Deep coverage16 verified routes across visit, study, work, investment, family and more.
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Select the passports you hold to see short-stay access and per-route eligibility for Mozambique.
7 routes
Visit
Short stays: tourism, transit, business trips, medical, pilgrimage.
Tourist Visa
Mozambique Tourist e-Visa
The tourist e-Visa is issued online through evisa.gov.mz for nationals who are not eligible for the ETA and travel for tourism, holiday or visiting family for 90 days or less. It can be issued for 30, 60 or 90 days with single- or multiple-entry options depending on the itinerary, and standard processing takes about five business days after payment. Visa-exempt tourists may usually request one 30-day extension in-country. The e-Visa does not authorise employment or residence. Fees vary by nationality and validity and are paid during the online process; reported pricing has ranged up to about USD 190 for longer/multiple-entry e-Visas.
Valid passportPassport valid at least 6 months beyond intended stay, with at least three blank pages.
Passport bio-data scanDigital scan of the passport bio-data page.
Passport photographRecent digital passport-style photograph.
Return or onward ticketConfirmed round-trip or onward travel ticket.
Proof of accommodationHotel reservation or invitation/host address.
Proof of sufficient fundsOptionalBank statement or evidence of funds for the stay.
Yellow fever certificateOptionalRequired if arriving from or transiting a yellow-fever-endemic country.
Tourist Visa
Mozambique Visa on Arrival (Tourism)
Mozambique has historically issued a single-entry tourist visa on arrival at major airports (Maputo, Vilanculos, Pemba, Beira) and key land borders for travellers from many countries. As of 2026 it remains available in some cases but is described by official channels as unreliable, with processing and fee handling varying by entry point, and pre-travel ETA/e-Visa is strongly recommended. The visa on arrival typically grants a stay of up to 30 days, extendable once. Travellers must present a passport, return ticket, proof of accommodation and the applicable fee in cash or card; the fee is not published consistently (figures around USD 50 have been reported).
Processing time
1 day
Max stay
30 days
Validity
30 days
Document checklist (5)
Valid passportPassport valid at least 6 months with at least three blank pages.
Return or onward ticketConfirmed return or onward ticket.
Proof of accommodationHotel booking or host address.
Visa feeApplicable fee paid on arrival in cash or by card where accepted.
Yellow fever certificateOptionalRequired if arriving from or transiting a yellow-fever-endemic country.
Tourist Visa
Mozambique Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
The Electronic Travel Authorisation is a pre-travel approval that visa-exempt nationals must obtain online before arriving in Mozambique. It is processed through the national e-visa portal launched on 11 February 2026 (operated with VFS Global support) and is recommended to be applied for at least 48 hours before departure. It is not a visa: it confirms eligibility to enter for tourism for a short stay (typically 30 days, extendable once for visa-exempt tourists). The headline ETA price is around USD 48 depending on nationality. The ETA does not authorise work or residence.
Valid passportPassport valid at least 6 months beyond intended stay, with at least three blank pages.
Passport bio-data scanDigital scan or photo of the passport bio-data page uploaded to the portal.
Passport photographRecent digital passport-style photograph.
Return or onward ticketConfirmed return or onward travel ticket.
Proof of accommodationHotel booking or host address for the stay.
Proof of sufficient fundsOptionalEvidence of funds to cover the stay, if requested.
Yellow fever certificateOptionalRequired if arriving from or transiting a yellow-fever-endemic country.
Tourist Visa
Mozambique SADC Visa-Free Entry
Under the SADC framework, nationals of Southern African Development Community member states (including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Eswatini, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Angola, Mauritius and others) may enter Mozambique without a visa for tourism and short visits, generally for up to 90 days per year (some passports are limited to 30 days). Entry permission does not grant the right to work or reside: SADC nationals taking up employment still need a work permit and DIRE, and those intending to stay beyond the exemption must obtain a residence visa. Visa-exempt travellers may still be required to register online before arrival.
