Key Takeaways

  • Foreign nationals require an Autorisation de Travail from the Ministry of Labour and a Carte de Sejour from the Direction de la Surveillance du Territoire before commencing paid employment in Mauritania.
  • Mauritania is developing significant iron ore, gold, and offshore natural gas resources (including the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project with Senegal); these sectors drive demand for foreign technical professionals.
  • Mauritania is a member of both the Arab League and the African Union, and sits at the intersection of Arab and sub-Saharan African cultures; both Arabic and French are used in official business contexts.

Mauritania is a large desert country in Northwest Africa, bordered by Morocco (and Western Sahara), Algeria, Mali, Senegal, and the Atlantic Ocean. Nouakchott is the capital and main commercial centre. Mauritania is predominantly desert (the Sahara covers most of its territory) with a population of approximately 4.6 million. The economy is driven by iron ore mining (SNIM is one of Africa’s largest iron ore exporters), fishing, livestock, and increasingly offshore natural gas (the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project, shared with Senegal, is one of Africa’s largest gas developments). Mauritania transitioned to democratic governance in 2019. The Ministry of Labour administers work permits; the Direction de la Surveillance du Territoire (DST) administers the Carte de Sejour.

When Is a Work Visa Needed in Mauritania?

Under Mauritanian labour law, any foreign national intending to engage in paid employment must hold an Autorisation de Travail. The requirement applies to:

  • Employees of Mauritania-registered companies in any sector
  • Technical specialists and consultants on assignments exceeding 90 days
  • Intra-company transferees to local subsidiaries or project offices
  • Foreign directors and key executives of Mauritania-registered entities
  • Mining, oil and gas, and fisheries sector workers under concession contracts

Types of Mauritania Work Visas and Permits

Autorisation de Travail (Work Permit)

The Autorisation de Travail is issued by the Ministry of Labour (Direction du Travail) and is the primary employment authorisation. The employer must demonstrate that the role requires skills not available locally. Work permits are employer-tied, issued for one year, and renewable annually. All documents must be in Arabic or French.

Carte de Sejour

Foreign nationals residing in Mauritania for employment must obtain a Carte de Sejour from the DST within 30 days of arrival. The Carte de Sejour is the primary identification document for foreign residents and must be renewed annually alongside the Autorisation de Travail.

Business Visa

Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport for short stays. Business Visas are valid for up to 90 days and do not authorise paid employment. An Autorisation de Travail is required for any paid work.

How to Apply for a Work Visa in Mauritania

1

Employer Applies for the Autorisation de Travail

The employer submits the application to the Direction du Travail in Nouakchott. Required documents (in Arabic or French): company registration; signed employment contract; evidence that local recruitment was attempted; the applicant’s certified qualifications and CV; passport copy; police clearance; medical certificate.

2

Obtain the Carte de Sejour

On arrival in Mauritania, the foreign worker applies for the Carte de Sejour at the DST within 30 days. Required: Autorisation de Travail; employment contract; passport; police clearance; medical certificate; proof of accommodation; photographs.

3

Enter Mauritania

Mauritania is accessible via Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport, with connections to Casablanca, Paris, Istanbul, and several West African capitals. Visa on arrival is available for most nationalities.

4

Security Planning

Certain areas of Mauritania — particularly areas near the Malian and Algerian borders — have elevated security risks. Employers must assess the specific deployment location, implement appropriate security measures, and consult current government travel advisories. Nouakchott and the main mining regions (Zouerate) have established international community infrastructure.

5

Register with CNSS (Social Security)

The employer must register the foreign worker with the Caisse Nationale de Securite Sociale (CNSS) before the first payroll. Employer contributions are approximately 15% and employee contributions approximately 1% of gross salary. All workers in Mauritania, including foreign nationals, must be enrolled.

6

Annual Renewal

The Autorisation de Travail and Carte de Sejour must be renewed annually. Renewal applications should be submitted at least 45 days before expiry to the Ministry of Labour and DST respectively.

Mauritania Work Permit Costs and Fees

Mauritania immigration fees are denominated in Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRU):
Permit Type Cost
Autorisation de Travail MRU 500–2,000 per year
Carte de Sejour MRU 300–1,000 per year
CNSS Contributions Approximately 16% of gross salary (combined)
Professional service fees add USD 400–1,000. Total first-year employer costs typically range from USD 600 to USD 1,800.

Mauritania Work Visa Sponsorship

Mauritania’s Autorisation de Travail is employer-tied. Changes of employer require new applications to both the Ministry of Labour and the DST. Employers must notify both within 30 days of early termination.

Employers must comply with the Mauritanian Labour Code (Code du Travail) and CNSS contribution requirements. Both Arabic and French are acceptable in employment contracts; Arabic is preferred for government submissions.

For international companies without a Mauritania entity, an EOR registered in Mauritania can act as the sponsoring employer, manage the Autorisation de Travail and Carte de Sejour, CNSS contributions, payroll in MRU, and full Labour Code compliance.

Work in Mauritania with Confidence

Mauritania’s developing oil, gas, and mining sectors are attracting increasing international investment and creating sustained demand for technical foreign professionals. RemotePeople’s West Africa team provides work permit and EOR services in Mauritania.

Frequently Asked Questions

Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) is a large offshore LNG development straddling the maritime border between Mauritania and Senegal, operated by BP in partnership with Kosmos Energy, SMHPM (Mauritania) and Petrosen (Senegal). It is one of West Africa's largest gas projects and is expected to generate significant revenues for both countries. The project has created significant demand for international technical workers in both Nouakchott and the offshore operations area.

The Caisse Nationale de Securite Sociale (CNSS) is Mauritania's mandatory social security institution, covering occupational accident, family allowances, and pension benefits. Employer contributions are approximately 15% and employee contributions approximately 1% of gross salary. All workers in Mauritania must be enrolled, including foreign nationals.

Mauritania has two main working languages. Arabic is the official national language and is used in government, religious affairs, and increasingly in commerce. French is widely used in business, legal documentation, and international communications, particularly in Nouakchott. Employment contracts for foreign workers are typically bilingual or in French. Both Arabic and French are accepted by the Ministry of Labour.

Yes. Spouses and dependent children may obtain a Dependent Carte de Sejour from the DST. International schools are available in Nouakchott for expatriate families. Security conditions in the deployment location should be assessed before relocating family members.

Yes. A licensed EOR registered in Mauritania can act as the sponsoring employer, manage Autorisation de Travail and Carte de Sejour applications, CNSS contributions, payroll in MRU, and Labour Code compliance on behalf of an international company without a Mauritanian entity.

Relocate to Mauritania

RemotePeople provides EOR services in Mauritania and across West Africa. We manage Autorisation de Travail applications, Carte de Sejour processing, CNSS registration, payroll in MRU, and Mauritanian Labour Code compliance.

Contact RemotePeople to start hiring in Mauritania today.

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