Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, offers a wealth of opportunities for companies exploring the possibility of expanding into the global marketplace. If your business is planning to expand or outsource operations in Myanmar, you’ll need to put together a talented team of employees to make sure the transition is smooth and successful. However, you’ll need to ensure that any employees who are willing to relocate have the visas and permits they need to live and work in Myanmar.
Types of Work Visas in Myanmar
As in any other country, foreigners who plan to travel to Myanmar will need a visa to do so. The most commonly issued categories of visas in Myanmar include:
- Tourist visa
- Entry visa
- Business visa
- Multiple journey entry visa
Foreign employees can travel to Myanmar with a business visa. However, they’ll need to obtain a work permit to stay for a period longer than 90 days.
In Myanmar, there are two types of work permits available to foreign employees:
- Stay permit: On its own, this permit is valid for a single trip to Myanmar. It allows the holder to stay and work in Myanmar for either three months or one year.
- Multi re-entry permit: This permit allows foreign nationals to work in Myanmar for a year, during which they can travel internationally. Applicants should note that holding a valid stay permit is a prerequisite for the multi re-entry permit.
Requirements to Obtain Myanmar Work Visas
To travel to Myanmar, foreign employees will need to obtain a business visa. The requirements for this visa typically include:
- A completed visa application form
- A letter of invitation from the employer in Myanmar
- A passport with at least six months of validity
- A copy of the information page of the passport
- Two recent passport photographs
- A guarantor from the employer with a copy of the company registration certificate
These requirements can vary slightly depending on the embassy or consulate in the applicant’s country of residence, so it’s best to get in touch with the diplomatic officials for confirmation.
Foreign workers will also need to obtain a stay permit after arriving in Myanmar. To get this permit, applicants will need to provide:
- A completed application form
- A letter of recommendation from the employer
- A passport that is valid for at least six months and an extra copy of the passport’s information page
- A copy of the applicant’s CV
- Two passport photos
- Company documents from the employer, including the company affidavit and certificate of registration
Application Process
To apply for a visa, foreign nationals should visit the embassy, consulate, or diplomatic mission of Myanmar in their country of residence. There, they’ll submit their application along with any supporting documents. Applicants should remain in their country of residence while waiting for a decision from the relevant officials.
After obtaining a business visa, the prospective employee can travel to Myanmar and apply for a work permit. It can take approximately four weeks to receive the permit after submitting the application and all necessary documents, so employees should consider their intended start date and plan ahead.
Other Important Considerations
Foreign employees should be aware of the fact that they can lose their work permits if they do not meet certain requirements. Employees must perform the work they’ve been hired to do, and they have to retain any vital qualifications required to execute their jobs.
Partner With Globalization Partners
As your business grows in Myanmar, the Globalization Partners team will be on your side every step of the way. We’ll manage the risks of your expansion, including all compliance matters, so that you can focus on managing your business. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our comprehensive solution for global employment.
