Key Takeaways

  • Foreign nationals require a Visto de Trabalho (Work Visa) and a DIRE (Foreign Resident Identification Document) before commencing paid employment in Mozambique.
  • Employers must comply with the local hiring quota — Mozambican law generally requires that at least 90% of a company’s workforce be Mozambican nationals, with foreign workers limited to 10% of the total headcount.
  • The oil and gas, mining, construction, agriculture, and NGO sectors are the primary employers of foreign nationals in Mozambique.

Mozambique is a Southern African nation with a long Indian Ocean coastline, bordered by Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Eswatini. Maputo is the capital and main commercial centre. Mozambique has some of the world’s largest natural gas reserves, discovered offshore in the Rovuma Basin, and is developing significant LNG infrastructure. The economy is also driven by coal mining, agriculture, and tourism. Portuguese is the sole official language. Work permits are administered by the Instituto Nacional de Emprego (INEP) within the Ministry of Labour; the DIRE is issued by the Servico de Migracao (SERNAP).

When Is a Work Visa Needed in Mozambique?

Under the Labour Law and the Immigration Law of Mozambique, any foreign national intending to engage in paid employment must hold a valid Visto de Trabalho and DIRE. The requirement applies to:

  • Employees of Mozambique-registered companies, within the 10% foreign worker quota
  • Intra-company transferees from overseas parent companies to local subsidiaries
  • Technical specialists and consultants on contracts exceeding 30 days
  • Foreign directors and key executives of locally registered entities
  • LNG, mining, and infrastructure sector workers under government-approved concessions

Types of Mozambique Work Visas and Permits

Visto de Trabalho (Work Visa)

The Visto de Trabalho is a long-stay visa issued for employment purposes. It is obtained from a Mozambican diplomatic mission abroad following employer-sponsored INEP approval. The visa permits entry and initial residence for the purpose of taking up employment. On arrival, the holder applies for the DIRE.

DIRE (Documento de Identificação de Residente Estrangeiro)

The DIRE is the foreign resident identification document issued by SERNAP. It serves as both the residence permit and the identity document for foreign nationals living in Mozambique. Work permit holders apply for a Temporary DIRE (DIRE Temporário) on arrival. It is renewed annually. After 10 years, a Permanent DIRE may be applied for.

Work Permit via INEP

The employment authorisation process is administered by INEP. The employer applies to INEP for approval to hire a foreign national, demonstrating compliance with the 90/10 workforce quota. INEP approval is the prerequisite for the Visto de Trabalho application at a Mozambican diplomatic mission.

Business Visa

Short-term commercial visits — meetings, inspections, site visits — may be conducted on a Business Visa for up to 30 days. Most nationalities require a prior visa to enter Mozambique; e-visas are available for citizens of many countries. Business Visas do not permit paid employment.

How to Apply for a Work Visa in Mozambique

1

Employer Applies to INEP for Foreign Worker Authorisation

The employer submits an application to INEP demonstrating that: the company complies with the 90/10 workforce quota; no suitable Mozambican national was available for the role; and the foreign national’s qualifications and experience are genuine. INEP may conduct a site visit or request additional documentation.

2

Employment Contract and INEP Approval Obtained

With INEP approval in hand, the employer prepares a signed employment contract compliant with Mozambican Labour Law. The contract and INEP approval are the key documents required for the Visto de Trabalho application.

3

Foreign National Applies for the Visto de Trabalho

The foreign national applies for a Visto de Trabalho at the nearest Mozambican embassy or consulate. Required documents: valid passport; INEP approval letter; signed employment contract in Portuguese; police clearance certificate; medical certificate; proof of accommodation in Mozambique.

4

Enter Mozambique

On arrival with the Visto de Trabalho, immigration officials stamp the passport. The worker must apply for the DIRE Temporário within 30 days of arrival at the SERNAP office in Maputo or the relevant provincial capital.

5

Obtain the DIRE Temporário

The DIRE Temporário application is submitted to SERNAP with: passport; Visto de Trabalho; INEP approval; employment contract; police clearance; medical certificate; proof of accommodation; and completed application form. Processing takes 4–8 weeks.

6

Register with INSS

The employer must register the foreign worker with the Instituto Nacional de Segurança Social (INSS) before the first day of employment. Contributions cover pension and workplace accident insurance. Both employer (4%) and employee (3%) contribute monthly.

Mozambique Work Permit Costs and Fees

Immigration fees in Mozambique are denominated in Mozambican Metical (MZN) for domestic fees and USD for some consular fees:
Permit Type Cost
INEP Authorisation MZN 2,000–5,000
Visto de Trabalho USD 50–150 depending on nationality
DIRE Temporário MZN 2,000–5,000 per year

Annual renewals: similar to initial fees. Professional service fees add USD 500–1,500. Total first-year employer costs typically range from USD 700 to USD 2,000.

Mozambique Work Visa Sponsorship

Mozambique’s work authorisation is employer-tied and quota-dependent. Employers must notify INEP and SERNAP within 30 days if employment ends before the permit expires. Changes of employer require a new INEP application.

Employers must comply with the Labour Law of Mozambique (Lei do Trabalho), including minimum wage obligations (MZN 5,400/month), leave entitlements, and INSS contribution requirements. All employment contracts must be in Portuguese.

For international companies without a Mozambican entity, an employer of record (EOR) registered in Mozambique can manage the INEP process, DIRE application, payroll in MZN, and full Labour Law and INSS compliance.

Work in Mozambique with Confidence

Mozambique’s 90/10 workforce quota and the INEP approval process are the most significant challenges for first-time employers. Planning well in advance and working with an experienced local partner are essential for a compliant and timely deployment.

RemotePeople’s Southern Africa team provides end-to-end work permit management in Mozambique, from INEP applications through to annual DIRE renewals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mozambican law generally requires that at least 90% of a company's total workforce be Mozambican nationals, limiting foreign workers to 10% of headcount. Employers must demonstrate compliance with this ratio to obtain INEP authorisation for each foreign hire. Exemptions may apply for specific technical roles or government-approved concession projects.

The DIRE (Documento de Identificação de Residente Estrangeiro) is the foreign resident identification document and residence permit combined. It is issued by SERNAP (immigration service) and is separate from the employment authorisation (issued by INEP). Both are required for a foreign national to live and work legally in Mozambique.

All employment contracts in Mozambique must be in Portuguese. Foreign-language contracts are not legally valid. Multinational companies typically provide bilingual contracts, but the Portuguese version governs for all legal purposes.

Yes. Spouses and dependent children may apply for a Dependent DIRE Temporário from SERNAP. This allows them to reside in Mozambique for the duration of the primary permit holder's stay. Dependants wishing to work must go through the full INEP and Visto de Trabalho process.

Yes. An EOR registered in Mozambique with an existing INEP relationship can manage the foreign worker authorisation, Visto de Trabalho sponsorship, DIRE application, INSS registration, payroll in MZN, and full Labour Law compliance on behalf of an international company without a local entity.

Relocate to Mozambique

RemotePeople provides EOR services in Mozambique and across Southern Africa. We manage INEP authorisations, Visto de Trabalho sponsorship, DIRE applications, INSS registration, payroll in MZN, and full Labour Law compliance.

Contact RemotePeople to start hiring in Mozambique today.

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