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Pathway

Malawi Business Residence

Malawi Residency
Pathway overview

At a glance

Malawi's Business Residence Permit is for people who will work in an approved productive business as an owner, partner, or self-employed person. You need at least USD $50,000 from a lawful source outside Malawi and approval before operating.

Who can apply
Owners, partners, and self-employed people in a qualifying productive business
Investment
At least USD $50,000 from a lawful source outside Malawi
Renewal deadline
Apply three months before expiry

Summary

Malawi’s Business Residence Permit lets a foreign owner, partner, or self-employed person live in the country to operate an approved productive business. The permit is required before operations begin. The application must document at least USD $50,000 from a lawful source outside Malawi and explain the applicant’s active role.

The published permit term is five years, with renewal requested three months before expiry. Permission remains linked to the accepted business, and any separate professional or work approval must also cover the applicant’s actual activities.

Could this pathway work for you?

Eligibility

Show where the investment funds came from and how you will work in the qualifying business. Obtain the necessary business registrations and permission for the activity and your role.

Submit the business and personal documents through Immigration for the Minister's decision. You must not start operating before approval. To renew, you will need to show that the business still exists and can continue operating successfully.

Running a business in Malawi
  1. Check the business Confirm your activity and role qualify.
  2. Document the investment Show at least USD $50,000 from lawful overseas sources.
  3. Apply before operating Keep business records and prepare for renewal in time.

A registered company alone does not give you permission to live and work in Malawi.

What This Route Allows

The published permit term is five years. You can live in Malawi for the approved business activity, with any separate work or professional permission your role requires. Apply for renewal three months before the permit expires.

What This Route Is Not

Registering a company, holding shares, or buying property does not by itself give you residence. This is not citizenship by investment and does not guarantee permanent residence.

Next Steps

  1. Check that the business, foreign ownership, and your role are allowed.
  2. Gather registrations, activity approvals, investment evidence, and personal records.
  3. Apply for the permit before operating. Keep business records for renewal and track the three-month filing deadline.

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Sources