Mozambique (MZ)

Apply for Dependant DIRE for Family Members

Apply for DIRE residence permits for your spouse and dependent children within 30 days of their arrival. Dependants are not automatically covered by your permit — each requires a separate application.

Apply for DIRE Residence Permit

Obtain your DIRE (Autorização de Residência) residence permit within 30 days of arrival. This is the primary legal document authorising your stay and is required for almost everything else — bank account, NUIT, INSS, school enrollment.

Register for NUIT (Tax Number)

Register for your NUIT (Número Único de Identificação Tributária) at any ATM office. Required for IRPS withholding, bank accounts, company registration, invoicing, and property transactions.

Renew DIRE Residence Permit Before Expiry

Begin DIRE renewal at least 3 months before your current permit expires. Late renewals result in gaps in legal status, fines, and potential deportation. Gather all documents in advance — many require fresh apostilles and translations.

Get a Vodacom SIM Card

Purchase a Vodacom SIM card (the best network in Maputo) and register it with your passport. Set up a mobile data bundle. Vodacom is the primary network for urban coverage and M-Pesa.

Set Up M-Pesa Mobile Money Wallet

Register your Vodacom SIM for M-Pesa mobile money. Essential for paying utilities, domestic workers, local services, and market purchases where cards are not accepted.

Set Up Drinking Water Filtration

Mozambique tap water quality is not reliable for drinking. Purchase a water filter (gravity filter, UVC, or reverse osmosis) within your first week. Alternatively, budget for bottled water. Avoid ice from unknown sources.

Register with Aga Khan Hospital or Maputo Medical Centre

Register as a patient at a private clinic within your first week. Do not wait until you are ill. Book an initial GP consultation, provide your insurance details, and establish a relationship with a local doctor.

Install UPS and Verify Generator for Power Cuts

Purchase and install a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) for internet router, key electronics, and essential appliances. Verify the property generator works and arrange regular fuel supply. EDM load-shedding can be 4–12 hours daily.

Register with Your Home Country's Embassy in Maputo

Register with your home country's embassy or high commission in Maputo. Embassies provide emergency services, consular assistance, and emergency evacuation in crises. Most have online registration systems (e.g., UK FCDO LOCATE, US STEP).

Open a Bank Account at BCI or Millennium BIM

Open a MZN and USD account at BCI or Millennium BIM for salary receipt and everyday banking. Required by most employers for payroll.

Enrol in Portuguese Language Course

Start Portuguese language classes within your first month. Target conversational A2 within 3 months. Even basic Portuguese dramatically improves daily safety, community integration, and professional effectiveness.

Set Up Home Fibre Internet

Install home fibre internet (Liquid Telecom or Vodacom Fibre) in your Maputo property. 20–100 Mbps speeds are available in central Maputo. Apply online or in person at the provider's Maputo office.

Set Up Home Security System and Guard

Verify your property has: working perimeter wall, lockable gate, security alarm, and a dedicated security guard (securança). Register with a private security company if not provided by the landlord.

Connect with Expat Community Networks as Non-Working Resident

For trailing spouses and non-working residents, actively join: InterNations Maputo, Expat Women in Mozambique Facebook group, AISM parent network, and Hash House Harriers. Building social connections is critical for wellbeing.

Register for ATM e-Fatura Electronic Invoicing

If operating a company or freelancing in Mozambique, register for the ATM e-fatura (electronic invoicing) system. Mandatory for businesses with turnover above MT 1,000,000/year from 2026. Non-compliance fines: MT 50,000–200,000.

Set Up Reliable Home Office for Remote Work in Mozambique

Build a power-resilient home office: UPS for laptop and router, mobile 4G as backup internet, noise-cancelling headphones for calls during power events, and ensure fibre or 4G LTE speeds are adequate for video conferencing.

Apply for International School Place (AISM / Lycée Français / Aga Khan)

Apply for your child's place at an international school in Maputo as early as possible — typically 6–12 months ahead for AISM and Aga Khan Academy. Popular year groups fill quickly.

