Madagascar (MG)
World's fourth-largest island, Madagascar offers extraordinary biodiversity (90% of wildlife found nowhere else), one of the world's lowest costs of living, warm French-speaking culture, and unique opportunities in vanilla, ecotourism, and development sectors.
Capital: Antananarivo
Region: Africa
Language: Malagasy
Currency: MGA (Ar)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 15)
Emergency: 117
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Time: Application: 30 minutes online. Coverage: within 1–5 business days · Cost: USD 800–3,000/year depending on coverage tier and age
Deadline: Before arrival or within 1 week of arriving
Risk if missed: Full private clinic costs (Ar 50,000–250,000/visit) paid out-of-pocket. A hospitalisation or evacuation without insurance = financial catastrophe.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Medical history summary (some insurers)
Tip: AVI International (based in Réunion) is widely used in Madagascar and has direct billing arrangements with leading Tana clinics. Cigna Global and AXA International are also solid options. Confirm plague, malaria, and tropical disease coverage.
Local institution: AXA International / Cigna Global / AVI International (International Health Insurer)
Time: État civil: 1–2 hours. Embassy: 1–4 weeks for passport · Cost: État civil: free. Embassy passport: varies (USD 50–150)
Deadline: Within 15 days of birth for état civil
Risk if missed: Late registration fines. Complications obtaining nationality documents for child.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Hospital birth declaration
- ✓ Parents' passports
- ✓ Marriage certificate (if applicable, apostilled)
Tip: The private clinic will provide a birth declaration letter. Take this, both parents' passports, and marriage certificate to the nearest mairie. Then visit your embassy within 1–2 weeks for citizenship registration.
Local institution: Mairie / Fokontany (état civil) + Home country embassy (Civil Registry Office + Embassy)
Time: 4–8 weeks processing after submission · Cost: Ar 100,000–300,000 (government fees)
Deadline: Within 2 months of arriving on a VLS
Risk if missed: Illegal overstay. Fine, possible detention, and deportation. Cannot legally work or access formal services.
Where to go: DGDI — Rue Fernand Kasanga, Tsaralalàna, Antananarivo. Open Monday–Friday 8:00–12:00 and 14:00–16:00.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- ✓ Long-stay visa (VLS) or entry stamp
- ✓ Permis de Travail (if applicable)
- ✓ Employment contract
- ✓ Proof of accommodation (lease agreement)
- ✓ Police clearance certificate (apostilled + French translation)
- ✓ Medical certificate from approved physician
- ✓ Biometric photos (4x)
- ✓ Completed application form
Tip: Prepare a complete dossier with all documents before visiting DGDI. Bring originals and 2 copies of everything. A Malagasy lawyer or your employer's HR can guide the process. Apply early — processing takes 4–8 weeks.
Local institution: DGDI — Direction Générale de la Décentralisation et de l'Immigration (Directorate General of Decentralisation and Immigration)
Time: 1–3 hours for application; 5–15 business days for account activation · Cost: Ar 5,000–15,000/month maintenance
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Titre de Séjour or VLS
- ✓ Proof of address (lease agreement)
- ✓ Employment contract or employer letter
- ✓ Initial deposit (typically Ar 200,000–500,000)
Tip: Open a Wise multi-currency account (EUR/USD) in parallel to your local MGA account — essential for receiving international salary transfers at fair exchange rates. Visit your chosen bank branch in Ivandry or Ankorondrano for the fastest expat service.
Local institution: BNI Madagascar / BOA / BFV-SG (Commercial Bank)
Time: 4–8 weeks processing · Cost: Ar 200,000–500,000 (government fee, paid by employer)
Deadline: Before starting work
Risk if missed: Illegal working. Fines for both employer and employee. Possible deportation.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Employment contract
- ✓ CV and diplomas (apostilled + French translation)
- ✓ Police clearance certificate (apostilled + translated)
- ✓ Medical certificate
Tip: Confirm your employer is applying for the Permis de Travail before you resign your current job or book travel. Processing takes 4–8 weeks — plan your start date accordingly.
Local institution: Ministère du Travail (Ministry of Labour)
Time: 10–20 minutes to register online · Cost: USD 300–600/year (individual)
Deadline: Before arrival
Risk if missed: Air ambulance costs USD 30,000–150,000 without insurance. A single medevac can be financially devastating.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Personal details
Tip: International SOS (ISOS) has an office in Antananarivo — register with them and save their 24-hour emergency number on your phone before arrival. Keep the card in your wallet at all times.
