Work Permits for Angola

Work permits for Angola are granted to expats employed by an Angolan company or the Angolan government. Holders of a work visa can stay in the country for the duration of their work contract (usually up to 12 months) and are allowed multiple entries into the country. The work permit will restrict you to the job for which the visa was issued, and you are only allowed to work for the employer who requested the visa.

It’s important to note that Angolan work visas don’t allow the holder to establish residence, so if you want to live in the country permanently, you must apply for a residence permit for Angola.

Applying for a work permit for Angola

The work permit process is quite complex. The hiring company typically acts as the applicant’s sponsor and makes all the necessary arrangements for the visa application. It’s also the employer’s responsibility to notify the appropriate authority of any change in the duration of the employee’s contract.

The employer must justify the need for hiring a foreign employee over a local one. They will also have to ensure that they maintain a workforce that is 70 percent Angolan. Work permit applications typically take three to nine months, so we recommend starting the process as early as possible.

To apply for a work permit in Angola, you will need various documents, including:

• a valid passport (for at least 12 months)
• an employment contract
• a police clearance certificate from your home country
• a medical certificate issued within the last 90 days
• your educational and professional certifications
• a declaration of compliance with Angolan law

Most of these documents must be photocopied, notarised, and translated into Portuguese. Expats from certain countries may also need a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. Work permits for Angola can be renewed once they expire. As this process can also be long and bureaucratic, you are advised to begin as soon as possible.

*Visa regulations and requirements for work permits are subject to change at short notice, and expats should contact their respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.