Togo work visa: immigration visa for employment

Law No. 2022-005 allows an entry authorisation to be granted, at the request of a Togolese or foreign employer wishing to hire a specialty not covered by the Togolese labour market, to any foreigner subject to a visa who wants to settle in Togo for a professional activity. The authorisation lets the holder work while awaiting the residence card. Its conditions are set by a joint order of the ministers in charge of security and labour, and it does not exempt the holder from obtaining a visa before entering Togo.

On Togo Voyage, the immigration visa for professional purposes requires the online form, a scan of the first three passport pages valid at least three months beyond the visa, a recent photo, a flight booking or ticket for air arrivals and, mandatorily, the entry authorisation issued by the Ministry of Security. Travel insurance, accommodation proof, an invitation letter and a bank statement are strongly recommended.

Once in Togo, the worker starts the residence card procedure at the DGDN. Besides the general documents (criminal record, certificate of no conviction, stamped request, photos, medical certificate, passport and visa copies, tax clearance, bank documents and a location plan of home and workplace), employees provide their CNSS social security registration certificate, a work certificate and a copy of the employer’s residence card, and employers and company heads a CNSS social clearance. The DGDN also notes that workers need a work permit from the ministry in charge of employment.

Working for pay without an entry authorisation or residence card can be fined XOF 500,000. Employing a foreigner who is staying illegally is fined XOF 1,000,000, and employing a foreigner without prior authorisation is punished under the labour code. A residence card can be cancelled if the employer or employee no longer meets the conditions, and that cancellation can extend to the cards of dependants.