Local institution: International SOS / AXA Assistance / Europ Assistance (Medical Evacuation Insurer)
Time: 1–5 business days · Cost: Free
Where to go: DGI — Ankorondrano, Antananarivo. Also via EDBM one-stop shop.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Company registration extract (EDBM)
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Proof of business address
Tip: Apply via EDBM one-stop shop (edbm.mg) — they coordinate NIF and STAT number registration simultaneously. Keep your NIF and STAT card accessible — required on all invoices.
Local institution: DGI — Direction Générale des Impôts (General Directorate of Taxes)
Time: 30–60 minutes at insurer office · Cost: Ar 80,000–250,000/year
Deadline: Before first driving the vehicle
Risk if missed: Fine Ar 50,000–200,000. Vehicle immobilisation. No liability cover in accident.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Vehicle registration (carte grise)
- ✓ Passport / ID
Tip: Add comprehensive (tous risques) cover for 4WD vehicles — theft is a real risk in Tana. ARO and NY HAVANA are the most reliable local insurers.
Local institution: ARO / NY HAVANA / MAMA Assurance (Vehicle Insurance (mandatory))
Time: 1 conversation with HR · Cost: Free (employer handles registration)
Tip: Request your CNAPS card number from HR. Without CNAPS registration, you accumulate no pension contributions and have no work accident coverage. Self-employed: register directly with CNAPS Antananarivo.
Local institution: CNAPS / OSTIE (National Social Security / Occupational Health)
Time: 1–3 hours at DGDI · Cost: Approximately Ar 100,000–200,000 (on-arrival extension) or €50 for 90-day e-Visa online
Deadline: Before 30-day tourist visa expiry
Risk if missed: Overstay fine. Possible detention. Entry ban on future visits.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Return ticket
- ✓ Proof of accommodation
- ✓ Extension fee
Tip: If you know you'll stay more than 30 days, apply for the 90-day e-Visa online at evisamada-mg.com before departure (€50). If extending on-arrival, go early to DGDI (arrive at 8:00 when offices open). Bring copies of all documents. The extension is typically processed same-day. Note: as of February 2026, the 15-day e-Visa fee tripled to €30; the 30-day is €35 and the 90-day is €50.
Local institution: DGDI — Rue Fernand Kasanga, Tsaralalàna, Antananarivo (Immigration Office)
Time: 2–6 weeks · Cost: Ar 50,000–150,000 (government fees)
Deadline: Within 3 months of arrival if you plan to drive
Risk if missed: Driving without valid licence. Fine at roadblock. Insurance may be invalidated in an accident.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Foreign licence (original + certified French translation)
- ✓ Embassy certificate of authenticity for your foreign licence
- ✓ Passport + Titre de Séjour
- ✓ Medical certificate
- ✓ Biometric photos
Tip: Get an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country's auto club before travelling — it covers you for the first 3 months and simplifies the roadblock experience.
Local institution: Direction des Transports Terrestres (DTT) (Directorate of Land Transport)
Time: 15–30 minutes online or in person · Cost: Free
Tip: Key embassies: France (main embassy), USA, UK, Germany, Italy, China, South Africa. Register on your home-country's citizen registration portal (e.g., ARIANE for French citizens, STEP for US citizens). Provides emergency SMS alerts and evacuation coordination.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 2–4 weeks per package · Cost: USD 500–1,500 for full arrival administrative package
Tip: Some employers include a full administrative concierge service in their relocation package. For self-funded arrivals, the EDBM investor support service is partially free. Ask the expat Facebook community for current recommended relocation agents.
Time: 15–30 minutes at a Telma/Orange shop · Cost: Free registration. Small transaction fees (0.5–2%)
Documents needed:
- ✓ Local SIM card (Telma or Orange)
- ✓ Passport or ID
Tip: Get a Telma SIM and activate MVola within your first week — it is essential for daily life. Download the MVola app to track transactions. Orange Money is the best choice if you use Orange as your carrier.
Local institution: Telma / Orange Madagascar (Mobile Money Operator)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 1–2 consultations (2–3 hours total) · Cost: USD 150–400 advisory fee
Tip: Particularly valuable for expats with complex multi-currency income (USD salary + MGA expenses) or those managing transfers for dependants abroad. Employer HR departments at major NGOs and mining companies sometimes provide a free session with an approved financial adviser as part of the relocation package.
