Like many other countries in Africa, Guinea has a developing economy. While some companies see that as a challenge when they're deciding where to plan an international expansion, others know that working...
Read MoreLike many other countries in Africa, Guinea has a developing economy. While some companies see that as a challenge when they're deciding where to plan an international expansion, others know that working in Guinea is not without its advantages. Many global companies are taking the opportunity to hire international employees and expatriates in Guinea to establish an early presence in a newly emerging market.
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Like many other countries in Africa, Guinea has a developing economy. While some companies see that as a challenge when they’re deciding where to plan an international expansion, others know that working in Guinea is not without its advantages. Many global companies are taking the opportunity to hire international employees and expatriates in Guinea to establish an early presence in a newly emerging market.
When your company decides to take part in the exciting process of expanding internationally, you’ll need a talented team of employees who are willing to make the move to Guinea. Before they can begin working, however, you’ll need to ensure that they have the necessary visas and permits to do so legally.
Most foreign nationals will need a visa of some type to enter Guinea. The government in Guinea issues the following categories of visas to foreign nationals:
Employees who plan to work in Guinea will need to obtain a Long Term Visa. However, this visa is only issued to a foreign national after they have obtained an entry visa and lived in Guinea for 90 days.
To apply for any Guinean visa, applicants will need to submit:
These documents are sufficient for applicants who need an entry visa. Additional documents may be required depending on which type of visa the applicant needs. To get a work visa, applicants will also need to provide an employment contract that has been approved by the appropriate authorities.
Before beginning the process of applying for a Guinean work visa, foreign employees should gather all the necessary documents listed in the previous section.
After obtaining all the required documents, the employee can begin the application process online. The Guinean government issues electronic visas, or e-visas, to foreign nationals wishing to enter the country regardless of the type of visa they’re applying for. Applicants can access Guinea’s Electronic Travel Authorisation themselves. From that point, the application process is as follows:
Upon approval of the e-visa application, the employee will be notified via email. They’ll receive an Entry Visa Letter or an e-visa receipt, which they’ll need to bring along when they travel to Guinea. Employees should also bring physical copies of the documents that supported their visa application.
Employees may then travel to Guinea, arriving at the Conakry Airport. They should present the relevant documents to the officials at the Visa On Arrival counter, where they will also be required to submit their fingerprints.
At this point, the applicant will receive their Entry visa and may settle in Guinea. After 90 days, they’ll need to apply for a Long Term Visa, following the same steps listed above. A Long Term Visa is valid for one year.
Employees should be aware that the e-visa is not the final determining factor that will ensure their entry to Guinea. The immigration officers at the airport are responsible for making the final decision.
As you navigate the international expansion process, the team of experts at Globalization Partners will ensure that your company is compliant from the start. To learn more about our solution, contact us today.
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