Government fee
$0
Max stay
90 days
Validity
90 days
Document checklist (5)
Valid passportSADC member-state passport valid at least 6 months with blank pages.
Return or onward ticketConfirmed return or onward travel.
Proof of accommodationOptionalHotel booking or host address.
Proof of sufficient fundsOptionalEvidence of funds for the stay, if requested.
Online pre-registrationOptionalETA/entry registration on the portal where required before travel.
Transit Visa
Mozambique Transit Visa
The transit visa is a single-entry visa for travellers passing through Mozambique en route to a third country. It is valid for a short transit window, generally 3 to 7 days depending on nationality, and cannot be reused once the holder departs. Applicants must hold a valid entry visa or residence permit for the final destination and an onward ticket. It is issued by Mozambican embassies/consulates; the urgent-mode state fee under Ministerial Diploma 18/2024 is about MZN 9,837, with lower normal-mode fees.
Processing time
7 days
Max stay
7 days
Validity
7 days
Document checklist (7)
Visa application formCompleted form in Portuguese, English or French, in capital letters without abbreviations.
Valid passportPassport valid at least 6 months with blank pages.
Visa/permit for final destinationValid entry visa or residence permit for the onward destination country.
Onward ticketAirline ticket or booking confirmation showing onward travel.
Proof of sufficient fundsOptionalEvidence of funds for the transit stay.
Yellow fever certificateOptionalRequired if travelling from or through a yellow-fever-endemic country.
Business Visitor Visa
Mozambique Business Visa
The business visa is for short-term business activity such as meetings, negotiations, conferences and investment prospecting, and does not authorise formal employment. It is typically issued for 30 or 60 days and can be granted on a multiple-entry basis up to about 90 days. It is obtained from a Mozambican embassy or consulate (and, where available, through the e-visa portal) on the strength of an invitation from a Mozambican company or proof of the business relationship. The simple-visa state fee scales with validity under Ministerial Diploma 18/2024 (urgent-mode example: about MZN 9,837 for 1-30 days, MZN 19,673 for 31-60 days, MZN 29,509 for 61-90 days); normal-mode fees are lower.
Processing time
7 days
Max stay
90 days
Validity
90 days
Document checklist (8)
Visa application formCompleted application form in Portuguese, English or French, in capital letters.
Valid passportPassport valid at least 6 months with at least three blank pages.
Letter of invitationInvitation from the Mozambican company or business partner stating the purpose and duration.
Company documentationHost company registration / commercial licence (alvara), or evidence of the business relationship.
Return or onward ticketConfirmed travel itinerary.
Proof of accommodationHotel booking or host address.
Proof of fundsOptionalBank statement showing sufficient means.
Medical Treatment Visa
Mozambique Temporary Stay Visa (Medical / Religious / Other)
The temporary stay visa covers a range of longer non-tourist purposes that do not fit the work, study or business categories - including medical treatment, religious or missionary activity, family circumstances and other temporary residence reasons. It is issued by a Mozambican embassy/consulate and is generally valid for one year and extendable, with the holder registering and obtaining a DIRE after arrival for stays over three months. Specific fees follow the visa fee schedule of Ministerial Diploma 18/2024 and the DIRE fee tables.
Residency after 10 years
Max stay
365 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (7)
Visa application formCompleted temporary-stay visa application form.
Valid passportPassport valid 6+ months with at least three blank pages.
Proof of purposeMedical referral, religious-organisation letter or other documentation supporting the temporary-stay purpose.
Criminal record certificatePolice clearance certificate.
Medical certificateOptionalCertificate of good health.
Proof of accommodation and fundsEvidence of accommodation and financial means.
Not yet researched
Pilgrimage Visa
1 route
Study & Training
Universities, language courses, internships and exchanges.
