This is a permit issued to a person that gives them the right to reside permanently in Malawi.

Who can apply?

A foreign national who wishes to reside permanently in Malawi, foreign spouses of Malawians, senior citizens who would like to spend their post-retirement lives in Malawi, (people with a guaranteed income), elderly permanent residence permit holders, any person who ordinarily resident in Malawi for at least five years.

How and where to apply for a permit?

Applications can be submitted by submitting the PRP application form and supporting documents/information to the Immigration Headquarters or Regional Immigration Offices for processing after payment of the processing fee.

What happens when I apply?

The application will be submitted to the Minister for decision. Once a decision has been made, you will receive an official notification of approval or rejection of your application. In case of a positive decision, the relevant fees will have to be paid within 30 days of notification.

CATEGORIES OF CITIZENSHIP:

Citizenship by birth

A person born in Malawi if one or both parents were born in Malawi.

Citizenship by origin

A child born outside of Malawi to one or both parents who are citizens of Malawi by birth, such child is automatically a Malawian and can obtain a Malawian passport provided the child is a minor.

Citizenship by marriage

A woman can obtain Malawian citizenship if she is married to a Malawian citizen and provided that she has resided in Malawi with a valid permit for at least 5 years. A citizen of Malawi who acquires the citizenship of any country other than Malawi as a result of marriage shall cease to be a citizen on the first anniversary of the marriage, unless she has made a written declaration before that anniversary.

Citizenship by registration of spouses of Malawian citizens

Any woman of legal capacity who is married to a citizen of Malawi may be registered as a citizen of Malawi if the following conditions are met:

• Marriage certificate.
• A photocopy of the husband's citizenship certificate (in some cases).
• Photocopies of the husband's passport.

Citizenship by registration of stateless persons

A child born in Malawi to parents who hold different nationalities can be registered as a citizen of Malawi provided, he or she fulfills the following conditions: -

• It must be proven that he has always been a stateless person and was born in Malawi.
• One of his parents was born in Malawi.
• The person usually resides in Malawi for 3 years.
• The individual has never been convicted or arrested for conduct that endangers public safety, or imprisoned for five years, or for any other criminal offense.

Naturalization of foreigners

A certificate of naturalization as a citizen of Malawi may be issued to any alien who is of full age and legal capacity, on application to the Minister in the prescribed manner, if he satisfies the Minister, if he

• (a)that he is ordinarily resident in Malawi and has been resident there for the seven years immediately preceding the filing of the application;
• (b)that he has a sufficient knowledge of the proposed vernacular or of English;
• (c) that he is of good character;
• (d) that he is financially well-off;
• (e)that he will be a good citizen of Malawi.

Citizenship by assignment

Any person may be granted Malawian citizenship in special circumstances at the discretion of the Ministry of Internal Security of the Republic of Malawi.

Individuals who have been naturalized, registered or acquired Malawian citizenship are NOT eligible for dual Malawian citizenship.

This is a permit that entitles a person to reside in Malawi for the purpose of carrying on, practicing or engaging in such business, profession or occupation for profit, income or remuneration as a self-employed person, partner or proprietor. (Invested funds must be obtained from a legal source outside the country in the amount of at least $50,000.00).

The permit is valid for 5 years from the date of approval and may be extended for another 5 years.