How to Secure Work Visas in Madagascar

Expanding into Madagascar offers employers a unique opportunity to tap into one of Africa’s most biodiverse and resource-rich nations. But before companies can bring talent into the country, they must first understand how to secure the proper work visa and authorization. Like many other jurisdictions, Madagascar distinguishes between short-term entry and long-term employment arrangements. Employers hiring foreign nationals need to follow specific procedures to remain compliant with local labor and immigration laws.

Here’s what employers need to know to sponsor foreign talent for work in Madagascar.

Understanding work visas and authorizations

In Madagascar, foreign nationals intending to work must obtain both a work visa and work authorization, which are two separate requirements. Both are necessary for lawful employment.

Madagascar typically grants long-stay visas for employment purposes, and these are valid for up to three years. However, these visas are contingent on the Ministry of Labor’s approval of the work authorization.

Differences between work visas and work permits

Employers navigating Madagascar’s immigration process often confuse a work visa with a work permit (authorization). Here’s the difference:

Work visa. Issued by Madagascar’s immigration authorities, this document allows entry and residence in the country.
Work permit. Issued by the Ministry of Labor, this is the document that legally allows a foreign national to perform work in Madagascar.

Foreign workers cannot legally begin employment until both approvals are in place.

Requirements for securing a work visa

Eligibility criteria for employers and employees

To apply for a work visa and permit, both the employer and the foreign employee must meet specific eligibility requirements:

The employer must be legally registered in Madagascar and in good standing with local labor laws
The position being offered must not be one that can be readily filled by local labor, as assessed by the Ministry of Labor
The employee must have the necessary qualifications, experience, and educational background for the role

Necessary documentation

The application package must include:

A formal job offer from the employer
A copy of the employment contract
Passport with at least six months of validity
Passport-size photos
Police clearance certificate from the employee’s home country
Curriculum vitae (CV)
Academic and professional credentials
Company registration documents and tax clearance certificate

Documents not in French must be translated by a certified translator.

Steps to apply for a work visa in Madagascar

Application process overview

Employer submits a work permit application to the Ministry of Labor for approval.
Once the Ministry grants the authorization, the employer provides it to the employee.
The employee applies for a long-stay visa at the nearest Malagasy consulate or embassy.
Upon arrival in Madagascar, the employee must validate the visa and complete residence formalities with the local immigration office.

Timeline and application submission

The work permit process can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the complexity of the role and backlog at the Ministry. Visa processing typically takes an additional two to four weeks after the permit is approved. It’s important for employers to start the process well in advance of the employee’s intended start date.

For official guidance, refer to Madagascar’s Ministry of Public Service and Labor.

Work permit sponsorship by employers

How employers can sponsor a work permit

Only locally registered entities in Madagascar can sponsor a foreign national’s work permit. This means the employer must have a presence in the country or work through a third party that does. The employer must submit a detailed job description and prove that the skills required cannot be found locally.

Employer responsibilities and obligations

Employers must:

Ensure that all foreign workers have proper documentation
Maintain employment records and provide updates to immigration authorities
Renew work permits and visas as required
Comply with local labor code regulations

Failure to comply can result in fines or revocation of authorization.

Tips and resources for a successful application

To increase the chances of a successful application:

Start the process well in advance of the employee’s expected start date
Keep clear records and copies of all documents
Stay updated with the latest guidelines from the Ministry of Labor

Utilizing support from EOR providers

An Employer of Record (EOR) is a third-party organization that legally employs workers on behalf of another company. An EOR manages everything from visa sponsorship and payroll to tax compliance and employment contracts.

Working with an EOR simplifies the expansion process by:

Sponsoring work permits and visas directly
Handling regulatory compliance with local labor laws
Managing HR functions like payroll and benefits

A trusted EOR eliminates administrative hurdles so companies can focus on growing their teams. To learn more, visit our global hiring guide.

FAQ

Can an employer request a work visa?

Yes. The employer is responsible for initiating the process by applying for a work permit on behalf of the employee. Once approved, the employee can then apply for the appropriate visa.

How long can a U.S. citizen stay in Madagascar?

U.S. citizens can apply for a tourist visa (valid for up to 90 days) or a long-stay visa tied to employment. For employment purposes, the long-stay visa must be paired with a valid work authorization. Learn more from the U.S. State Department’s country guide.

How Velocity Global can help

Navigating Madagascar’s immigration system is complex, especially without a local entity or in-house legal team. Velocity Global’s Employer of Record solution allows companies to hire and onboard talent in Madagascar quickly and compliantly. From securing work authorization to managing local labor law obligations, we handle it all.

Whether expanding into new markets or supporting global mobility, Velocity Global empowers companies to go further and faster while remaining compliant.

This information does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or tax advice and is for general informational purposes only. The intent of this document is solely to provide general and preliminary information for private use. Do not rely on it as an alternative to legal, financial, taxation, or accountancy advice from an appropriately qualified professional. The content in this guide is provided “as is,” and no representations are made that the content is error-free.

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Immigration + Relocation