearancePolice clearance letter from the country of origin.
Investment Certificate (MITC)OptionalInvestment Certificate from the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (USD 200 application, USD 800 issuance).
Proof of fee paymentReceipt for the prescribed permit fee, payable within 30 days of approval.
Not yet researched
Golden Visa (Residence by Investment)
Residence by Real Estate
Citizenship by Investment
Non-Lucrative / Passive Income Visa
1 route
Retire & Lifestyle
Retirement visas and working holiday schemes.
Retirement Visa
Malawi Permanent Residence for Retirees (Persons of Assured Income)
Malawi has no standalone retirement visa, but the Permanent Residence Permit expressly includes a category for elderly people who wish to spend their retirement in Malawi as persons of assured income. Applicants in this category demonstrate a stable, assured income (such as a pension) sufficient to support themselves rather than meeting a fixed investment threshold. The permit is decided by the Minister, with fees payable within 30 days of approval, and confers indefinite residence. No official monthly income figure is published.
Study: Permanent residents may study in Malawi.
Residency: This is itself an indefinite permanent-residence permit.
Family: A spouse may be included; over-age dependants of a PRP holder have a separate category.
Passport and photographsValid passport plus passport-size photographs.
Proof of assured incomePension statements, annuity or other evidence of a stable assured income.
Bank statementsRecent bank statements supporting financial self-sufficiency.
Police clearancePolice clearance certificate from the country of origin.
Medical reportOptionalMedical report where required.
Proof of fee paymentReceipt for the prescribed fee, payable within 30 days of approval.
Not yet researched
Working Holiday Visa
1 route
Family & Origin
Reunification, spouse routes and ancestry-based repatriation.
Spouse / Partner Visa
Malawi Dependant / Spouse Permit
Dependant permits allow the legal spouse and biological or legally adopted minor children of a permit holder (such as a TEP or Business Residence Permit holder) to reside in Malawi for the duration of the principal's permit. Applications require proof of relationship and evidence that the principal can financially support the dependants. A separate spouse permit exists for foreign spouses of Malawian citizens, which requires the marriage certificate and the Malawian spouse's passport and citizenship documents; reported fees for that route are around MK 100,000 with a non-refundable MK 10,000 application fee.
Study: Dependent children may attend school in Malawi.
Residency after 5 years
Family: Covers the spouse and minor children of the principal permit holder.
Proof of relationshipMarriage certificate for a spouse; birth certificates for children.
Dependant's passportValid passport and copies for each dependant.
Passport photographsRecent passport-size photographs of each dependant.
Principal's permitCopy of the principal holder's valid permit (or Malawian spouse's passport and citizenship certificate for the citizen-spouse route).
Proof of financial supportEvidence the principal can support the dependants.
Police clearance / medical reportOptionalPolice clearance and medical report for dependants where required by age or length of stay.
Not yet researched
Family Reunification Visa
Dependent Relative Visa
Ancestry / Repatriation
2 routes
Special Categories
Talent, religious, humanitarian, media, official and permanent residence.
Long-Term Residence Permit
Malawi Temporary Residence Permit (TRP)
The Temporary Residence Permit is issued to a holder of a valid visitor's/business-visit permit who has resided in Malawi for the maximum of 90 days but has legitimate, justifiable reasons for continued residence, including short-term consultancy or work-related activities. For consultancy work the engaging institution may apply on the foreigner's behalf. Reported fees are about MK 30,000 (around USD 200) plus a non-refundable MK 10,000 processing fee. The permit bridges short stays and longer residence/employment permits; it does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
Work: May cover short-term consultancy/work-related activity as specified in the permit; not open-ended employment.
Government fee
$200
Document checklist (6)
TRP application formCompleted Temporary Residence Permit application submitted at Immigration HQ or a regional office (or via epermit.gov.mw).
Valid visitor's permitProof of a current visitor's/business-visit permit and lawful 90-day stay.
PassportPassport valid for the requested residence period.
Justification of continued residenceLetter or evidence of legitimate reasons (e.g. consultancy engagement) for staying beyond 90 days.
Proof of fee paymentReceipt for the prescribed fee plus the non-refundable processing fee.
Permanent Residence
Malawi Permanent Residence Permit (PRP)
The Permanent Residence Permit authorises a foreign national to reside in Malawi permanently. Eligible categories include foreign nationals seeking permanent settlement, foreign spouses of Malawian citizens, retirees of assured income, over-age dependants of existing PRP holders, and anyone who has been ordinarily resident in Malawi for not less than five years. Applications are submitted at Immigration Headquarters or regional offices and decided by the Minister; if approved, fees must be paid within 30 days of notification. The permit grants indefinite residence and can precede an application for citizenship.
Work: Permanent residents may live and work in Malawi without a separate work permit.
Study: Study on the same terms as residents.
Residency: This is permanent residence; citizenship may be sought subsequently.
Family: Foreign spouses of Malawians and over-age dependants of PRP holders have their own qualifying categories.
Document checklist (7)
PRP application formCompleted Permanent Residence Permit application submitted at Immigration HQ or a regional office.
Passport and photographsValid passport plus passport-size photographs.
Proof of eligibility categoryEvidence of 5 years' ordinary residence, marriage to a Malawian, assured income, or dependant status as applicable.
Police clearancePolice clearance certificate from the country of origin.
Medical reportOptionalMedical report where required.
Proof of financial meansEvidence of ability to support oneself in Malawi.
Proof of fee paymentReceipt for the prescribed fee, payable within 30 days of approval.
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