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.

Capital: Maputo

Region: Africa

Language: Portuguese

Currency: MZN (MT)

Cost of living: Very affordable (index 20)

Emergency: 119

Social Security in Mozambique

Benefits, contributions, and how the system works for expats.

Mozambique's social security system is administered by INSS (Instituto Nacional de Segurança Social). The system covers employed workers and, on a voluntary basis, self-employed individuals. Contributions are 4% employee + 4% employer on gross salary with no formal ceiling. Benefits include old-age pension, invalidity benefit, survivor pension, and sickness allowance. The INSS system is developing and the level of benefits is modest by international standards. Most international expats on employer-sponsored contracts contribute to INSS throughout their Mozambican employment. Portability of INSS contributions to other countries is very limited — Mozambique has bilateral social security agreements only with Portugal and a small number of other countries.

INSS Number (Número de Beneficiário do INSS)

Número de Beneficiário INSS

INSS registration is the responsibility of the employer. When you start employment in Mozambique, your employer must register you with INSS and obtain your INSS beneficiary number within 30 days of your start date. Bring your passport and DIRE to HR. For self-employed or voluntary contributors: apply directly at the nearest INSS office (main office in Maputo: Avenida Ho Chi Minh area) with passport, DIRE, and proof of income activity.

Used for

Monthly INSS contribution deductions from salary
Old-age pension entitlement calculations
Sickness allowance claims
Maternity benefit claims
Invalidity pension claims
Survivor pension for dependants
Required by MITESS for work permit applications
Proof of legal employment for DIRE renewal

Benefits & Support Payments

Old-Age Pension (Pensão de Velhice)

Pensão de Velhice — INSS

Variable — calculated as a percentage of average salary during contribution period. Minimum pension is modest (below MT 5,000/month for most short-term contributors)

Monthly pension paid from the INSS fund upon reaching retirement age with sufficient contribution history

Eligibility

Minimum 15 years (180 months) of INSS contributions AND reaching retirement age: 60 for women, 65 for men (as of 2026). Contributors with fewer years may qualify for a reduced or proportional benefit.

How to Apply

Apply at the nearest INSS office with INSS card, identity document (DIRE or passport), proof of age, employment history documentation, and bank account details for payment.

Most short-term expats will not accumulate enough contribution years for a full Mozambican pension. However, contribution records should be preserved — bilateral treaty countries may allow aggregation of periods. Obtain an INSS contribution statement before leaving Mozambique.

Sickness Allowance (Subsídio de Doença)

Subsídio de Doença — INSS

Percentage of average salary — typically 70% of reference salary for the duration of certified incapacity, subject to INSS review

Income replacement for employees unable to work due to illness beyond the employer's paid sick leave obligation

Eligibility

Employed workers registered with INSS for a minimum period. The employer pays the first 30 days of sick leave at full salary; INSS supplements from day 31 onwards for extended illness. Requires certified medical documentation of incapacity.

How to Apply

The employer typically manages the INSS sick pay claim process on behalf of the employee. Employee provides medical certificates; employer submits INSS claim documentation.

For expats on international employer contracts, many employers have their own enhanced sick pay policies that exceed the INSS minimum. Check your employment contract.

Maternity Benefit (Subsídio de Maternidade)

Subsídio de Maternidade — INSS

100% of salary for 60 days. The employer pays the salary upfront and is reimbursed by INSS.

Income support for the 60-day maternity leave period

Eligibility

Employed women with a minimum 9 months of INSS contributions before the expected birth date.

How to Apply

Employer manages the INSS reimbursement claim with medical documentation of pregnancy and birth.

The employer bears the initial cost and is reimbursed — cash flow management by the employer is important. Self-employed women who are voluntary INSS contributors may also be eligible subject to their contribution history.

Invalidity Pension (Pensão de Invalidez)

Pensão de Invalidez — INSS

Calculated based on contribution period and degree of incapacity. Typically 50–70% of reference salary.

Long-term income replacement for workers permanently unable to work due to disability or serious illness

Eligibility

INSS contributor who is assessed by INSS medical board as permanently incapacitated. Minimum contribution period requirements apply.

How to Apply

Apply at INSS with medical documentation of permanent incapacity, employment history, INSS contribution records, and identity documents.

For international expats, employer-provided disability insurance typically provides more substantial and faster coverage than INSS invalidity pension. Ensure your employment package includes adequate disability coverage.

Survivor Pension (Pensão de Sobrevivência)

Pensão de Sobrevivência — INSS

Calculated as a percentage of the deceased contributor's pension entitlement

Pension paid to surviving spouse and dependent children upon the death of an INSS contributor

Eligibility

Surviving spouse and minor children of a deceased INSS contributor who had met minimum contribution requirements.

How to Apply

Apply at INSS with death certificate, marriage certificate, birth certificates of dependent children, and the deceased's INSS contribution records.

Most international expat employers provide group life insurance that is more substantial than the INSS survivor benefit. Ensure your employment contract includes life insurance covering your dependants.

Workplace Accident Benefit (Acidentes de Trabalho)

Acidentes de Trabalho e Doenças Profissionais

Depends on the degree of incapacity — ranging from medical expenses and temporary incapacity allowance to permanent disability compensation

Compensation for work-related injuries, diseases, and death through the separate workers' compensation system (distinct from INSS)

Eligibility

All employees covered by a valid workers' compensation insurance policy held by their employer (mandatory under the Labour Law)

How to Apply

Report work-related injury to employer immediately. Employer notifies their workers' compensation insurer. Medical treatment is covered. MITESS Labour Inspectorate involvement in serious cases.

Workers' compensation is separate from INSS. Employer must hold a valid Seguro de Acidentes de Trabalho policy for all employees. For household employers (nannies, guards, domestic workers), this is a legal obligation often overlooked.

Contribution Overview

INSS contributions: 4% employee contribution deducted from gross monthly salary; 4% employer contribution paid on top of gross salary. No formal earnings ceiling as of 2026. Contributions are paid monthly by the employer to INSS by the 20th of the following month. Self-employed voluntary contributors pay both the employee and employer share (8% total) on their declared income. INSS contributions should be recorded on your monthly payslip — verify that your employer is making actual INSS payments, not just deducting from your salary.

International Social Security Agreements

Mozambique has bilateral social security agreements with Portugal and a limited number of other countries (verify current status at INSS). Under a totalization agreement, contribution periods in both countries can be aggregated to meet minimum requirements for pension or benefit eligibility. For most nationalities (UK, USA, Australia, most EU non-Portugal), no totalization agreement exists — INSS contributions made in Mozambique are not transferable to your home country's pension system. Maintain your home country pension contributions if possible throughout your Mozambican assignment to avoid pension gaps.

INSS offices are in all provincial capitals. The main Maputo office is chronically busy — arrive early (07:00–08:00) for the shortest queues. Keep copies of all INSS documents: contribution history statement (extrato de contribuições), INSS beneficiary card, and any benefit claims documentation. Obtain a full INSS contribution statement before leaving Mozambique — it may be needed for future claims or bilateral treaty purposes.

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