Local institution: International financial adviser / private banker (Personal Banking Adviser)
Time: 15–30 minutes · Cost: Ar 2,000–5,000 for starter SIM. Data: Ar 15,000–40,000 for 5GB
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport or ID
Tip: Get Telma for best coverage + MVola. Get fibre internet at home (Telma fibre 20–100 Mbps) for working from home — essential for video calls with power backup UPS. KOBALY (ride-hailing) and WhatsApp require a working local number.
Local institution: Telma / Orange Madagascar / Airtel Madagascar (Mobile Operator)
Time: 1–3 weeks for installation · Cost: Ar 70,000–150,000/month. UPS: Ar 150,000–500,000 purchase
Tip: Ask your landlord if fibre is already connected to the property — it saves installation time. Telma fibre available in most expat areas of Ivandry/Ankorondrano/Ambatobe. A large battery bank or inverter system is also recommended for longer power cuts.
Local institution: Telma Fibre / Orange Maison (Internet Service Provider)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 1–3 days for full installation · Cost: Ar 300,000–800,000 (installation + UPS unit, depending on capacity)
Tip: Many international employers (NGO, mining, diplomatic) arrange home internet and power backup as part of their relocation package. Ask HR before booking independently. A 1,000VA UPS covers router + laptop for 45–90 minutes; a 2,000VA+ inverter/battery system handles 4–6 hours of délestage.
Local institution: Telma Fibre / IT installer / UPS supplier (Managed home connectivity installation)
Time: 1–2 days of shopping and setup · Cost: Generator/inverter: Ar 500,000–3,000,000. Water filter: Ar 50,000–200,000. Emergency kit: Ar 50,000–150,000.
Tip: Buy a large jerrycan for water storage — JIRAMA water cuts happen without warning. Keep a first-aid kit with malaria rapid test kits, rehydration sachets, paracetamol, ciprofloxacin, and antihistamines. Keep a headlamp/torch accessible at all times.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 1 day assessment + 1 week implementation · Cost: USD 300–800
Tip: Many international employers (NGO, mining, diplomatic) provide a security briefing on arrival — request this proactively. International SOS also provides Madagascar-specific security briefings for ISOS members.
Time: 1–2 hours · Cost: Free (apps). VPN: USD 3–10/month
Tip: VPN is essential for accessing home-country streaming (Netflix regional library, BBC iPlayer, TF1+). NordVPN and ExpressVPN both work reliably from Madagascar. Install a VPN before you need it.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 1 day setup session · Cost: USD 100–300 (IT specialist fee, if not employer-provided)
Tip: Many international NGO and development employers deploy their own IT policy for field staff in Madagascar. Request this briefing from your IT department on arrival. For self-employed and freelancers: NordVPN or ExpressVPN plus Backblaze/Google Workspace backup covers the essentials. Configure everything before your first power cut.
Time: Registration: 1–2 hours. Waiting time: up to 3–6 months · Cost: LFT: Ar 2,500,000–6,500,000/year. ASA: USD 8,000–20,000/year
Documents needed:
- ✓ Birth certificate
- ✓ Previous school reports
- ✓ Vaccination record
- ✓ Passport photos
Tip: Apply to LFT as early as possible — demand from expat families often exceeds places, particularly for maternelle and primary levels. Contact the school directly for current availability and application requirements.
Local institution: Lycée Français de Tananarive (LFT) / American School of Antananarivo (ASA) (International School)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 2–4 weeks · Cost: USD 300–800
Tip: Particularly valuable if moving with children at secondary level where curriculum alignment is critical for university entrance. Employer relocation packages often include education advisory.
Time: 1–2 hours review · Cost: Free (self-review) or Ar 200,000–400,000 (labour lawyer review)
Tip: Request a French translation if the contract is in Malagasy. Check that IRSA withholding and CNAPS/OSTIE deductions are explicitly mentioned. CDI (permanent) vs CDD (fixed-term) status significantly affects your rights.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 3–5 business days · Cost: Ar 200,000–500,000
Tip: Particularly important for senior management roles, expat packages, or contracts with unusual clauses. The Barreau de Madagascar lists registered labour lawyers.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 2–4 weeks for full package delivery · Cost: USD 500–1,500 (full family relocation advisory)
Tip: Most valuable for families arriving mid-year (outside September school intake) or with multiple children requiring placement across different year groups. Many international employers (UN agencies, mining companies, diplomatic missions) include family relocation support in their packages — request it explicitly in your offer negotiation.
