Republic of Lebanon visas
Lebanon publishes entry visa and residence guidance through the General Directorate of General Security. The official English route set covers embassy visitor visas, business and family visit evidence, Ministry of Labor-authorized work visas, annual residence categories for family members, special religious student and volunteer residence, domestic-worker visa and residence steps, foreign-expert port visas and renewable three-year permanent residence categories.
9 routes · 2 without a sponsor · 1 lead to settlement
Official portal
Primary source
General Security - visas and residency in Lebanon ↗ · General Directorate of General Security, Republic of Lebanon
Link last verified:
Regulators of immigration advice
- Beirut Bar Association (BBA) — Professional association for lawyers in Beirut. Immigration status is administered by Lebanese state authorities including General Security and the Ministry of Labor.
Visa routes (9)
Embassy Tourist or Visit Visa
Visitor visa filed through a Lebanese embassy abroad for tourism or a private visit.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 23 July 2026
Embassy Business Visit Visa
Commercial-visit visa route supported by an invitation from a Lebanese commercial partner.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 23 July 2026
Family Visit Visa
Short family-visit visa route requiring the general embassy visa file plus evidence of the family relationship.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 23 July 2026
Work Visa Authorized by the Ministry of Labor
Work visa category that General Security identifies as requiring Ministry of Labor authorization.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 13 July 2026
Domestic Worker Visa and Residence
Sponsored domestic-worker process involving prior authorization, General Security visa handling, labor permit and residence steps.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 23 July 2026
Annual Residence for Family Members
Annual residence categories for listed family members of Lebanese citizens or foreign residents.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 13 July 2026
Religious Student, Volunteer, Missionary or Clergy Residence
Special visa and residence framework for religious students, clergy, missionaries and volunteers hosted by accredited institutions.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 13 July 2026
Foreign Expert Port Visa
Short technical or administrative expert visa at a port for stays of up to one month.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 13 July 2026
Permanent Residence Permit
Renewable three-year permanent residence for listed income, investor or long work-permit cases.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 25 July 2026
Planning life after your move?
Organise documents, arrival money, housing and the practical steps after visa approval. Your route conditions remain the starting point.
Frequently asked questions
How many visa routes does Republic of Lebanon have?+
We cover 9 Republic of Lebanon visa routes in these categories: visitor and short business, family, sponsored work, study, intra-company, and general residence. Each one links to its primary government source and carries a last-reviewed date.
Which Republic of Lebanon visas do not need an employer sponsor?+
2 of the 9 Republic of Lebanon routes we cover can be pursued without an employer sponsor, which helps if you do not have a job offer yet. The remaining 7 are employer-sponsored.
Which Republic of Lebanon visas lead to permanent residence?+
1 of the 9 routes can lead to settlement or permanent residence; the others are temporary. Open each route for its settlement detail and qualifying period.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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