How to find a job in Malawi: everything foreigners need to know

Malawi is a small country known as the 'warm heart of Africa', located in the southeast of the continent, and bordering Zambia, Mozambique, and Tanzania. Foreigners are welcomed by a welcoming population, a favorable climate, and nature with amazing landscapes. But in Malawi a promising destination to work abroad? To find the answer to this and other relevant questions, keep reading our article.
Labor market
Despite recent economic improvements, Malawi is still considered one of the least developed countries in the world. The political climate is more stable than in the past, but riots and demonstrations still occur regularly.
The tourism sector is a small sector of the economy. Agriculture accounts for a third of Malawi's GDP and 90% of its exports. The main agricultural products are tobacco, sugar cane, cotton, tea, maize, potatoes, sorghum, cattle, and goats. The country relies heavily on tobacco exports, and as the international community seeks to impose restrictions on production, this part of the economy is under pressure.
Job search
Even graduates from local universities find it difficult to find work. One reason is probably that the labor market is too small to keep up with the ever-increasing demand for labor. The government is the largest source of employment in Malawi. However, the government rarely releases vacancies for foreigners.
Work visa
Short-term work permits can be obtained upon arrival in Malawi; they are valid for up to 30 days and can be extended to 60 days for an additional fee. For expatriates planning to move permanently, an application must be made to the Malawi Immigration Department before arriving in the country.
Long-term permits are valid for at least six months and up to two years from the date of initial issuance. However, it is possible to extend the permit twice by sending an extension application with all necessary documents to the Provincial Migration Office. The form must be submitted at least three months before the expiry date.
Requirements for obtaining a work visa
When applying for a visa, a completed application form and a valid passport are required, as well as:
• Two passport photos;
• A detailed cover letter;
• Airline tickets;
• Confirmed hotel booking;
• Bank statements for the last three months;
• Proof of yellow fever vaccine (for nationals of countries at risk).
After obtaining a visa, a temporary work permit is required and must be applied for by the potential employer. For this you need:
• A completed application form;
• An employment contract;
• A valid passport;
• CV;
• Job advertisements;
• Academic qualifications.
Taxes
Corporate tax is 30% for registered employees, except for telecommunications companies, which are taxed at 33%. Dividends paid by Malawian companies are taxed at a rate of 10% unless covered by a tax treaty. Interest payments to a non-resident are subject to income tax at a rate of 15% or 20% for residents as an advance payment of tax. Royalty payments to non-residents are taxed at 15% or 20% for residents as advance tax.
Other taxes include stamp duty at 0.75% and payroll tax at 1% of non-taxable employment tax. Both residents and non-residents pay withholding tax on income in Malawi. A tax resident is considered to be an individual who resides in the country for a total of 183 days per year.
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Residence permit
The simultaneous stay of visitors in the hotel lobby not more than one person per 10 square meters of serviceable area is allowed.
Persons can visit hotels and stay there (outside hotel room) only if they wear respirator or face mask (including homemade mask), so that the nose and mouth are covered.
Hotel guests are obliged to keep the 1.5 meters distance.
Online check-in making in advance is recommended to avoid queues at check-in to hotel.
Meals in hotels are provided through meals delivery service to rooms upon prior order or at hotel restaurants situated inside or in open areas, provided the distance of at least 1.5 meters between seats at adjacent tables.
Not more than 4 clients are allowed to stay at the table (excluding children under 14 years old). Unless these tables are separated by a special partition;
Self-serve is not allowed.
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