Republic of Malawi · work sponsored
Temporary Employment Permit
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Malawi employer-supported work route for foreigners offered specified employment in Malawi, with the organisation applying on the worker's behalf.
- Processing time
- The application is considered by the TEP Approval Committee and then decided by the Minister; formal notification follows the decision.
- Government fees
- The official permit pages refer to processing fees and, after approval, appropriate fees; check the live e-Permit portal or Immigration office for the current amount before filing.
- Typical duration
- Temporary employment status; the official page says a TEP can be renewed twice and renewal must be submitted 3 months before expiry.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Overview
Malawi publishes 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 public pages give the route framework and some fees, but permit checklists and current filing mechanics can sit inside the live portals or application forms, so applicants should confirm the latest document list and fee before submitting. Malawi Immigration says the Temporary Employment Permit is issued to persons before they enter Malawi for the purpose of taking up specified employment. A foreigner who has been offered employment by an organisation in Malawi needs a TEP, and the organisation is responsible for applying on behalf of the applicant. The application goes to the TEP Approval Committee for consideration and then to the Minister for decision. The page also states that all new TEP applicants are required by law to wait outside Malawi until approval.
Additional sources
Primary source
Permits - Malawi Immigration ↗ · Malawi Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services
Link last verified:
Primary source
Malawi e-Permit portal ↗ · Malawi e-Permit / Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services
Link last verified:
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓The applicant has been offered employment by an organisation in Malawi.Malawi Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services ↗
- ✓The organisation applies for the permit on behalf of the applicant.Malawi Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services ↗
- ✓The TEP application form and supporting documents are submitted at Immigration headquarters or regional Immigration offices with the processing fee.Malawi Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services ↗
- ✓New TEP applicants wait outside Malawi until the application has been approved.Malawi Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services ↗
Common blockers
- !No Malawi organisation has offered employment or accepted responsibility to apply.Malawi Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services ↗
- !The applicant is already in Malawi waiting for approval despite the official note that new TEP applicants must wait outside Malawi.Malawi Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services ↗
- !The form, supporting documents, processing fee or employer evidence is incomplete.Malawi Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Employment offer and employer/organisation details.Malawi Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services ↗
- ·TEP application form and supporting documents required by the current checklist.Malawi Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services ↗
- ·Processing-fee payment evidence.Malawi Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services ↗
- ·Renewal application evidence filed 3 months before expiry where extending.Malawi Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm the role is specified employment and the Malawi organisation will apply on the worker's behalf.
Build the evidence pack
Prepare the TEP form, employment evidence and supporting documents under the current checklist.
Submit through the official channel
Submit at Immigration headquarters or a regional Immigration office and pay the processing fee.
After approval
Wait outside Malawi until approval if this is a new TEP, then pay any approval fees within the notification window and enter under the approved status.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicant + sponsorRead the Malawi Temporary Employment Permit page ↗
Use this official Malawi source to confirm the current checklist, fee, timing and submission channel before filing. Malawi publishes 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 public pages give the route framework and some fees, but permit checklists and current filing mechanics can sit inside the live portals or application forms, so applicants should confirm the latest document list and fee before submitting.
Malawi Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services · verified
- ApplyApplicant + sponsorUse the official Malawi e-Permit portal ↗
Use this official Malawi source to confirm the current checklist, fee, timing and submission channel before filing. Malawi publishes 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 public pages give the route framework and some fees, but permit checklists and current filing mechanics can sit inside the live portals or application forms, so applicants should confirm the latest document list and fee before submitting.
Malawi e-Permit / Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services · verified
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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.
Frequently asked questions
Who applies for a Malawi Temporary Employment Permit?+
The official page says the organisation in Malawi has the responsibility to apply for the permit on behalf of the foreign worker.
Can a new TEP applicant wait in Malawi?+
No. The official page says all applicants for new TEPs are required by law to wait outside Malawi until approval.
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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