By the end of this guide, you’ll understand how to qualify for Mozambique’s investor visa, the steps to apply, how policies have changed over time, and how your investment can unlock residency and business opportunities.

What Is the Mozambique Investor Visa?

Mozambique’s investor visa grants foreign nationals the right to live and work in the country in exchange for a qualifying investment. It’s issued under the country’s Private Investment Law (2023), which aims to attract responsible, sustainable projects that boost employment and technology transfer.

Why Investors Choose Mozambique

You stand to gain:
– Access to a labor force of over 15 million and untapped natural resources, as highlighted in the UNCTAD FDI Country Fact Sheet: Mozambique (2023)
– A regional hub on the Maputo Corridor, connecting South Africa, Eswatini and Malawi
– Residency for you and immediate family members, with the option to renew every two years
– Protection against expropriation under Mozambique’s Private Investment Law

Eligibility and Core Requirements

To qualify, you must:
1. Hold a clean criminal record and a valid passport.
2. Commit to an investment that fits one of the capital thresholds defined in Law No. 4/2023.
3. Provide proof of a sustainable business plan and job creation.

Investment Categories under Law No. 4/2023

The law differentiates enterprises by size:
– Micro: up to MZN 150 000 (~USD 2 300)
– Small: MZN 150 001–2 500 000 (~USD 2 300–38 000)
– Medium: MZN 2 500 001–60 000 000 (~USD 38 000–920 000)
– Large: above MZN 60 000 000 (>USD 920 000)

Document Checklist

• Valid passport bio‐page (plus copy)
• Proof of investment funds (bank statements or certified audit report)
• Detailed business plan with sustainability measures
• Criminal background certificate as required by Mozambique’s investor visa process
• Health insurance valid in Mozambique

How to Apply: Step by Step

1. Submit your investment proposal to the Centre for Promotion of Imports and Exports (CPI).
2. Obtain a positive opinion from CPI (30–45 days).
3. Apply for the visa at a Mozambican consulate or online via the official Mozambique eVisa portal.
4. Upon approval, collect your visa and register at the local immigration office within 30 days.

A Look Back: Evolution of Mozambique’s Investor Visa

• Pre-2011, Mozambique had no formal investor visa—most investors used business or work permits.
• In 2011, the first investor visa was introduced with a minimum threshold of USD 50 million, as reported by FDI Intelligence.
• By 2021, lawmakers lowered that floor to around USD 500 000 to attract small and medium entrepreneurs, according to Africa Business.
• In 2023, Law No. 4/2023 codified sustainable practice requirements and strengthened protections for investors.

How Mozambique Stacks Up in Southern Africa

• South Africa’s Business Visa calls for a minimum equity of ZAR 5 million (~USD 340 000) and creation of five jobs, per the South African Department of Home Affairs.
• Tanzania’s Investor Permit demands USD 250 000 in fixed capital and two local hires, as outlined by the Tanzania Immigration Services.
• Angola requires a minimum USD 100 000 injection and proof of foreign exchange availability, based on guidelines from the Angola Ministry of Interior.

Mozambique now competes by offering lower thresholds for medium enterprises and clear legal safeguards.

Visa Liberalization: Opening Doors to Investors and Tourists

In May 2023, Mozambique dropped entry visa requirements for citizens of 29 countries in Africa, Europe and Asia, as announced by Africanews. That move:
– Increased tourist arrivals by 15% in six months, according to the Mozambique Ministry of Tourism’s Q3 2023 report
– Attracted an extra USD 250 million in project proposals by year-end

Case Spotlight: TotalEnergies’ LNG Project

TotalEnergies’ USD 20 billion Afungi Liquefied Natural Gas scheme is the largest foreign investment in Mozambique to date, as detailed in the official TotalEnergies press release. The project:
– Created over 12 000 construction jobs
– Brought cutting-edge gas liquefaction technology to local universities
– Benefited from investor visa holders leasing specialized equipment and expertise

Monitoring Compliance and Maximizing Local Impact

Granting a visa is just the start. Mozambique’s authorities require:
– Annual reports on employment and environmental performance
– A minimum of 70% of new hires to be Mozambican nationals in medium-sized projects
– Independent audits every two years

Challenges remain in tracking projects in remote provinces. CPI has launched a digital dashboard to improve transparency.

Sealing the Deal in Mozambique

If you’re ready to tap into one of Africa’s fastest-growing markets through a recognized legal channel, Mozambique’s investor visa offers a clear path. You’ll benefit from residency rights, a robust legal framework and a growing economy eager for responsible, job-creating capital.