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Malawi

Republic of Malawi

English common law with customary lawPresidential republicReviewed· 2026-08-03
Capital
Lilongwe
Population
20,900,000
Languages
English, Chichewa
Currency
MWK

Malawi · Immigration

Immigration in Malawi

What the atlas records on immigration in Malawi, checked against the primary sources cited below.

Immigration

Immigration Act permits with business residence and temporary employment categories

Indexed· 2026-08-03

The Immigration Act (Cap 15:03) governs entry and residence. Temporary Employment Permits are the standard route for foreign workers and Business Residence Permits for investors, both administered by the Department of Immigration.

Key rules

  • Jurisdiction — The Department of Immigration decides; the High Court reviews.
  • Deadline — Temporary Employment Permit: obtained before commencing work
  • Deadline — Business Residence Permit: tied to a minimum investment

Governing law

  • Immigration ActCap 15:03
  • Citizenship ActCap 15:01

In practice

Permit processing is centralised in Blantyre and Lilongwe, and the practical constraint on foreign employment is administrative rather than legal — the categories are straightforward but issuance is slow.

Sources

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Immigration in Malawi | LawLegiance