Work Visa for Angola — Full Guide (2025)

Moving to Angola for a job? This guide walks you through eligibility, documents, the step-by-step consular application, processing times, what to do after you land, and common refusal reasons — all in one place.

Need related info? See Money Exchange · Essential Arrival Tips · Official Visits: Dress & Rules

Who Is Eligible?

  • You have a confirmed job offer from an Angolan employer (signed contract).
  • Your employer can provide company documents required by the consulate.
  • You meet health and character requirements (medical certificate + clean criminal record).

Documents Checklist

  • Passport (valid; with spare pages) & passport photos (per consulate specs).
  • Signed employment contract stating salary, housing, transport, and benefits.
  • Criminal-record certificate (apostilled/legalised if required by your consulate).
  • Medical certificate per consular instructions.
  • Employer’s supporting letters + company registration/tax docs (as requested).
  • Completed application forms and consular fees (receipt).

Tip: keep scanned PDFs of everything and bring printed copies to your appointment.

Step-by-Step Application

  1. Secure a written offer. Confirm contract details (role, term, salary, housing/transport/benefits).
  2. Collect documents. Passport, photos, contract, criminal record, medical certificate, employer docs.
  3. Check your consulate’s process. Some require online pre-application and a scheduled appointment.
  4. Submit and pay fees. Apply in your country of residence; keep the receipt and a copy of your file.
  5. Await decision. Processing can take several weeks; respond quickly to any additional requests.
  6. Receive visa & travel. Verify visa details match your passport and contract data before flying.

Considering family reunification? See Residence Permits →

Processing Time, Validity & Extensions

  • Processing time: often several weeks (varies by consulate and season).
  • Validity: commonly issued for 12 months, renewable while your contract remains valid.
  • Multiple entries: terms are consulate-specific; verify on issuance.

After You Arrive in Angola

  • Register within 30 days with the relevant immigration authority as stated on your visa.
  • Carry your passport and work-visa documentation when completing formalities with your employer.
  • Keep copies of your registration/receipts together with your contract.

Also useful: Money Exchange · Arrival Tips

Bringing Your Family

Family reunification is usually handled under residence permits. Requirements vary (relationship proof, sufficient means, health/police certificates).

See Residence Permits — Full Guide →

Common Refusal Reasons

  • Applying with incomplete or inconsistent documents (names/dates don’t match, missing apostilles).
  • Trying to work on a tourist visa or relocating before the work visa is issued.
  • Missing the 30-day registration after arrival.

Practical Tips

  • Ask your employer for a document list by consulate — requirements differ by country.
  • Book your consular appointment early; bring printed copies + digital backups.
  • Double-check your personal details across all documents (spelling, dates, passport number).

Work Visa — FAQs

Can I switch from tourist to work visa inside Angola?

This is generally not recommended. Apply for the correct work visa at an Angolan embassy/consulate before travelling.

How long is the work visa valid?

Commonly issued for about 12 months and renewable while your contract remains valid (confirm on issuance).

Do I need to register after arrival?

Yes — typically within 30 days with the immigration authority indicated on your visa.

Information for general guidance only — always verify with an Angolan embassy/consulate or your employer. Rules and processing requirements can change.