Mozambique (MZ)
Portuguese-speaking East African country with 2,500 km of Indian Ocean coastline, extraordinary marine parks, growing LNG energy sector, and low cost of living for expats in Maputo.
Leaving Mozambique
How to properly exit — protecting your finances, rights and records.
📅 General Timeline
3 months before: give notice on rental contract, begin tax clearance process, advise employer and MITESS of permit cancellation timeline. 2 months before: close bank accounts, cancel insurance policies, arrange international shipping for belongings (Maputo port customs clearance can take 4–8 weeks). 1 month before: cancel utilities (EDM, water, internet), terminate mobile contracts, obtain INSS contribution statement, get ATM clearance certificate. Final week: return DIRE residence permit, pay any outstanding fines or fees, collect rental deposit, conduct final property inspection. On departure: retain copies of DIRE cancellation, tax clearance, and INSS records for at least 7 years.
Deregistration
Notify DIRE (Direcção de Imigração) of your departure and surrender your residence permit (DIRE card) before leaving Mozambique. This is legally required. Failure to cancel a residence permit can create complications if you return. Also notify the ATM (tax authority) of your departure address for correspondence. There is no formal address deregistration system as in European countries — notify institutions individually.
Tax clearance
Obtain a tax clearance certificate (Declaração de Quitação Fiscal) from ATM (Autoridade Tributária de Moçambique) confirming no outstanding tax liabilities. This is often required by employers, banks, and DIRE when formally departing. File your final IRPS tax return (annual, by 31 March for the previous year) before leaving, or authorise a local accountant to file on your behalf. Ensure all IVA and IRPC declarations are up to date if you operated a company. Outstanding tax debts will prevent a clean departure.
Pension portability
INSS (Instituto Nacional de Segurança Social) contributions made in Mozambique have limited international portability. Mozambique has bilateral social security agreements with Portugal and a small number of other countries — for most expats from non-agreement countries, INSS contributions cannot be transferred or refunded. Contributions vest for Mozambican pension entitlements after a minimum period (check current INSS rules). Before leaving, obtain an INSS contribution statement — useful for any future claims or agreement-based portability. Most international expats rely on employer-provided pension schemes or home-country pension contributions rather than INSS.
Health insurance
International private health insurance (CIGNA, Allianz Care, Aetna, AXA, or employer-provided plans) should be cancelled or converted to a new plan once you leave Mozambique. Give 30–60 days notice as required by your policy. Ensure you have bridge coverage for the travel period and your destination country. Public health coverage through the Mozambican National Health Service (SNS) ends when residence permit is surrendered — this is not relevant for most expats who rely on private insurance.
Bank account
BCI and Millennium BIM accounts can technically remain open after departure but become increasingly difficult to manage remotely. Most expats close Mozambican bank accounts before leaving due to: (1) difficulty operating accounts from abroad; (2) potential continued account fees; (3) MZN foreign exchange controls making repatriation complex. Transfer your balance to an international account (USD is preferable) before closing — use your bank's international transfer service or consult a licensed forex bureau for large amounts. Keep a copy of your final bank statement for tax records. M-Pesa mobile wallets must also be closed — withdraw balance before departure.
Utilities
Cancel or transfer EDM (electricity), FIPAG (water), and internet/fibre contracts. EDM requires an in-person cancellation visit or written notice at your local office. Provide a final meter reading. Internet contracts (Liquid Telecom, Vodacom, Movitel) typically require 30 days written notice. Settle all outstanding balances before departure — unpaid utility debts remain attached to the property address and can delay future tenants or landlords. Mobile phone contracts (SIM-only, postpaid): request contract termination in person at a Vodacom, Tmcel, or Movitel branch.
Rental contract
Most Maputo rental contracts specify 1–3 months notice for termination (verify your specific contract terms). Ensure notice is given in writing. Conduct a formal handover inspection (vistoria) with your landlord and document any pre-existing damage in writing. The deposit (usually 1–2 months rent) must be returned within 30–60 days of handover, minus legitimate deductions. Get a written receipt for keys returned. If renting furnished, produce an inventory comparison against the move-in inventory. Disputes over deposit returns are common — keep all documentation.
Leaving the Country
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