Key Takeaways

  1. Eswatini is one of the smallest countries in Africa, yet it has a fast-growing economy and an active demand for foreign workers.
  2. There is no “work visa” in the country. Before you’re allowed to work, you need to apply for a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP). This serves as both an entry visa and a work permit.
  3. The TRP is valid for two years, but you can renew it as long as the employment contract remains active.
  4. Either the employer or the employee can apply for the TRP, but responsibility typically falls on the employee.

Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) is commonly called the “land of opportunities,” and it’s easy to see why. This vibrant kingdom is located between South Africa and Mozambique and has active foreign investment in the mining, agribusiness, tourism, and manufacturing sectors. In 2025 alone, they saw a 5.1% increase in GDP, compared to 4.3% in the previous year!

To further develop their local economy, the Eswatini government has opened its borders to skilled international talent who want to contribute their expertise while enjoying an affordable cost of living. For you, these perks present an opportunity to enjoy a slower pace of life and build a stable career without the stress common in more crowded job markets.

However, before you can be allowed to enter Eswatini to work, you need a temporary work permit. In this article, we’ll share the major types of visa available, permits, and pathways to permanent residency.

Eswatini Work Visa System Explained

Before you can enter any country as a foreigner to work, there are some prerequisites that you need to meet, depending on the country’s immigration system. These laws exist to protect the local labor market and ensure that the applicant is legally authorized to work in the country. For instance, in Algeria, you need an offer of employment before you can be allowed to enter the country to work. You also need a Provisional Work Authorization that authorizes you to work.

However, it’s a little different in Eswatini. Before you are allowed to enter the country and work in any of the sectors, you need to secure a job offer from an Eswatini-registered company. The company acts as your sponsor for the temporary residence permit (TRP) or work permit that authorizes you to live and work in the country.

Work Permit

The Eswatini TRP, or work permit, is the standard entry and work permit document required to enter the country for employment purposes. Either the employer or the employee can apply for the TRP, but in most cases, the responsibility falls on the employee. The application process takes about 7 to 30 working days and is valid for only two years. After this time expires, you can apply for a renewal as long as your employment contract with the company is still active.

Before you can be issued a work permit, your employer must prove to the Government that no suitable Eswatini citizens are qualified for the role.

The Eswatini TRP, or work permit, is the standard entry and work permit document required to enter the country for employment purposes. Either the employer or the employee can apply for the TRP, but in most cases, the responsibility falls on the employee. The application process takes about 7 to 30 working days and is valid for only two years. After this time expires, you can apply for a renewal as long as your employment contract with the company is still active.

Note: Before you can be issued a work permit, your employer must prove to the Government that no suitable Eswatini citizens are qualified for the role.

To meet this requirement, the employer must first advertise the position in the local labor market. Then, they must submit evidence of their recruitment efforts to the Government, including copies of job advertisements in local newspapers, and records of all applications received during the search.

They also need to provide a detailed cover letter that explains why the applicants did not meet the specific qualifications for the position and the need for a foreign worker.

Work Visa

There is no specific “work visa” in Eswatini. Before you can enter the country as a foreign worker, you need to apply for a work permit (TRP). This permit doubles as a visa and allows you to enter Eswatini to take up employment.

However, if you’re only entering for short-term work-related activities such as meetings or conferences, you can apply for an entry visa instead. This visa allows you to stay in the country for 90 days, as long as you do not engage in any income-generating activities.

Do Nationals of Commonwealth Nations Need a TRP to Work in Eswatini?

Yes, citizens of Commonwealth countries, including the US and the UK, need to apply for a TRP before they are permitted to work in Eswatini.

Although the Eswatini government permits nationals of any of the qualified Commonwealth nations to enter the country visa-free for up to 60 days, it does not permit any form of employment, including short-term or contract-based roles. This means that if you are a citizen of any of the countries in the visa-free permitted list and are planning to move to Eswatini to work, you still need to apply for a TRP.