Time: 15–30 minutes online · Cost: Free account. Transfer fees: ~0.5–1% per transaction
Tip: Set up Wise before arriving in Madagascar. Receive your salary into Wise USD/EUR, then transfer to your local BNI/BOA account as needed. Wise debit card also works at Madagascar ATMs.
Local institution: Wise (TransferWise) (International Money Transfer Service)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 1–2 consultations · Cost: USD 200–500
Tip: Particularly important for long-term expats (3+ years) or those with complex multi-country financial situations. International Financial Planning Association (IFPA) member advisers work with expatriates remotely.
Time: 30–60 minutes for initial registration · Cost: Ar 30,000–80,000 for first GP consultation
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Insurance card / policy number
Tip: Recommended: Centre Hospitalier IARIVO (modern, Ankorondrano), Clinique des Soeurs (Mahamasina, well-regarded), Clinique Adventiste (Soavimbahoaka). SOS Médecins Antananarivo (+261 20 22 334 34) does 24-hour house calls.
Local institution: Clinique IARIVO / Clinique des Soeurs / Clinique Adventiste (Private Clinic)
Time: 1 travel medicine appointment before arrival · Cost: Vaccines: USD 200–600 before travel. Malaria prophylaxis: USD 30–100/month
Deadline: Before arrival
Risk if missed: Typhoid, Hepatitis A, and rabies exposure with no protection. Madagascar has the world's highest plague incidence — basic protection is essential.
Tip: Visit a travel medicine clinic 6–8 weeks before arrival. Check CDC or ECDC Madagascar health pages for current recommendations. Carry a yellow fever vaccination certificate in your passport if arriving from an endemic country.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 2–4 hours at the clinic · Cost: Ar 150,000–400,000 (clinic fees, typically covered by international health insurance)
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ International insurance card / policy number
- ✓ Previous vaccination records
Tip: Centre Hospitalier IARIVO (Ankorondrano) is the most modern private facility in Madagascar for this type of screening. Book within the first 2 weeks of arrival. Your insurer's direct billing makes this effectively free if you have good coverage. Bring your home-country vaccination record so the clinic can identify gaps.
Local institution: Centre Hospitalier IARIVO / Clinique des Soeurs (Private clinic — executive health check)
Time: 1–4 weeks of searching · Cost: Ar 400,000–2,000,000/month furnished (expat standard)
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Employment letter
- ✓ Proof of income
Tip: Use the "Expats in Madagascar" Facebook group and expat community referrals rather than formal platforms. Visit in person — photos rarely match reality. Check generator, water tank (réservoir), mosquito screens, and security before signing.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 1–2 weeks with professional support · Cost: Typically included in NGO/diplomatic/mining employer packages. Independent service: USD 300–1,000
Tip: Ask your employer's HR for the approved housing list. Many large employers have pre-vetted compounds in Ivandry and Ambatobe with reliable power and security.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 3–6 weeks with lawyer assistance · Cost: Ar 400,000–900,000 (lawyer fee, plus embassy fees)
Documents needed:
- ✓ All VLS documents (lawyer coordinates)
- ✓ Power of attorney
Tip: Most valuable for complex cases: self-employed/investor applicants, family reunification, non-standard nationalities, or anyone without French-language proficiency to handle the paperwork. Ask the "Expats in Madagascar" Facebook group for currently recommended immigration lawyers in Antananarivo. EDBM (edbm.mg) also provides referrals for investor-track visa applicants.
Local institution: Malagasy embassy + DGDI via immigration lawyer (Long-stay visa via immigration specialist)
Time: 1 hour · Cost: Approximately 3–6% of vehicle value per year
Tip: Photograph your vehicle thoroughly before insuring. Check if your policy covers theft of parts (mirrors, tyres) which is common in Tana.
Local institution: ARO / NY HAVANA / MAMA Assurance (Comprehensive Vehicle Insurer)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 1–2 weeks · Cost: USD 100–300 broker fee. Premium savings often exceed the cost.
Tip: Use AVI International (Réunion-based, Madagascar specialist) or a major international broker (Marsh, Willis Towers Watson) for a comprehensive review. Many NGO and mining company HR departments have pre-negotiated group insurance packages.
Time: First course: 8–12 weeks intensive · Cost: Ar 200,000–500,000 per course
Tip: Start with Duolingo/Babbel French before arrival. Alliance Française provides placement tests to match your current level. Evening and weekend courses available for working expats.
