Types of Work Visas in Haiti

If you want to send international employees to work in another country, your company must abide by that nation’s immigration and employment laws. Noncitizens will need a work permit and, often, a residence permit to live and work legally.

Work Permit

If an employee wants to work with a non-Haitian travel document, they must obtain their work permit. This requirement applies to business people, teachers, students, and other noncitizens who want to work in Haiti. They can apply for their work permit at the Ministère des Affaires Sociales (Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs).

Permis de Séjour (Residence Permit)

In addition to obtaining a work permit, employees must apply for a residence permit if:

- They are 21 or older.

- They enter the country with a non-Haitian travel document.

- They will stay for three months.

Applicants must file for their residence permit at the Direction de l’Immigration (Department of Immigration) in downtown Port-au-Prince.

Requirements to Obtain Haiti Work Visas

To get a permit, an employee must gather several documents, including:

- Their completed and signed application.

- Two passport-sized color photos.

- A letter explaining the reason for their stay and offering any in-country references.

- Their contact information and current address.

- A valid passport or another travel document.

- A letter from you, their current employer.

Application Process

Non-nationals must contact the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs directly to apply for their work permit. Their office is located on Charles Sumner Avenue in Port-au-Prince.

Getting a work visa usually takes between two and six months. Note that failure to produce any of the required documents can delay the process or result in a rejection.

Other Important Considerations

Immigration procedures and regulations are subject to frequent change without notice.

A work permit lasts for one year, and an employee can renew their permit up to five consecutive times.

Under certain circumstances, an employee who holds a work permit can lose their right to work in-country.

The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs can revoke a work permit if an employee does not fulfill the obligations of their role or they lose certifications or other documentation that make them qualified for their position.

If you employ a global workforce, ensuring your employees have the right documentation is your responsibility. If your team members are missing work permits — or if a work permit expires, and that employee keeps working without renewing it — your company could be liable for failing to comply with employment laws.

Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs

Phone:  (509) 2940-0928

Address:  7 Avenue Charles Summer - Port-au-Prince, Haiti