Student Visa
Mozambique Student (Study) Visa
The study visa is granted to foreign nationals admitted to an accredited Mozambican educational or training institution (university, vocational or other recognised programme). It is obtained from a Mozambican embassy/consulate before travel on the strength of an acceptance letter, and after arrival the student must register with the immigration service (SENAMI) and obtain a DIRE for stays over three months. The urgent-mode state fee for a student visa under Ministerial Diploma 18/2024 is about MZN 9,837 (lower in normal mode), with separate DIRE fees thereafter. The visa is tied to the studies and is renewable while enrolment continues.
Study: Full enrolment at the admitting institution.
Residency: Held via DIRE during studies; long-term residence requires years of continuous lawful residence on temporary permits.
Processing time
7 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (9)
Visa application formCompleted form in Portuguese, English or French.
Valid passportPassport valid at least 6 months with at least three blank pages.
Acceptance/enrolment letterAdmission or confirmation letter from the accredited Mozambican institution.
Criminal record certificatePolice clearance certificate, recently issued.
Medical certificateCertificate confirming good health.
Proof of accommodationAccommodation guarantee or host address in Mozambique.
Proof of fundsBank statement showing means to support the studies.
Yellow fever certificateOptionalRequired for arrivals from high-risk countries.
Not yet researched
Language Course Visa
Internship / Trainee Visa
Exchange Program Visa
2 routes
Work & Self-Employment
Digital nomad, freelance, skilled employment and company transfers.
Skilled Work Visa
Mozambique Work Visa
The work visa authorises entry for long-term employment with a Mozambican entity and is applied for at a Mozambican embassy/consulate after the employer has obtained labour authorisation from the Ministry of Labour (MITESS). It is generally valid up to one year and renewable; entry must occur within 30 days, and after arrival the holder must register and convert to a DIRE residence permit to work lawfully. The work-visa state fee scales with the authorised period under Ministerial Diploma 18/2024 (urgent-mode example: about MZN 13,279 for 1-90 days, MZN 26,558 for 91-180 days, MZN 53,115 for 181-365 days), with lower normal-mode rates.
Work: Authorises employment for the specified employer once the DIRE is issued; conditioned on Ministry of Labour authorisation.
Study: Lawful residence permits study alongside work.
Residency after 10 years
Family: Spouse and dependent children may apply via the accompanying/temporary-stay visa.
Processing time
21 days
Max stay
365 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (9)
Visa application formCompleted form in Portuguese, English or French.
Valid passportPassport valid 6+ months beyond stay with at least three blank pages.
Labour authorisation / work permitAuthorisation letter from the Ministry of Labour (MITESS) for the foreign worker.
Employment contractSigned work contract with the Mozambican employer.
Company documentationEmployer commercial licence (alvara), tax clearance and INSS compliance.
Criminal record certificatePolice clearance valid within 90 days.
Medical certificateCertificate of good health valid within 90 days.
Proof of accommodation and fundsEvidence of accommodation and financial means in Mozambique.
Seasonal Work Visa
Mozambique Short-Term Work Visa
The short-term work visa covers temporary assignments and is the route most used in the extractive sector. It allows work for a limited period per year - commonly up to 180 days per year for mining, oil and gas projects and up to 90 days per year in other sectors - through a simplified communication (comunicacao) to the labour authorities rather than a full work permit and DIRE. It still requires the employer to respect the foreign-worker quota framework (broadly 5% of staff in large companies, 10% in medium and 20% in small companies). It is intended for short technical missions and does not by itself lead to residence.
Work: Authorises short-term work for the named assignment under the communication regime; capped days per year.
Processing time
14 days
Max stay
180 days
Validity
180 days
Document checklist (8)
Visa application formCompleted form in Portuguese, English or French.
Valid passportPassport valid 6+ months with at least three blank pages.
Short-term work communicationComunicacao / short-term work authorisation lodged with the Ministry of Labour for the assignment.
Assignment or service contractContract or letter describing the short technical mission, role and duration.
Company documentationHost company commercial licence and proof of quota compliance.
Criminal record certificateOptionalPolice clearance certificate.
Return or onward ticketEvidence of travel itinerary.
