Guide to Residency in Madagascar

Obtaining a residency visa in Madagascar is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Madagascar gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

• Prepare Necessary Documents
  • Valid passport with at least six months validity
  • Two recent passport-sized photographs
  • Birth certificate
  • Police clearance certificate from your country of origin
  • Medical certificate of good health
• Apply for a Long-Stay Visa
  • Contact the nearest Malagasy embassy or consulate in your home country
  • Complete the long-stay visa application form provided by the embassy
  • Submit the required documents, including passport, photographs, birth certificate, police clearance, and medical certificate
  • Pay the applicable visa fee
• Travel to Madagascar
  • Once you have obtained your long-stay visa, travel to Madagascar
  • Upon arrival, ensure your passport is stamped with the long-stay visa
• Register with the Local Authorities
  • Within seven days of arrival, register with the local police station or the Ministry of Interior
  • Provide them with a copy of your passport and long-stay visa
• Apply for a Residence Permit
  • Visit the Economic Development Board of Madagascar (EDBM) office
  • Complete the residence permit application form
  • Submit the required documents, including passport, photographs, birth certificate, police clearance, and medical certificate
  • Pay the applicable residence permit fee
• Apply for a Tax Number
  • Visit the local tax office (Direction Générale des Impôts)
  • Complete the tax number application form
  • Submit the required documents, including passport and residence permit
• Open a Bank Account
  • Visit a local bank of your choice
  • Complete the bank account application form
  • Submit the required documents, including passport, residence permit, and tax number
• Maintain Legal Status
  • Ensure that your residence permit is renewed annually
  • Pay any applicable taxes and maintain a clean criminal record
  • Register any changes of address with the local authorities

Useful Links

Economic Development Board of Madagascar (EDBM): https://www.edbm.mg/en/

Direction Générale des Impôts: https://www.dgi.mg/

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Madagascar?

"To enter Madagascar, visitors must obtain a visa prior to arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting an application form, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, and proof of sufficient funds to cover the duration of the stay. Depending on the purpose of the visit, additional documents may be required. To apply for residency in Madagascar, applicants must submit a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, a completed application form, proof of sufficient funds to cover the duration of the stay, and a valid work permit or proof of employment. Depending on the purpose of the stay, additional documents may be required," commented one member living in Madagascar.