Republic of Malawi visas
Malawi publishes official visa, permit and citizenship guidance through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services, with online filing through the official eVisa and e-Permit portals. The current Visa Atlas packet covers eVisa, visa on arrival, single-entry visitor visa, transit visa, visitor/business visit permit, temporary residence, temporary employment, student, business residence, permanent residence and citizenship application categories. Permit pages often state route frameworks without publishing every live checklist or fee amount, so applicants should confirm the current portal checklist before filing.
11 routes · 9 without a sponsor · 2 lead to settlement
Official portal
Primary source
Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services ↗ · Malawi Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services
Link last verified:
Regulators of immigration advice
- Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services (DICS) — Official Immigration department site publishing Malawi visa, permit, citizenship, passport and contact guidance.
- Malawi e-Visa (EVISA) — Official online visa portal for Malawi eVisa filing, status checks, eligibility guidance and the 2026 visa-on-arrival public notice.
- Malawi e-Permit (EPERMIT) — Official online portal for new permit applications, renewals/extensions and permit status tracking.
- Malawi Government (MALAWI-GOV) — Official national government portal linking to ministries and public services.
Visa routes (11)
Malawi eVisa
Official Malawi online visa route for eligible travellers applying before departure through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services eVisa portal.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 26 July 2026
Visa on Arrival for Category Two Nationals
Malawi visa-on-arrival route for nationals of Category Two countries at designated ports of entry, announced by the official eVisa portal effective 24 February 2026.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 26 July 2026
Tourist / Single Entry Visa
Malawi short-stay visa category for visits, residence or business trips, valid for 3 months and usable once according to the official visa-type page.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 26 July 2026
Transit Visa
Malawi transit visa category for travellers transiting through Malawi for up to seven days, single use.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 26 July 2026
Visitor / Business Visit Permit
Short Malawi visitor or business-visit permit for tourism, visiting relatives or business, valid 30 days and extendable for a further 60 days.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 26 July 2026
Temporary Residence Permit
Malawi temporary residence route for visitors or business visitors who have reached the 90-day maximum but have legitimate reasons for continued residence, including some short consultancy or work-related activity.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 26 July 2026
Temporary Employment Permit
Malawi employer-supported work route for foreigners offered specified employment in Malawi, with the organisation applying on the worker's behalf.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 26 July 2026
Student Permit
Malawi study route for foreign nationals entering to study at an approved educational institution or conduct educational research.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 26 July 2026
Business Residence Permit
Malawi business residence route for foreign nationals investing in productive sectors or operating as self-employed persons, partners or proprietors.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 26 July 2026
Permanent Residence Permit
Malawi permanent residence route for qualifying foreign nationals, including people seeking permanent residence, foreign wives of Malawians, retirees of assured income and certain dependants.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 26 July 2026
Citizenship Applications
Malawi citizenship application route covering the official categories of naturalisation, registration, restoration, stateless persons, minor children of Malawian citizens and married women.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 26 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 Malawi have?+
We cover 11 Republic of Malawi visa routes in these categories: visitor and short business, general residence, sponsored work, study, entrepreneur, and citizenship by descent. Each one links to its primary government source and carries a last-reviewed date.
Which Republic of Malawi visas do not need an employer sponsor?+
9 of the 11 Republic of Malawi routes we cover can be pursued without an employer sponsor, which helps if you do not have a job offer yet. The remaining 2 are employer-sponsored.
Which Republic of Malawi visas lead to permanent residence?+
2 of the 11 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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