Business Residence Permit

Malawi's Business Residence Permit (BRP) is the country's primary immigration pathway for foreign investors and self-employed business operators. Established under Section 24A of the Immigration Act, it allows foreign nationals to reside in Malawi for the purpose of carrying on a business, profession, or occupation as a self-employed person, partner, or proprietor. The permit requires a minimum investment of USD 50,000 from external sources in eligible sectors including manufacturing, mining, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and financial services. Valid for five years and renewable indefinitely, the BRP provides long-term residency for investors who maintain viable business operations.

• Minimum investment of USD 50,000 from a legal source outside Malawi
• Investment must be in eligible productive sectors: manufacturing, mining, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, financial services, or other productive sectors
• Investment Certificate from the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC) is required before establishing a business
• No specific educational or professional qualifications required
• Company must be registered with the Registrar of Companies
• Capital inflow must be registered with the Reserve Bank of Malawi

• Completed BRP application form
• Business proposal with full details of the proposed investment project
• Two passport-size photographs
• Police clearance report from country of origin
• Business registration certificate, certificate of incorporation, or memorandum and articles of association
• Bank statement showing not less than USD 50,000
• Investment Certificate from MITC
• Covering letter from applicant
• All documents submitted in duplicate

The BRP is valid for 5 years from the date of approval and is renewable for successive 5-year periods. Renewal applications must be submitted 3 months before the permit expires, along with evidence that the business remains viable and operational. After 5 years of continuous ordinary residence, BRP holders may apply for a Permanent Residence Permit.

The BRP extends to the holder's spouse, children under 18, and dependent relatives. No additional investment amount or separate application fee for dependants has been specified — dependants are covered under the main applicant's permit.

Malawi operates a territorial tax system, taxing residents only on Malawi-source income. Foreign-source passive income is not taxed. Tax residency applies to individuals present for 183 or more days in any 12-month period. Corporate income tax is 30% for Malawi-registered companies and 35% for branches of foreign companies. Non-resident withholding tax is 15% on gross income sourced from Malawi.

The BRP authorizes self-employed business operation only. It does not permit employment with a third-party employer — that requires a separate Temporary Employment Permit. Holders may add additional businesses by submitting an application with a business profile, current bank statement, and registration certificates.

The process involves two parallel tracks:

1. Investment Certificate from MITC — Submit a detailed business proposal to MITC's Investment Approval Committee. The certificate is processed within 5 working days at the One Stop Service Centre and is valid for 3 years.

2. Business Residence Permit — Submit the completed application with all supporting documents at the MITC One Stop Service Centre, Immigration Headquarters in Lilongwe, Regional Immigration Offices, or online via the e-Permit system. Pay the upfront fee of USD 2,100, after which the BRP is endorsed in your passport while security checks continue in parallel. Additional fees apply for the Investment Certificate (approximately USD 500).

Processing takes approximately 5 working days from submission of complete documentation. Note that the Minister may refuse to issue or renew a BRP without assigning any reason, so approval is not guaranteed even if all requirements are met. Applicants should not operate the business before permit approval.

• Foreign investment is permitted in all sectors except small-scale and artisanal mining and fishing, which are restricted
• The Minister may designate strategic investment areas and require mandatory joint ventures between foreign and domestic investors
• The Investment Certificate may be revoked for fraud, breach of terms, unauthorized business changes, or conduct damaging to Malawi's investment reputation
• Naturalization as a Malawi citizen requires 7 years of ordinary residence for non-Commonwealth citizens (5 years for Commonwealth citizens), adequate knowledge of English and a prescribed vernacular language, good character, and financial solvency