Ensure Work Permit (Autorização de Exercício de Actividade) is Active

Verify your employer has submitted and received your work permit via MITESS before you begin any paid work. You should not start employment until the permit is granted.

Optimise LinkedIn Profile for Mozambique Job Market

Update your LinkedIn profile for the Mozambique job market: highlight oil & gas, NGO/development, banking, or engineering experience relevant to Mozambique's key sectors. Connect with Maputo-based professionals and AmCham Mozambique network.

Set Up Budget Accounting for MZN Depreciation

Create a household budget with separate MZN and USD/EUR tracking. The MZN depreciates steadily — plan monthly savings in hard currency (USD/ZAR) to hedge. Track utilities, food, transport, and domestic staff costs against the MZN/USD rate.

Confirm International Health Insurance with Evacuation

Ensure your international health insurance (employer-provided or personal) is active before arriving in Mozambique. Verify it includes medical evacuation to South Africa and direct billing at Aga Khan Hospital.

Set Up Malaria Prevention Regimen

Start malaria prophylaxis before arriving (doxycycline 2 days before, Malarone 1–2 days before). Buy DEET insect repellent and a permethrin-impregnated mosquito net. Register with a private clinic within your first week.

Find and Lease an Expat-Standard Property

Use a registered real estate agent (Century 21, Pam Golding) to find a secure, generator-equipped property in a safe Maputo neighbourhood (Polana, Sommerschield, Costa do Sol). Conduct a full inventory handover before paying any deposit.

Apply for DIRE Retirement Residence Permit

Retirees wishing to reside in Mozambique should apply for a DIRE residence permit with pension income as the basis. Provide evidence of sufficient regular income (pension statements, bank letters) to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency.

Subscribe to Medical Evacuation Insurance

Enrol with a standalone medical evacuation provider (SOS International, Global Rescue, AMREF Flying Doctors) if your health insurance does not include evacuation. Essential for travel outside Maputo, particularly for work in provincial areas.

Start Daily Portuguese Practice with App

Use Duolingo, Babbel, or Practice Portuguese for daily vocabulary and grammar building. Supplement formal classes and maintain progress during busy periods. Target at least 15 minutes per day.

Draft a Mozambican Will for Local Assets

If you own property, bank accounts, or significant assets in Mozambique, draft and notarise a Mozambican will (testamento público). Mozambique has no inheritance tax. A will prevents a slow and costly intestate succession process.

Obtain DINAP Import Permit for Pets

Apply for a DINAP import permit before bringing your dog or cat to Mozambique. Submit microchip number, vaccination records (including rabies valid 21 days–12 months), and owner passport details.

Register with INSS for Social Security

Ensure your employer registers you with INSS within 30 days of starting employment. INSS provides pension, sickness, and maternity entitlements. Contributions are 3% employee + 4% employer.

Register Sociedade por Quotas (LDA) Company

Register your LDA (limited liability company) at CREL. The LDA is the most common business structure for expat-operated businesses. Minimum capital MT 20,000. Requires notary, CREL registration, and publication in the Boletim da República.

Confirm IRPS Income Tax Withholding with Employer

Confirm with your employer's payroll that IRPS (personal income tax) is being correctly withheld at source each month. Check your payslip shows IRPS deductions at the appropriate rate for your salary band (25% or 32% for most senior expats).

Download inDrive and Bolt Ride-Hailing Apps

Install and set up inDrive and Bolt apps before your first day. These are the safe, transparent alternatives to street taxis in Maputo. Essential for evening transport and travel to/from the airport.

Purchase 4WD Vehicle and Obtain Vehicle Insurance

Buy or arrange a 4WD vehicle (Toyota Land Cruiser, Prado, or Hilux recommended) with valid Livrete, third-party insurance (Seguro RC), and Vinheta. A 4WD is essential for travel outside Maputo.

Understand Your INSS Benefits Entitlements

Request an INSS contribution statement and familiarise yourself with the benefits you are entitled to: sickness allowance, maternity leave (for employed women), and eventual pension entitlement based on your contribution history.