If you’re planning to expand to Togo, you’ll need to know how to get a work visa for every employee.
Types of work visas in Togo
Nationals from certain countries, mainly members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), do not need a visa to enter Togo. Everyone else must obtain one of the following visa types:
- Tourist visa: This visa is for individuals traveling to Togo for tourism, a visit, or to participate, upon invitation, in meetings, fairs, seminars, or conferences. It is valid for up to 90 days.
- Professional visa: This visa allows the holder to practice certain professions and activities or respond to requests of invitations from partners established in Togo in order to carry out some projects limited in time.
- Immigration visa: This visa is for nationals from other countries intending to live in Togo long-term for professional or study purposes or for family reunification.
- Courtesy visa: This is a multiple-entry visa issued for members of the government, state officials, and administration executives, to complete missions and official visits in the country.
Requirements to obtain Togo work visas
In most cases, employees will need an immigration visa, which may have different requirements. However, the most common documents that applicants will need across visa types include:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months from the end of the stay with 2 blank pages
- Copies of the employee’s first 3 passport pages
- A completed visa application form
- 2 recent passport-size photos
- Proof of a return flight
- Travel insurance for the duration of the stay
- A yellow fever certificate
Immigration visas require proof of income, such as a bank statement, as well as proof of health insurance and a motivational letter for moving to Togo.
Application process
In order to apply for a visa, employees should look up the specific embassy or consulate where they will apply, as each has a different application process. The steps include:
- Completing the visa application form
- Gathering all the required documents
- Paying the country’s visa fee
- Submitting the required documents and application
- Waiting for the application to get processed
- Picking up the visa
The processing time depends on the specific embassy or consulate. However, it typically takes about 5 to 10 working days from the time the embassy receives the application.
Other important considerations
Once in Togo and after obtaining a visa, employees will also need to get a residence permit at the DGDN, that will authorize them to work for your company. If the employee leaves their position, they’ll need a new work permit.
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