This blog sets out the process and requirements in detail.
Getting started – first time DIRE or a renewal?
Obtaining a first DIRE is a very different process to renewing an existing DIRE. DIRE’s are applied for from within Mozambique and therefore if it is a first time DIRE, you first need to obtain a visa to enter Mozambique. The applies even if you come from a visa exempt country (see xxxx blog for visitors to Mozambique). This is because you need a visa for residency. The visa exemption only applies for visits to the country.
The process is too long for one article so I have broken it down for you. If you are simply renewing an existing DIRE you can ignore the first few stages and go to this article, preparing for your DIRE Application
First time DIRE
If you need advice obtaining a first time DIRE then you will need help from the different articles here.
The first stage of the process is to obtain a work visa to enter Mozambique. There are two stages to this process:
1. Work authorisation. This is obtained in Mozambique by the company sponsoring you. This company can be your own company.
2. Apply for a work visa from a Mozambican embassy overseas.
You can read the full details of this process in the work visa article (DIRE Article 1)
Once you have a work visa the next stage of the process is to enter Mozambique using this visa. The visa only lasts for a short time. Once you arrive in Mozambique you must convert this visa into a DIRE. To complete the conversion a lot of paperwork is required. This is your work/residency permit and will usually last for one year.
You can read the full details of this process in the DIRE preparation article (DIRE Article 2)
Once you have everything prepared the final stage is going to the migration department. Here you will be requested to hand over the correct paperwork. They will take your photograph, process your paperwork and take your passport. You will need to return a week or so later and your DIRE will be ready for you.
You can read about this final process in the DIRE appointment article (DIRE Article 3)
Congratulations you now have a legal permit to reside in Mozambique.
Getting you DIRE in Mozambique
This is a series of articles about getting and renewing your work / residency permit (DIRE)
Residency permits in Mozambique, the guide to obtaining and renewing them
by Zoe | Sep 14, 2024 | DIRE application, Resident information
DIRE Article 1: Getting a work visa
To get a first time DIRE, you need to follow a process to obtain a work visa to enter Mozambique, before you start thinking about getting a DIRE. This is quite a complex process and must always be supported by a sponsoring company, most of which will help with this process, so I will just give a summary of that part of the process here.
DIRE Article 2: Preparing for your DIRE Application
On arrival in Mozambique
Just a couple of points to be aware of when you get to Mozambique, but they’re important:
You cannot leave Mozambique again until you get your DIRE.
From the date of entry, you have 30 days to get your DIRE. Day 1 is your day of entry, not the next day. There is a fine of 2000 meticais per day for exceeding the 30-day deadline.
DIRE Article 3: Your DIRE appointment
Most host companies will accompany their staff through this entire process and provide guidance. But in case they don’t (or they don’t understand the requirements correctly), you can follow this guide instead. It is entirely possible to do this as an individual...
0 Comments