If your company is in the beginning stages of planning a global expansion, you’ll find that you have many options to consider. Working in Djibouti is a unique and enriching experience, but it can also be a challenge. Djibouti’s economy is not as strong as that of many other nations in Africa, although the country does offer opportunities for international development. You’ll also need to make sure all of your employees have the appropriate visas and permits before they begin working in Djibouti.

Types of Work Visas in Djibouti

Foreign nationals have several options for visas to enter Djibouti, including business visas and tourist e-visas. To live and work in Djibouti, foreign employees will need three documents:

  • Entry visa
  • Residence permit
  • Work permit

The residence permit functions as an identity card for foreign nationals.

Requirements to Obtain Djibouti Work Visas

Before traveling to Djibouti, foreign employees will need to obtain an entry visa. Visa requirements vary, but applicants will need a passport that’s valid for at least six months after the planned departure date. Passports must also have a minimum of two blank pages, and applicants will need to be vaccinated for yellow fever.

In addition to an entry visa, your employees will need to obtain a residency permit and a work permit.

The documents required to obtain these permits include:

  • A copy of the employment contract with a company based in Djibouti
  • A valid passport
  • A long-stay visa
  • Four passport photos
  • A copy of the Free Zone company license
  • A written request with the details of the job position and employer

Application Process

Because job opportunities are somewhat scarce in Djibouti, expatriates typically obtain jobs before beginning the visa application process. Your company should start the process by preparing an employment contract for any foreign workers who intend to relocate to Djibouti.

Before traveling to Djibouti, each foreign employee will need to get an entry visa. The requirements, costs, and application processes for this visa will vary depending on the applicant’s country of residence. For this reason, it’s recommended that employees reach out to the embassy or diplomatic mission representing Djibouti in their country.

Applicants should apply for a visa well in advance of their planned date of departure, as processing may take several weeks depending on their country of residence.

Employees will also need a residence permit, or identity card, and a work permit. In Djibouti, it’s common for the employer to apply for these permits on behalf of any foreign employees. The applications should be submitted simultaneously. The processing time for a work permit in Djibouti is typically seven business days.

Other Important Considerations

Foreign nationals are advised to carry a copy of their passport at all times while they’re in Djibouti. Your company should inform all employees of this advisement prior to each worker’s relocation.

Discover how G-P can help you manage your global teams.

At G-P, we’re committed to breaking down barriers to global business, enabling opportunity for everyone, everywhere, and helping companies tap into the fullest potential of their workforce. We help you maintain full compliance with local laws and ensure everything from hiring and onboarding to paying employees is quick and easy, regardless of where they are in the world.

Contact us to see how our Global Growth Platform™ can help you grow your team across the globe.