At a glance
To move to DR Congo for a job, you need a work card and an employment contract approved by ONEM, the national employment office. DGM, the immigration authority, must also approve your work residence visa before you start working.
- Job offer required?
- Yes, with local employer support
- Work documents
- A work card and an ONEM-approved employment contract
- Residence approval
- Required from DGM, the immigration authority
Summary
Foreign workers can seek residence in DR Congo for approved employment through a process involving a work card, an ONEM-approved contract, and a separate residence decision by DGM. The employer and worker need to align these approvals with the actual job before the worker can begin.
Eligibility
Your employer must arrange the work card and ONEM-approved contract. Prepare your qualifications and the employer's service certificate.
ANAPI, the investment agency, lists six months of lawful stay for residence applications. Ask DGM when you may file, how to remain lawfully in the country until then, and whether it specifically permits earlier filing in your case.
Prepare your passport, local and home-country character records, local residence and consular-registration certificates, vaccination record, and proof of financial support. Obtain DGM approval and the work card before working.
-
Arrange employment documents Your employer supports the work card and contract approval.
-
Confirm the filing timeline Ask DGM about prior lawful stay and your application date.
-
Obtain both approvals Secure the work card and immigration approval before working.
Check the application timing before planning your move or starting the job.
What This Route Allows
You can live and work in DR Congo in the approved role and for the granted period. ANAPI describes one- to two-year permission linked to the work card; follow the actual dates on your documents.
What This Route Is Not
A job offer, business visit, or entry visa alone does not authorize employment. The approvals do not guarantee unrestricted job changes, work rights for accompanying family, permanent residence, or citizenship.
Next Steps
- Confirm the job and employer support for the work card and contract approval.
- Ask DGM to confirm the filing timeline and lawful-stay requirements, then gather employer and personal records.
- Obtain the required work and immigration approvals before starting, and follow both sets of conditions.
Stay up to date on this pathway
Get an email when something important changes.
Discussed in these reports
Hong Kong
Hong Kong Skilled Employee Residence
Hong Kong's skilled employment route is for professionals with a confirmed local job that uses their education, technical skills, or substantial relevant experience.
Ireland
Ireland Intra-Company Transfer Permit
A non-EEA senior manager, key employee, or trainee may transfer temporarily from an overseas company to a connected Irish entity under an Intra-Company Transfer Employment…
Netherlands
Netherlands Company Transfer Residence Permit
Managers, specialists, and trainee employees may be able to transfer from a company outside the EU to a Dutch branch under the EU intra-corporate transferee route.