Mozambique investor visa

The investment eVisa is meant for people coming to put money into, or run, a project of at least USD 500,000 that the Mozambican authorities have already approved. Because the document list includes a nomination letter, an employment contract and the company's licence and clearances, it fits an investor or a person appointed by the investing company rather than a first exploratory trip; an exploratory visit of up to 90 days falls under the business eVisa.

Investment promotion is handled by APIEX, the Agency for Investment and Export Promotion, a public institution created by Decree No. 60/2016 of 12 December and supervised by the minister responsible for industry and trade. APIEX is the government contact point for investors looking at Mozambique.

The purpose of travel must be investment in a project worth USD 500,000 or more, and the stay must not exceed 730 days. The investment project must already be approved by the competent government entities, which is why the visa is usually requested once the project has been registered in Mozambique.

SENAMI lists the passport bio page and photo, a criminal record certificate, a medical certificate, a nomination letter, an INSS (social security) clearance certificate, a finance (tax) clearance certificate, the commercial licence, the investment project approved by government entities, an invitation letter and an employment contract. Medical certificates and criminal records not in Portuguese must be translated by a sworn translator.

APIEX lists generic benefits for investments made under the Investment Law. Imported capital goods classified in Class K of the customs tariff, with their parts and accessories, are exempt from customs duties and VAT. Investors can also deduct an investment tax credit from corporate income tax (IRPC) for five tax years, capped at the tax due on the project's activity: 5% of the total investment in Maputo City and 10% in the other provinces. Separate regimes apply to sectors such as agriculture and fisheries, manufacturing and assembly, basic infrastructure, industrial free zones, tourism and hospitality, and large-scale projects.

Select the investment visa on the portal, upload scans with translations, and submit at least three to five days before travel. Track the application on the VFS status page and present the printed preliminary approval with your passport at the airport.

Approval letters are emailed and can end up in spam or junk folders. On arrival, immigration checks the printed preliminary approval together with your passport, so carry a paper copy rather than relying only on a phone.

You may stay up to the period on the approved visa, with multiple entries. The portal does not extend visas; its investment page tells holders who need more time to contact the Mozambican embassy directly.