Key Takeaways

  • Foreign nationals require a Work Permit from the Ministry of Labour and Employment and a Temporary Residence Permit from the Department of Immigration before commencing employment in Lesotho.
  • Lesotho is entirely surrounded by South Africa and uses the South African Rand (ZAR) alongside its own currency (Loti/LSL) in a 1:1 peg; this simplifies payroll management for regional employers.
  • The textile and apparel industry, diamond mining, construction, and government advisory roles are the primary sectors employing foreign nationals in Lesotho.

Lesotho is a small landlocked kingdom entirely surrounded by South Africa, situated in the Drakensberg and Maluti mountain ranges. Maseru is the capital and main commercial centre. Lesotho is a constitutional monarchy. Its economy is driven by textile and garment manufacturing (predominantly for US market export under AGOA), diamond mining (Liqhobong and Leteng mines), subsistence agriculture, remittances from migrant workers in South Africa, and water exports to South Africa via the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. The South African Rand (ZAR) is used alongside the Lesotho Loti (LSL) in a 1:1 peg. The Department of Immigration administers residence permits; the Ministry of Labour and Employment administers work permits.

When Is a Work Visa Needed in Lesotho?

Any non-Lesotho national intending to engage in paid employment must hold a valid Work Permit from the Ministry of Labour and Employment and a Temporary Residence Permit from the Department of Immigration. The requirement applies to:

  • Employees of Lesotho-registered companies in any sector
  • Intra-company transferees to local subsidiaries or project offices
  • Technical specialists and consultants on assignments exceeding 30 days
  • Foreign directors and key executives of Lesotho-registered entities
  • Textile and apparel sector workers employed by export-oriented manufacturers

Types of Lesotho Work Visas and Permits

Work Permit

The Work Permit is issued by the Ministry of Labour and Employment and is the primary employment authorisation. The employer must show that the role cannot be filled by a Basotho national and must commit to training and skills transfer. Work permits are employer-tied, issued for one to two years, and renewable.

Temporary Residence Permit

Foreign nationals holding a Work Permit must also obtain a Temporary Residence Permit from the Department of Immigration. Both permits are applied for in tandem and must be renewed annually or biannually together.

Business/Tourist Visa

Nationals of many countries may enter Lesotho visa-free for short stays under Southern African Development Community (SADC) and bilateral arrangements. South African citizens may enter freely. Short business visits do not authorise paid employment.

How to Apply for a Work Visa in Lesotho

1

Employer Applies to the Ministry of Labour

The employer submits the Work Permit application to the Ministry of Labour and Employment in Maseru. Required documents: company registration; signed employment contract; the applicant’s certified qualifications and CV; proof of local recruitment attempt; skills transfer plan; valid passport copy; police clearance; medical certificate.

2

Apply for Temporary Residence Permit

Simultaneously, the employer applies to the Department of Immigration for the Temporary Residence Permit. Both permits are processed in tandem. The Immigration Department may conduct a site visit to verify the employment arrangement.

3

Foreign National Enters Lesotho

Lesotho is accessible by road and air via South Africa. The main entry point from South Africa is at Maseru Bridge. Most nationalities enter without a prior visa. On arrival, the worker presents their permit approvals to border officials.

4

Register with LNDC and LNPF

The employer registers the foreign worker with the Lesotho National Development Corporation (for industrial sector workers) and the Lesotho National Provident Fund (LNPF) before the first payroll. LNPF contributions are 10% employer and 5% employee of gross salary.

5

Annual Renewal

Both the Work Permit and Temporary Residence Permit must be renewed annually or biannually. Renewal applications are submitted to the Ministry of Labour and the Department of Immigration. Renewals should be initiated at least 30 days before expiry.

6

Skills Transfer Reporting

Employers of foreign workers must submit annual skills transfer reports to the Ministry of Labour, documenting what training and skills development has been provided to Basotho employees. This is a condition of permit renewal.

Lesotho Work Permit Costs and Fees

Work permit fees in Lesotho are denominated in Lesotho Loti (LSL), equivalent 1:1 to South African Rand (ZAR):

Contribution / Permit Type
Amount / Rate
Work Permit
LSL 500–2,000 per year
Temporary Residence Permit
LSL 300–1,000 per year
LNPF Contributions (Employer)
10% of gross salary
LNPF Contributions (Employee)
5% of gross salary
LNPF Contributions (Combined)
15% of gross salary

Professional service fees add USD 400–1,000. Total first-year costs typically range from USD 600 to USD 1,800.

Lesotho Work Visa Sponsorship

Lesotho Work Permits are employer-tied. Changes of employer require new applications to both the Ministry of Labour and the Department of Immigration. Employers must notify both within 30 days of early termination.

Employers must comply with the Labour Code Order 1992 (as amended), LNPF contribution requirements, and skills transfer obligations. The minimum wage is sector-specific with separate scales for industrial, domestic, and agricultural workers.

For international companies without a Lesotho entity, an EOR registered in Lesotho can act as the sponsoring employer and manage all permit, payroll, and compliance obligations.

Work in Lesotho with Confidence

Lesotho’s strong integration with South Africa — shared currency peg, SACU membership, and close trade links — makes it a relatively accessible extension of South African regional operations. Remote People’s Southern Africa team provides work permit management in Lesotho.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. South African nationals may enter Lesotho freely and reside for extended periods, but they must obtain a Work Permit from the Ministry of Labour and Employment if they intend to take up paid employment with a Lesotho-registered employer. The permit process is the same as for other foreign nationals.

The LNPF is Lesotho's mandatory retirement savings scheme. Employers contribute 10% and employees contribute 5% of gross salary monthly. All employees in Lesotho, including foreign nationals, must be enrolled. LNPF savings can be accessed by foreign workers when they leave Lesotho employment.

Lesotho uses both the Lesotho Loti (LSL) and the South African Rand (ZAR), which are pegged 1:1. Both currencies circulate freely in Lesotho. Payroll may be managed in either currency. ZAR is widely accepted across the country.

Yes. Spouses and dependent children may obtain a Dependent Residence Permit from the Department of Immigration. International schools are available in Maseru for expatriate families.

Yes. A licensed EOR registered in Lesotho can act as the sponsoring employer, manage Work Permit and Temporary Residence Permit applications, LNPF contributions, payroll in LSL/ZAR, and full Labour Code compliance.

Relocate to Lesotho

Remote People provides EOR services in Lesotho and across Southern Africa. We manage Work Permit and Temporary Residence Permit applications, LNPF registration, payroll in LSL/ZAR, and full Labour Code compliance.

Contact Remote People to start hiring in Lesotho today.

RELOCATE YOUR TEAM