Planning to live in Angola long-term or join a family member already working here? This guide covers residence permit categories, documents, the step-by-step consular process, renewals, rights & limitations, and common refusal reasons.

Related guides: Work Visa — Full Guide · Investor Visa — Full Guide · Money Exchange

• Temporary Residence — typically valid for 1 year, renewable; for foreigners who intend to reside in Angola (e.g., family reunification, dependants of work-visa holders, certain professional cases).
• Permanent Residence — may be considered after several years of lawful stay and integration; criteria vary and are consulate/authority-specific.
• Family Reunification — spouses/partners and dependants of legal residents/work-visa holders; documentation of relationship required.

• Foreigners intending to live in Angola for the medium/long term (not just tourism).
• Family members of lawful residents (spouse/partner, minor children, other dependants as permitted).
• Applicants able to prove sufficient means and meet health/character requirements.

• Valid passport (with blank pages) & passport photos as per consulate specs.
• Proof of means (e.g., employment/contract if applicable, bank statements, sponsor letter).
• Accommodation proof in Angola (rental/host letter as applicable).
• Criminal-record certificate from your country of residence (apostilled/legalised if required).
• Medical certificate per consular instructions.
• Family reunification: marriage certificate, birth certificates of children, proof of dependency/guardianship (apostille/legalisation as required).
• Completed forms & consular fees.

Tip: Requirements may vary by consulate. Ask for their exact list and bring printed + digital copies.

1. Confirm your category (temporary residence, family reunification, or other).
2. Collect documents (passport, photos, means, accommodation, criminal record, medical; family docs if applicable).
3. Check your consulate’s process — many require an online pre-application and scheduled appointment.
4. Submit & pay fees at the Angolan embassy/consulate in your country of residence.
5. Await decision (often several weeks). Respond quickly to any additional document request.
6. Upon approval, verify details on your visa/permit notice and plan your move.

Also see: Official Visits: Dress & Rules

• Register within the stated deadline with the immigration authority indicated on your visa/permit.
• Keep copies of your registration and any receipts with your passport.
• If your status is linked to a sponsor (e.g., spouse, parent), keep their documents updated/available.

New to the city? Check: Money Exchange · Essential Arrival Tips

• Temporary residence is commonly issued for 1 year and can be renewed if conditions remain valid.
• Permanent residence may be considered after several years of lawful stay; criteria vary — confirm with the authorities.
• Apply for renewal well before expiry to avoid gaps in status.

• Residence permits allow you to live in Angola lawfully; work rights may depend on your category/sponsor.
• Notify authorities of changes (address, marital status, sponsor employment) as required.
• Comply with registration and renewal rules to keep your status valid.

• Incomplete or inconsistent documents (missing apostilles/legalisation, mismatched names/dates).
• Insufficient proof of means or unclear accommodation in Angola.
• Failure to meet health/character requirements.

• Ask the consulate for a category-specific checklist and follow it exactly.
• Bring printed sets of documents + scanned PDFs in a cloud/USB.
• Double-check dates, spellings and numbers across all documents to avoid delays.

Information for general guidance — always confirm with an Angolan consulate/embassy or the immigration authority. Rules and procedures can change.