Types of Work Visas and Permits in Eswatini

If you want to do business in Eswatini, whether for employment, investment, or short-term professional activities, you need to apply for the right work visa and permit in line with the country’s immigration laws. Here are the main visas available for business purposes:

Entry Visa

The entry visa is issued to foreigners who want to enter Eswatini for tourism, short-term business meetings, conferences, and other non–employment purposes. It is valid for 90 days and is available only to select nationalities, as permitted by immigration policy.

Temporary Residence Permit (TRP)

If you secure a long-term role and wish to remain in Eswatini for a year or more, then you’ll need to apply for the temporary residence permit. Luckily, this permit serves as a work visa and permit in one, so you don’t need to apply for separate authorizations to live and work in the country.

The temporary residence permit is issued for two years, depending on the nature of the employment contract, and is issued by the director of the Department of Immigration Services in Ewastini. And if your employment contract is indefinite and you need to be in the country, you can always apply for a renewal from the immigration office.

However, in case you plan to switch to another company during your stay, you’ll need to apply for a separate temporary residence permit for the new role.

Dependent Visa

In Eswatini, your dependents are not automatically granted a visa after you’ve secured the TRP. Before they can be allowed to move into the country with you, they need to apply for a dependent visa. This visa is intended for foreigners already living or working in the country. It is valid for two years and can be renewed as long as you plan to remain in the country working under your temporary residence permit.

However, the dependent visa only permits them to reside in Eswatini and prohibits them from engaging in any income-generating activities during their stay. This means your spouse, children, or other dependents can accompany you and enjoy life in the kingdom, but they cannot take up employment or run a business unless they apply for and obtain their own work permit through a separate application process.

Requirements for an Eswatini Work Permit

The application for a work permit, or temporary residence permit in Eswatini, is easy, as long as you’re eligible to receive one. Of course, the first step is to be employed by a company registered in the country. The same applies if you’re an employer looking to hire foreign nationals to work in Eswatini.

Required Documents

Here are the documents you need to apply for a temporary residence and work permit in Eswatini:

  • TRP application form: You need to submit the visa application form to the Chief Immigration Officer. The form must be completed and signed to be valid.
  • Passport photographs: You’ll need two recent passport-sized photographs. It must be at least 6 months old and taken against a bright, uniform background.
  • Copies of your passport pages: You must also provide clear copies of the relevant passport pages. The pages must show the passport number, issue date and expiry date.
  • A valid passport: You’ll need aninternational passport that’s valid for at least six (6) months beyond your intended stay.
  • An employment contract: You’ll need a signed employment contract outlining your salary, length of stay, and job responsibilities.
  • Police clearance from the country of origin: You must also provide an original police clearance certificate from your country of residence to confirm that you have no criminal record.
  • Medical certificate: You’ll need to submit a medical certificate from a licensed medical practitioner confirming that you’re medically fit to live and work in the country.
  • Lease agreement: You also need a valid lease or tenancy agreement as proof of where you intend to stay upon arrival in Eswatini.
  • Certificate of Incorporation (Form J and Form C): Your employer needs to provide a certificate of Incorporation to prove that the company is registered and legal to operate in Eswatini. This includes the Form J and C documents, which contain the full details of the company’s directors and shareholders.

How to Apply for a Work Permit in Eswatini

Ready to start your application? Here’s a breakdown of what you need to do step – by – step:

1

Secure A Job Offer With an Eswatinese Company

Before you can apply for a work permit in Eswatini, you must first secure a job offer from a company that is legally registered and operating in Eswatini. Your employer will provide you with a signed employment contract that clearly outlines your job title, responsibilities, salary, and the duration of your employment. This can be either a short- or long-term employment contract.

2

Your Employer Provides Proof of Local Advertising

Once you have a job offer, your employer must provide evidence that the role was advertised locally and that no qualified Eswatini citizens or residents were available to fill it. They have to submit job adverts and documents to the chief immigration officer (CIO), alongside a written cover letter explaining why they possess the required qualifications.

