Are you exploring the possibility of growing your business internationally? The Central African Republic, also called the CAR, presents a wealth of opportunities for international companies. Before you can expand operations in the CAR, however, you’ll need to make sure all of your employees have the permits and visas they need to work there legally.
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Types of Work Visas in the Central African Republic
The Central African Republic has a specific set of regulations in place for foreign nationals who plan to travel within its borders. The CAR offers two categories of visas for foreigners:
- Short stay visas for visits up to three months
- Long stay visas, which allow the holder to remain in the CAR for up to one year
Any employees who will be relocating to the Central African Republic for an extended period will need to obtain a long stay visa before they can travel abroad and start working.
Requirements to Obtain Central African Republic Work Visas
Foreign nationals will need to provide the following documents to get a visa for working in the CAR:
- A letter of invitation from the employing company based in the CAR
- Two duly completed and signed visa application forms
- A passport with at least six months of validity and one blank page
- Two identical passport photographs with a white background
- A copy of the applicant’s flight itinerary
- Proof of vaccination against yellow fever
- A letter from the applicant’s employer stating that they will leave the Central African Republic at the end of their work contract
- Payment of the visa fee
Applicants can pay the visa fee using cash or money order if they choose to apply in person. However, if the employee submits the application via mail, they’ll need to pay the fee with a money order.
Application Process
Foreign employees should begin the visa application process by locating the nearest embassy, consulate, or diplomatic mission of the Central African Republic. The diplomatic officials at the embassy will be able to provide a current, accurate list of the required documents to obtain the visa.
After confirming the requirements, the applicant should gather all necessary materials and complete the visa application. Foreign nationals can choose to mail in the application or submit it in person at the embassy. Mail-in applications should include a self-addressed, prepaid return envelope with tracking so that the consular officials can send the applicant’s passport back with the visa.
Applicants should wait in their country of residence for confirmation of the approval of their visa application. After obtaining the visa, the employee can travel to the Central African Republic to start working.
Other Important Considerations
Foreign employees should be aware of local laws and regulations when they’re working in any unfamiliar country, including the Central African Republic. One unique consideration in the CAR is that foreign nationals will need to declare any currency they have with them upon entry to the country.
It’s also important for an employee to continue working for the employer that sponsored their visa for the duration of their time in the CAR.
Partner With Globalization Partners
Don’t let borders be boundaries for your company. The Globalization Partners team will guide you through every step of the expansion process to ensure that the transition to operating in the Central African Republic is seamless for you and your employees. Reach out to us today to learn more about the advantages of our comprehensive solution for global expansion and find out how we can keep you compliant and stress-free throughout your expansion.