Madagascar (MG)

Valid passport required. Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. Bring the original plus at least 3 certified photocopies — Malagasy bureaucracy regularly requires photocopies at each step. Store a digital copy in cloud storage.

Required for stays beyond 90 days. Obtained from a Malagasy embassy or consulate before arrival. The VLS allows entry for 90 days and must be converted to a Titre de Séjour (resident permit) at the DGDI (Direction Générale des Décisions Individuelles) or Bureau de Immigration in Antananarivo within the first 90 days.

Long-term residence permit issued by the Bureau de l'Immigration / DGDI. Required for stays beyond 90 days. Categories: Employed (salariat), Self-employed (indépendant), Family reunification (regroupement familial), Retired, and Student. Required documents: passport, VLS, employment contract or EDBM certificate, medical certificate, police clearance certificate, photos, application form, fee.

Mandatory for all foreign nationals working in Madagascar. Issued by the Ministère du Travail (Ministry of Labour). The employer initiates the application. Required: employment contract, employer's business registration (RC Madagascar), employer's tax clearance (quitus fiscal), applicant's diplomas (legalised by the Malagasy embassy/consulate — apostille not accepted as Madagascar is not a Hague Convention member), CV, and passport copy. Processing: 4–8 weeks. Annual renewal required.

Tax identification number issued by the DGI (Direction Générale des Impôts). Required for all individuals earning income in Madagascar, opening a business, or signing contracts. Obtained at the DGI office with passport, proof of address, and employment contract or business registration documents.

Required for family permit applications, school enrolment, marriage registration, and citizenship applications. Madagascar is NOT a Hague Apostille Convention member — foreign-issued birth certificates must be legalised by the Malagasy embassy or consulate in your home country (apostille alone is not accepted). Must be translated into French by a sworn translator (traducteur assermenté).

Required for family reunification residence permits and spousal benefits. Madagascar is NOT a Hague Apostille Convention member — foreign-issued marriage certificates must be legalised by the Malagasy embassy or consulate in your home country (apostille alone is not accepted). French translation by a sworn translator required. Madagascar recognises civil marriages only for legal purposes — religious ceremonies require a separate civil marriage certificate.

Certificate of Good Conduct from your home country. Required for work permit applications, residence permit, and certain professional licences (teaching, healthcare). Madagascar is NOT a Hague Apostille Convention member — must be legalised by the Malagasy embassy or consulate in your home country (apostille alone is not accepted). French translation by a sworn translator required. Must be recent (within 3 months of application). Madagascar also issues a local Casier Judiciaire from the Parquet (Tribunal) in Antananarivo.

Required for long-stay residence permit applications. Issued by a Malagasy doctor (Centre Hospitalier or approved physician) or an authorised medical examiner. Confirms no communicable diseases and general fitness. Typically includes HIV test for long-stay applicants.

The employment contract (Contrat de Travail) must be in French and registered with the Ministère du Travail. Required for the work permit application. Must specify salary (in Ariary), job title, duration, and working conditions. Fixed-term (CDD) and indefinite (CDI) contracts must comply with the Malagasy Code du Travail.

CNAPS (Caisse Nationale de Prévoyance Sociale) social security card. Issued to all registered employees after employer registration with CNAPS. Required for accessing social security benefits and for formal employment verification. Your employer should handle registration.

Required to drive in Madagascar with a foreign licence (valid alongside original home licence). Obtainable from your home country's automobile association before departure. Madagascar recognises IDPs under the Vienna Convention 1968. For stays over 3 months, local permis de conduire (driving licence) is recommended.

Academic and professional certificates required for work permit applications in regulated professions (medicine, teaching, engineering, law). Madagascar is NOT a Hague Apostille Convention member — documents must be legalised by the Malagasy embassy or consulate in your home country (apostille alone is not accepted). French translation by a sworn translator required. May require additional recognition by the relevant Malagasy professional authority. Allow 2–6 months for recognition procedures.

Required for all permit and registration applications. Rental contract (bail) or property title deed. If living with an employer, an attestation d'hébergement from the employer on company letterhead is accepted. Must be in French.