Immigration · 7 min read
The Mozambique work permit, explained without jargon
Most work permit refusals in Mozambique are not judgement calls. They are incomplete files. Understanding the categories and the paperwork removes almost all of the risk.
Quota is calculated on your workforce
Employers may engage foreign nationals up to a set percentage of total employees, with the percentage scaling by company size. A five-person start-up therefore has very different headroom to a 300-person operation.
Out-of-quota is possible but evidenced
Where the skill genuinely does not exist locally, specific authorisation can be sought. Expect to evidence recruitment efforts and the technical necessity of the role.
The document pack decides your timeline
Degrees, professional registrations, police clearance and passport pages must be legalised and sworn-translated. Applicants who prepare this before engaging on the application are approved weeks earlier.
Then comes the DIRE
Work authorisation and residence are separate steps. The DIRE residence card follows approval and must be renewed on schedule.
Common, expensive mistakes
Starting work on a business visa, letting a DIRE lapse while travelling, and assuming a permit transfers to a new employer. None of these are recoverable cheaply.