MalawiBusiness and self-employment

Malawi business residence permit

Business residence permit (BRP)

In short

Malawi's business residence permit lets a foreigner live in Malawi to run a business, profession or occupation as a self-employed person, partner or proprietor. The funds invested must come from a legal source outside Malawi and amount to at least USD 50,000. The permit is valid for five years and renewable for further five-year periods; the Minister decides on each application.

Apply on Malawi e-Permit System checked 25 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
Five years, renewable for successive five-year periods
Validity
Five years from the date of approval
Funds required
US$50,000Minimum investment, from a legal source outside Malawi.
Work
Running the approved business, profession or occupation
Path to permanent residence
Permanent residence possible after five years of ordinary residence
Where to apply
Immigration headquarters or regional offices, or the ePermit portal

Who it is for

The permit authorises residence in Malawi for the purpose of carrying on, practising or engaging in a business, profession or occupation for gain, profit or reward as a self-employed person, a partner or a proprietor. The Department names manufacturing, mining, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, financial services and any other productive sector as the fields foreign investors may enter. Foreigners hired by someone else need a temporary employment permit instead.

Investment requirement

The funds to be invested must originate from a legal source outside Malawi and be at least USD 50,000. The business must not operate before the permit is approved, and at renewal the applicant must confirm that the business is viable and still exists.

How to apply

Submit the BRP application form with supporting documents and information at the Immigration Headquarters in Blantyre or a regional immigration office, after paying the processing fee, or register and apply on the ePermit portal. The application is sent to the Minister for a decision, and the applicant is formally notified whether it has been approved or rejected. If approved, the permit fees must be paid within 30 days of notification, at FDH Bank counters in immigration offices.

Organisations and individuals who have heard nothing more than four months after submitting are asked to contact the permit enquiries officer at headquarters in person or by phone.

  1. Prepare the investment of at least USD 50,000 from abroad and the company documents.
  2. Submit the BRP form at an immigration office or on the ePermit portal and pay the processing fee.
  3. Wait for the Minister's decision without starting operations.
  4. Pay the permit fees at FDH Bank within 30 days of approval.
  5. Apply for renewal three months before the five years end.

Path to permanent residence

Any person who has been ordinarily resident in Malawi for at least five years may apply for a permanent residence permit, so a five-year business residence permit can lead to permanent residence. The Minister also decides those applications.

Renewal and additional businesses

Renewal is applied for with the BRP renewal form and supporting documents at a regional office or headquarters, at least three months before the permit expires, after paying the processing fee. To add another business to an existing permit, submit an application with a business profile, a current bank statement and the registration certificates; if approved, you are notified and pay the fee.

Documents

Required documents

Identity

  • Valid passport

Money

  • Proof of at least USD 50,000 from a legal source outside Malawi
  • Current bank statement

Work

  • Business profile and company registration certificates

Other

  • Completed BRP application form

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum investment for a Malawi business residence permit?

USD 50,000, from a legal source outside Malawi.

How long is the permit valid?

Five years from approval, renewable for further five-year periods.

Who decides the application?

The Minister responsible for immigration.

Can I start trading before approval?

No. The business must not operate before the permit is approved.

Can I add a second business to my permit?

Yes. Apply with a business profile, a current bank statement and the registration certificates; a fee is due if approved.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Malawi

Work

  • Work visa Processing time: Not published; contact the department if no reply after four months

Residence

  • Residence permit Maximum stay: Visitors up to 90 days before needing a temporary residence permit

Online travel permits

  • e-Visa Maximum stay: Visitors may reside up to 90 days before needing a temporary residence permit

Malawi visa guide