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Residence in Malawi: permits and requirements

TemporaryEntrepreneurshipPermanentWorkStudy
Verified: 2026-10-10Informational guide; the linked official source is the valid reference.5 types

Living legally in Malawi is possible through 5 permit types: temporary, entrepreneurship, permanent, work, study. Each program has its own requirements; below are the duration, renewal, costs and documentation according to the country's official sources.

Temporary Residence Permit

Residence type #1 of 5

Permit for visitors with a business visa who need to extend their stay for justified reasons

Requirements

  • Valid visitor or business visa
  • Having resided in Malawi for 90 days
  • Legitimate reasons for continued residence

Documentation

  • Valid passport
  • Application form
  • Supporting documents justifying the stay
  • Payment of fees
Duration: Short fixed period
Renewable
Official link

Frequently asked questions about residence in Malawi

How many types of residence permits are there in Malawi?

Malawi offers 5 residence permit types, grouped into the categories temporary, entrepreneurship, permanent, work, study. Each permit has its own requirements, duration and documentation, detailed in this fact sheet according to the country's official sources.

How long do residence permits in Malawi last?

Durations vary by permit type: Short fixed period; 5 years; Indefinite; Fixed period (renewable twice). The exact details of each type appear in the corresponding fact sheet.

Can residence permits in Malawi be renewed?

It depends on the type: 4 of 5 permits are renewable. Each fact sheet on this page indicates whether the permit in question allows renewal.

What documentation is usually required to reside in Malawi?

Although each permit requires its own file, the most recurrent documents are: Valid passport; Formulario de solicitud; Certificado médico. The complete list by residence type appears in each fact sheet, together with the corresponding official link.

Does residence in Malawi lead to nationality?

Yes, through the Registration by residence pathway, which requires 7 years of legal residence. The complete requirements are in the nationality fact sheet of Malawi.

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