3

The Employee Applies for a Temporary Residence Permit

After your employer completes the local market test and receives approval, you can now submit your application for a temporary residence permit (work permit). You’ll need to submit all the required documents to the CIO, including your completed TRP application form, a valid passport, an employment contract, and your employer’s Certificate of Incorporation. The application takes 7-30 days to be approved.

In case you plan to enter the country to attend/conduct a conference, or are an employer who wants to send one of your employees to represent your company, you need to apply for an entry visa instead. This doesn’t apply to citizens of a visa-exempt country.

4

Enter Eswatinese and Start Work

This is the final step! Once your temporary residence permit is approved, you can proceed to Eswatini and start work. Make sure to carry all your important documents, including your approved work permit, valid passport, and employment contract, when you travel, as you may need to present them to the immigration officials.

Processing Time and Costs for an Eswatini Work Permit

The Associated Fees

The application fee for the Eswatini temporary residence permit is E300 (~$18.96, depending on the exchange rate).

What are The Paths to Becoming a Permanent Resident in Eswatini

If you’re looking to make Eswatini your permanent home, there are several pathways available to obtain permanent residency. Each route has its own requirements and processes:

Long-term Residence

One of the most common pathways to permanent residency in Eswatini is through long-term residence. If you’ve been living and working in Eswatini on a temporary residence permit for up to five years, you may become eligible to apply for permanent residency.

To qualify, you must show that you’ve been in the country for a long time, be a consistent taxpayer, be financially stable, and most importantly, hold a clean criminal record. Also, you’ll need to consult the chief council or three reputable citizens in your community to attest to your good conduct before the application can be approved.

Once you’re granted permanent residency through this pathway, you’re free to stay in the country indefinitely as long as you don’t commit any offenses.

Marriage to a Citizen

If you marry an Eswatini citizen during your stay, you will also be eligible to apply for permanent residency. However, it’s not automatic. The exact process to follow largely depends on several policies, including those related to gender.

For instance, for foreign women who married an Eswastini spouse, marriage isn’t enough to guarantee citizenship. Before they can be granted, they must submit a declaration to the Minister of Home Affairs or the Eswatini consular office stating that they intend to become Eswatini citizens upon marriage. The declaration can be submitted before or at the time of the marriage and will be granted on the day of marriage.

By Khonta

Khonta is a traditional Eswatini practice that allows foreigners to receive citizenship under special circumstances as determined by the chief council’s discretion. Through this system, you (and your spouse), who have gained the trust of the leadership at the local level, can be formally accepted into a chiefdom and given a land gift where you can build your home and farm. For context, Eswatini is divided into various chiefdoms, each with a ruler appointed by the kind.

To get your residency through this pathway, you need to explain to the chief why you would love to settle in the area, and provide proofs of your contributions to the community’s development. Then, the chief and council will assess your character based on their discretion and decide whether to award you or not.

Is Citizenship By Investment Available In Eswatini?

Well… not yet. However, the Government of Eswatini is in the process of introducing a new investment visa that’ll allow foreign investors to stay in the country indefinitely, provided they make significant financial contributions to the country’s economy. If you’re an entrepreneur or investor looking to establish or expand a business in Eswatini, this is a great opportunity to set up your business, contribute to economic development, and secure more points in your favor.

Secure Your Eswatini Work Visa and Start Your Dream Job Today!

There you have it!

Eswatini may be one of Africa’s smallest countries, but it offers rich opportunities for residents and expats alike. Its ‘smallness’ makes it possible for the Government to provide modern social amenities for the residents and create a close-knit business community to drive more growth. Now that you understand what’s required for you to obtain a work permit, you can proceed to start the application process. Be sure to keep your employer in the loop to avoid miscommunication issues that may affect the application process.

If you are unsure about the process or an employer looking to transfer your foreign employees to Eswatini, partner with a visa and immigration expert in Eswatini. They can provide tailored guidance from the start of the application until the end.