Key Takeaways

  • Foreign nationals require a Business Visa (B-Visa), a Stay Permit, and a Work Permit approved by the Directorate of Labour before commencing employment in Myanmar.
  • Given Myanmar’s ongoing political situation following the 2021 military coup, employers should conduct thorough due diligence and consult current government travel advisories and risk assessments before deploying workers.
  • The manufacturing, oil and gas, telecommunications, and banking sectors have historically been the primary employers of foreign nationals in Myanmar.

Myanmar (formerly Burma) is a Southeast Asian nation bordering China, Laos, Thailand, Bangladesh, and India. Naypyidaw is the administrative capital; Yangon is the largest city and commercial centre. Myanmar has experienced significant political instability since the military coup of February 2021. Despite this, a number of international companies continue to operate in the country, particularly in manufacturing, energy, and telecommunications. The Directorate of Labour under the Ministry of Labour administers work permits; the Department of Immigration handles visas and stay permits. Employers should always seek current legal and security advice before making hiring decisions in Myanmar.

When Is a Work Visa Needed in Myanmar?

Under Myanmar’s immigration and labour laws, any foreign national intending to engage in paid employment must obtain a B-Visa, a Stay Permit, and an approved Work Permit. The requirement applies to:

  • Employees of Myanmar-registered companies and joint ventures
  • Intra-company transferees to local branches or subsidiaries
  • Technical specialists and contractors engaged for projects over 30 days
  • Foreign directors and key executives of locally registered entities
  • Manufacturing and SEZ (Special Economic Zone) workers under approved investment projects

Types of Myanmar Work Visas and Permits

Business Visa (B-Visa)

The B-Visa is the standard entry visa for foreign nationals intending to work in Myanmar. It is issued by Myanmar embassies and consulates for an initial period of 70 days, extendable within Myanmar. It does not automatically authorise employment; a Work Permit must also be obtained. E-visas are available for citizens of most countries for tourist and business purposes.

Stay Permit

Foreign nationals residing in Myanmar for more than 70 days must obtain a Stay Permit from the Department of Immigration. The Stay Permit is linked to the B-Visa and Work Permit. It is renewed on an annual basis alongside the Work Permit.

Work Permit

The Work Permit is the employment authorisation issued by the Directorate of Labour. The employer applies on behalf of the foreign national. The permit is employer-tied and role-specific. It is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. The employer must hold a valid business registration and Foreign Investment Commission (FIC) approval, where applicable.

Special Economic Zone Permits

Foreign workers employed in Myanmar’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) may be subject to specific permit provisions under the SEZ Law. These can differ from standard work permit procedures, particularly regarding processing timelines and quota arrangements negotiated between the SEZ operator and the government.

How to Apply for a Work Visa in Myanmar

1

Employer Obtains Regulatory Approvals

Before sponsoring a foreign worker, the employer must hold a valid company registration, a Form 26 (permit to employ foreigners) from the Directorate of Labour, and — for foreign-invested companies — FIC approval. These prerequisites must be in place before an individual work permit application can proceed.

2

Apply for the Work Permit

The employer submits the Work Permit application to the Directorate of Labour. Required documents include: a completed application form; the employment contract; proof of company registration and Form 26; the applicant’s certified qualifications and CV; passport copy; and visa copy.

3

Foreign National Enters on B-Visa

The foreign national enters Myanmar on a B-Visa obtained from a Myanmar embassy or consulate, or via e-visa. On arrival, the worker registers with the relevant township immigration office within 24 hours (for non-hotel accommodation).

4

Obtain Stay Permit

The Stay Permit is obtained from the Department of Immigration in Yangon or Naypyidaw. It is applied for within 70 days of entry and is linked to the approved Work Permit. Both must be renewed annually.

5

Register with Social Security Board

The employer must register the foreign worker with the Social Security Board (SSB) of Myanmar. Contributions cover medical, disability, and pension benefits. Registration must occur within 30 days of commencement of employment.

6

Annual Renewal

Both the Work Permit and the Stay Permit must be renewed annually. Renewal applications should be submitted at least 30 days before expiry. Given current administrative conditions, processing timelines can be variable; starting the renewal process early is strongly advised.

Myanmar Work Permit Costs and Fees

Work authorisation fees in Myanmar are denominated in Myanmar Kyat (MMK) for domestic fees and USD for some consular fees. Amounts are subject to significant variability given the current operating environment:
Permit Type Cost
Work Permit USD 100–200 per year
Stay Permit USD 50–100 per year
B-Visa USD 50–100 depending on nationality

SSB contributions are ongoing payroll costs rather than one-off fees. Given the complexity of the environment, professional and legal service fees are typically USD 1,000–3,000. Total first-year employer costs per worker range from USD 1,500 to USD 4,000.

Myanmar Work Visa Sponsorship

Myanmar work permits are employer-tied. Changes of employer require a new Work Permit application. Employers must notify the Directorate of Labour within 14 days if employment ends before the permit expires.

Employers must comply with the Myanmar Labour Laws — including minimum wage regulations (MMK 4,800/day), leave entitlements, and SSB contribution requirements — to the extent these are operative under current conditions.

Given the challenging operating environment, international companies are advised to work with an employer of record (EOR) or legal advisor with active Myanmar experience and current knowledge of the regulatory landscape.

Work in Myanmar with Confidence

Myanmar’s work permit framework operates alongside significant political and security complexity. Employers must balance compliance obligations with a thorough risk assessment of the operating environment. RemotePeople can provide guidance on the work permit process and EOR services where operationally appropriate, always in conjunction with current security and legal advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Myanmar's security situation has been significantly impacted by the February 2021 military coup and the ensuing armed conflict in many parts of the country. Employers should review current travel advisories from their home government, conduct comprehensive risk assessments, and engage specialist security advisors before deploying workers to Myanmar.

Form 26 is a permit issued by the Directorate of Labour that authorises a Myanmar-registered employer to hire foreign nationals. Without Form 26, individual Work Permit applications cannot proceed. The permit specifies the number of foreign workers the company is authorised to employ and the permitted occupational categories.

Myanmar's national minimum wage is MMK 4,800 per day (approximately USD 2.30). The Myanmar Kyat has experienced significant volatility since 2021; employers should take local legal and financial advice on compensation structuring, as the practical application of the minimum wage in current conditions is complex.

Spouses and dependent children may accompany a work permit holder on dependent visas. However, given the current security environment, many employers advise against family relocation to Myanmar. Country-specific risk assessments should inform any decision about family accompaniment.

An EOR with an established, active legal entity and operational experience in Myanmar can sponsor work permits and manage compliance. Given the current environment, due diligence on the EOR's own regulatory standing and risk management protocols is essential before engaging them for Myanmar deployments.

Relocate to Myanmar

RemotePeople has experience supporting workforce deployments in complex operating environments, including Myanmar. We can advise on work permit processes, EOR sponsorship where operationally feasible, and HR compliance — always in conjunction with current security and legal counsel.

Contact RemotePeople to discuss your Myanmar workforce requirements.

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