Local institution: Alliance Française d'Antananarivo (Alliance Française)
Time: 1–2 hours (basics) · Cost: Free (YouTube/apps). Private tutor: Ar 30,000–100,000/hour
Tip: Start with greetings, please/thank you, numbers (Iray, Roa, Telo = 1, 2, 3), and market negotiation phrases. Even stumbling attempts are warmly received by Malagasy people.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: Ongoing · Cost: Ar 30,000–100,000/hour × 10 hours = Ar 300,000–1,000,000/month
Tip: Find tutors through the "Expats in Madagascar" Facebook group or university students at Université d'Antananarivo. Cultural explanation alongside language accelerates real-world integration.
Time: 1–3 weeks (drafting and signing) · Cost: Ar 150,000–400,000 (notaire fees)
Tip: Coordinate with your home-country estate lawyer to ensure the Malagasy will does not conflict with your existing will. Keep the original with your notaire and a certified copy in your home-country estate file.
Local institution: Chambre des Notaires de Madagascar (Notaries Chamber)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 4–8 weeks · Cost: USD 1,000–3,000 total (international + local legal fees)
Tip: Essential for expats with significant property investments in Madagascar or those with complex cross-border family situations (mixed Malagasy–foreign families).
Time: Pre-travel: 3–4 months. Quarantine on arrival: 7–21 days · Cost: USD 500–2,000 total (import permit + quarantine + freight + health certificate)
Documents needed:
- ✓ Microchip certificate (ISO 15-digit chip)
- ✓ Rabies vaccination certificate
- ✓ FAVN titre test result (≥0.5 IU/ml)
- ✓ Official veterinary health certificate (endorsed by home-country government authority)
- ✓ DSV import permit
Tip: Use a specialist pet relocation agent (PetAir, IAG Cargo Animal Services) — they know Madagascar's specific requirements and save significant time. Register with a Tana vet immediately after quarantine: heartworm prevention, tick/flea treatment, and tropical disease awareness.
Local institution: MAEP — Direction des Services Vétérinaires (DSV) (Ministry of Agriculture — Veterinary Services)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 3–4 months pre-travel · Cost: USD 1,500–4,000 total (service + freight)
Tip: Essential for first-time pet importers to Madagascar. The process involves many agencies and timing is critical — a mistake can result in pet being refused entry or extended quarantine.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: Typically 3–5 weeks with professional assistance · Cost: Ar 300,000–700,000 (lawyer fee, plus government fees)
Documents needed:
- ✓ All Titre de Séjour documents (lawyer requests)
- ✓ Power of attorney letter
Tip: Ask expat community Facebook groups for current lawyer recommendations. EDBM (edbm.mg) can refer immigration specialists for investor/company-director applications.
Local institution: DGDI via avocat / mandataire (Immigration via lawyer / authorised representative)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: Ongoing monthly engagement · Cost: Ar 150,000–400,000/month
Tip: Find through OECFM (Ordre des Experts-Comptables et Financiers de Madagascar) or EDBM referral. Essential for any company with TVA obligations (turnover above Ar 200M/year).
Time: 5 minutes · Cost: Fare varies (Ar 12,000–35,000 per trip)
Tip: Download and register KOBALY before you need it. Supports MVola payment. Save the International SOS number and medevac provider number in your phone contacts too.
Local institution: KOBALY (Ride-hailing app (Madagascar's Uber equivalent))
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 1–2 weeks to find and vet a reliable driver · Cost: Ar 500,000–1,000,000/month (full-time driver, vehicle not included)
Tip: Ask your employer HR or the "Expats in Madagascar" Facebook group for vetted driver recommendations. Agree monthly rate, hours, fuel reimbursement, and overtime in writing. A driver also doubles as a cultural navigator — their local knowledge is invaluable for new arrivals.
Local institution: Employer HR / expat community referral (Personal driver service)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 1–2 hour consultation · Cost: Ar 150,000–350,000
Tip: Particularly valuable if you plan to stay 2+ years. CNAPS contributions accumulate — understanding your records and home-country pension implications from year 1 avoids a costly pension gap later. OECFM (Ordre des Experts-Comptables et Financiers de Madagascar) lists certified accountants at oecfm.mg.
Local institution: Labour lawyer / certified accountant (OECFM) (Social security compliance specialist)