Not yet researched
Digital Nomad Visa
Freelancer Visa
Self-Employment Visa
Startup / Entrepreneur Visa
Intra-Company Transfer Visa
1 route
Invest & Capital
Golden visas, real estate, citizenship by investment, passive income.
Business Investor Visa
Mozambique Investor Residence Visa
Mozambique runs an active-investment residence route rather than a passive golden visa: an investor or company director implementing an approved project receives a residence visa tied to the investment. The project must be submitted to and approved by the Investment and Export Promotion Agency (APIEX) or the relevant sector ministry. In 2025 the government announced a tiered investor visa - from US$500,000 for a residence visa of up to five years, and from US$5,000,000 for up to ten years - aimed at tourism, infrastructure, agriculture and renewable energy, with a largely digitised process. There is no citizenship-by-investment programme. The five-year residence is administered through the DIRE system.
Work: Authorises the investor/director to operate the approved project.
Study: Lawful residence permits study.
Residency after 10 years
Family: Family generally included via accompanying/temporary-stay permits; specifics pending the formal programme rules.
Validity
1,825 days
Min. investment
$500,000,000
Document checklist (8)
Approved investment projectInvestment project recognised/approved by APIEX or the relevant sector ministry.
Visa application formCompleted residence-visa application form.
Valid passportPassport valid 6+ months with at least three blank pages.
Proof of investment fundsEvidence of the qualifying investment (at least US$500,000 / US$5,000,000 tier).
Company documentationMozambican company registration, commercial licence and director appointment.
Criminal record certificatePolice clearance certificate.
Medical certificateCertificate of good health.
Proof of accommodationOptionalEvidence of accommodation in Mozambique.
Not yet researched
Golden Visa (Residence by Investment)
Residence by Real Estate
Citizenship by Investment
Non-Lucrative / Passive Income Visa
No verified routes yet
Retire & Lifestyle
Retirement visas and working holiday schemes.
Not yet researched
Retirement Visa
Working Holiday Visa
1 route
Family & Origin
Reunification, spouse routes and ancestry-based repatriation.
Spouse / Partner Visa
Mozambique Accompanying / Family Visa
The accompanying visa allows the spouse and dependent children of a work-permit, investor or other long-term resident to join them in Mozambique. It is applied for at a Mozambican embassy/consulate and, after arrival, the family member registers and obtains a DIRE on the temporary-stay basis (generally valid one year and extendable). The principal applicant signs a term of responsibility for the dependents. Foreign documents (marriage and birth certificates) must be translated into Portuguese by a sworn translator and notarised. Whether the spouse may work depends on obtaining a separate work authorisation.
Study: Dependent children may attend school; adults may study.
Residency after 10 years
Family: Designed for the spouse and dependent children of the principal resident.
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (8)
Visa application formCompleted accompanying-visa application form.
Valid passportPassport valid 6+ months with at least three blank pages.
Proof of family relationshipMarriage certificate (spouse) or birth certificate (children), Portuguese-translated and notarised.
Principal's residence documentCopy of the principal applicant's work permit / DIRE / investor residence.
Term of responsibilitySigned declaration by the principal accepting responsibility for the dependent.
Criminal record certificateOptionalPolice clearance for adult dependents.
Medical certificateOptionalCertificate of good health.
Not yet researched
Family Reunification Visa
Dependent Relative Visa
Ancestry / Repatriation
4 routes
Special Categories
Talent, religious, humanitarian, media, official and permanent residence.
Religious Worker Visa
Mozambique Religious / Missionary Stay Visa
Missionaries and religious workers enter Mozambique on the temporary-stay visa issued for religious activity, sponsored by a recognised religious organisation operating in the country. It is generally valid one year and extendable, with a DIRE obtained after arrival for stays over three months. Religious activity is permitted under the sponsoring organisation; paid secular employment would require a separate work authorisation. Fees follow the standard visa and DIRE schedules under Ministerial Diploma 18/2024.
Residency after 10 years
Family: Family may accompany via the accompanying visa.
Max stay
365 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (7)
Visa application formCompleted temporary-stay visa application form.
Valid passportPassport valid 6+ months with at least three blank pages.
Sponsoring organisation letterLetter from the recognised religious organisation confirming the assignment.
Criminal record certificatePolice clearance certificate.
Medical certificateOptionalCertificate of good health.
Proof of accommodation and supportEvidence of accommodation and means of support during the stay.
Long-Term Residence Permit
Mozambique Precarious Residence Authorisation
Precarious residence is the first, probationary residence tier in Mozambique's residence ladder. Foreigners begin on a precarious residence authorisation, generally valid one year and renewable up to five times, before they can move up to ordinary temporary residence. It is the entry stage of the DIRE system for new residents and confirms lawful stay while the longer residence history is built. Specific standalone fees are not separately published; they follow the DIRE fee schedule of Ministerial Diploma 18/2024.
Work: Work permitted where the underlying basis and labour authorisation allow it.
Study: Lawful residence permits study.
Residency after 10 years
Family: Dependents hold their own residence document on the accompanying basis.
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (7)
Residence application formCompleted precarious-residence / DIRE application form lodged with SENAMI.
Valid passportPassport valid 6+ months with three blank pages, plus the entry visa.
Basis-of-stay documentWork permit, study, investment or family documentation supporting the residence basis.
Criminal record certificatePolice clearance certificate.
Medical certificateCertificate of good health.
Proof of accommodation and meansEvidence of accommodation and financial means.
Long-Term Residence Permit
Mozambique Temporary Residence (DIRE)
The DIRE (Documento de Identificacao e Residencia para Estrangeiros) is the residence-and-identity document foreigners must obtain to live in Mozambique for more than three months, issued by the National Migration Service (SENAMI). Temporary-residence DIRE is generally valid one year and renewable annually while the underlying basis (work, study, investment, family) persists. Holders must register arrival within 5 days and apply within 30 days of entry, with daily fines for delay. Under Ministerial Diploma 18/2024 the urgent-mode temporary-residence fee is about MZN 53,115; CPLP (Portuguese-speaking) nationals pay a reduced fixed rate of MZN 29,310.
Work: Work permitted where the DIRE is on a work/investment basis with the corresponding labour authorisation.
Study: Lawful residence permits study.
Residency after 10 years
Family: Dependents hold their own DIRE on the accompanying basis.
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (8)
DIRE application formCompleted residence-permit application lodged with SENAMI.
Valid passportPassport valid 6+ months with at least three blank pages, plus the entry visa.
Basis-of-residence documentWork permit/contract, enrolment letter, investment approval or family relationship proof, as applicable.
Criminal record certificatePolice clearance certificate (valid within 90 days).
Medical certificateCertificate of good health (valid within 90 days).
Proof of accommodation and meansEvidence of accommodation and financial means.
Proof of fee paymentConfirmation of DIRE fee payment.
Permanent Residence
Mozambique Permanent Residence (DIRE)
Permanent residence is granted to foreigners who have completed Mozambique's long residence ladder - the precarious-residence phase followed by roughly ten consecutive years of temporary residence. Despite its name, the permanent-residence DIRE is issued for five years and is renewable for equal periods. Processing typically takes six to twelve months at the National Directorate of Migration. Under Ministerial Diploma 18/2024 the urgent-mode permanent-residence DIRE fee is about MZN 106,230, while CPLP nationals pay a reduced fixed MZN 29,310; reported all-in costs are roughly USD 200-400 per applicant.
Work: Permanent residents may work without a separate employer-tied permit.
Study: Full access to education.
Residency: This is permanent residence (5-year renewable DIRE); naturalisation is governed separately by nationality law.
Family: Dependents may be included subject to their own residence history and documentation.
Processing time
270 days
Validity
1,825 days
Document checklist (9)
Permanent-residence application formCompleted application lodged with the National Directorate of Migration.
Valid passportPassport valid 6+ months with three blank pages.
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