Is a Work Permit Needed in Myanmar?
In Myanmar, the requirement for a work permit for foreign nationals is driven by specific economic, social, and regulatory factors unique to the country. Protecting employment opportunities for Myanmar citizens is a key priority. With a high level of unemployment and underemployment, the Myanmar government prioritizes local job opportunities to ensure its citizens benefit from the country’s economic activities. By requiring work permits, the government regulates the employment of foreign workers, ensuring they are hired only for roles where there is a clear shortage of local expertise, thus safeguarding jobs for Myanmar nationals.
Supporting economic development and modernization is another critical reason for Myanmar’s work permit system. The country is focused on rebuilding and developing various sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and infrastructure. The work permit process allows the government to attract skilled foreign professionals who can contribute to these key areas, filling essential skill gaps and promoting innovation. This approach is crucial for boosting productivity, fostering sustainable economic growth, and facilitating the transfer of knowledge and expertise to the local workforce.
Ensuring compliance with labor laws and standards is a fundamental aspect of Myanmar’s work permit system. The government uses this process to make sure that foreign workers are employed under conditions that adhere to Myanmar labor regulations. This includes guaranteeing fair wages, safe working conditions, and access to social security benefits. By enforcing these standards, the government aims to prevent the exploitation and abuse of foreign workers, ensuring that all employees in Myanmar are treated with respect and fairness.
Security considerations also play a vital role in the work permit requirement. The Myanmar government conducts thorough background checks and verification of qualifications to ensure that foreign workers do not pose any security risks and possess the necessary skills and credentials. This scrutiny helps maintain the integrity of the Myanmar workforce and ensures that foreign workers contribute positively to the economy and society.
Job Market in Myanmar
Myanmar opened up its economy and relaxed government control over it in 2011. This ushered Myanmar into a golden period of lucrative foreign investment, especially in the manufacturing, construction, and service industries.
The domestic labor force participation in Myanmar is to date concentrated in agriculture. This leaves the industry and service sector as prime candidates for work opportunities for expats.
According to a World Bank Report, Myanmar’s worker participation was divided among the following sectors:
- Agriculture – 52%
- The service sector – 36%
- Industry – 12%.
Thus, while Myanmar has tremendous potential for economic growth, it lacks the skilled labor to achieve said target. Therefore foreign investors and MNCs who have set up a base in Myanmar require skilled foreign workers to meet this labor shortage.
Number of Expats:
60,000-150,000
Expats Job Websites:
Popular Industries for Expats:
Service Sector, Education, Management, Translation, Tourism, Banking, Construction, Manufacturing
Types of Myanmar Work Visa
All those who enter Myanmar for work, are issued either one of the business visas or an employment visa. Myanmar issues 4 different business visas with different validity periods.
To enter and work in the country, visas and work permits for foreigners in Myanmar are of the following types:
Business Visa: Single entry
Granted to foreigners who wish to either establish a business in Myanmar or business organizations (and their employees) that has a base in Myanmar already. The validity of this visa is for 70 days with a stay extension possible.
Business Visas: Multiple entries
These visas are granted to an individual who had previously been granted the Single Entry Business Visa and now wants to extend their stay in Myanmar.
An applicant is only allowed to apply for a 3-month extension the first time, then a 6-month extension, and then a 1-year extension. The application and approval for the same, however, vary from case to case.
Employment Visa
Granted to individuals who wish to work in Myanmar. This visa is issued for a 70-day stay, and a stay extension is possible.
Stay Permit
While a Business Visa grants a stay of 70 days, if an individual wants to stay in Myanmar for more than 90 days, they have to apply for a Stay Permit.
Foreign Registration Certificate
An individual who has to stay in Myanmar for more than 90 days has to apply for and get the Foreign Registration Certificate.
Multiple Re-Entry Visa
In case an individual has to leave Myanmar for any official or personal reasons during their permitted visa period, they must apply for a Special Re-Entry Visa to re-enter and continue their stay in Myanmar. There are two types of re-entry visas available:
Single Re-Entry VISA – This grants re-entry only once.
Multiple Journey Special Re-Entry VISA – This allows multiple re-entries and allows foreign travel to people staying in Myanmar. This Visa is granted only in some special cases and the applicant has to prove that they had previously traveled to Myanmar on a Business Visa at least 3 times. The applicant also has to be a high-level employee, working as a manager, or director in the company to be eligible for this visa.
If you leave Myanmar without obtaining a re-entry Myanmar work permit but want to re-enter and continue to work in the country, you will have to reapply for a Stay Permit as the previous application and permission will become invalid upon your exit.
In addition to the visa application that is to be completed in the home country itself, Myanmar offers an alternative Business Visa on Arrival (valid for 70 days) to people from a few countries. A list of countries eligible for this can be found here.
Requirements of a Myanmar Work Visa For Business
The following documents are required by the Myanmar Embassy to get a Business Visa.
- Completed Business Visa application form
- Completed Entry Visa application form
- A passport that will be valid for a minimum of the next 6 months along with a photocopy of it, including its first 6 pages.
- Passport size photographs with white background
- Letter of Recommendation from the Company where the individual will work and is sponsoring the applicant. The document should mention the nature of the work and the applicant’s personal details, including the position in the company, dates of the travel, passport details of the applicant.
- Letter of Request from the Myanmar Ministry, Company, or Organization on official letterhead.
- A copy of the company’s registration certificate with the Myanmar government. The guarantor who provides this document to the applicant should either be the owner of the company or a senior official in the company/organization. The guarantor will be contacted by the Myanmar authorities during the visa process.
While the aforementioned documents are required for a work permit for foreigners in Myanmar, the Myanmar Embassy often demands an additional set of documents that differ for each country. You will, thus, have to check with the Myanmar Embassy of your country on what else you have to bring with you at the time of the Visa application.
Requirements of a Myanmar Work Permit For Employment
To apply for an Employment Visa, all the documents mentioned in the Business Visa requirements section have to be submitted but you don’t have to fill the Business Visa application form. Additionally, you have to write a cover letter giving details about the business organization and the type of employment that you have secured in Myanmar. The rest of the process and documentation will remain the same.
Application Processing Time in Myanmar
The processing time for the Visa application for Myanmar work visa differs depending on your country. Myanmar has a more clear timeline for those of you who have already entered Myanmar and wish to apply for a Stay Permit or the Multiple Journey Special Re-entry Visa. Your application for the above mentioned permits will be processed by Myanmar’s Ministry of Immigration and Population office in 7 days.
Cost of Myanmar Work Visa
We have outlined the cost of the different work visas in Myanmar.
*While Myanmar’s government websites mention prices in USD, Myanmar Embassies around the world give fee details in the respective country’s local currency. As such, there might be certain price variations corresponding to fluctuating currencies.
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Work permit in Myanmar is infamous for its complicated procedure. Partnering with Multiplier and its in-house experts can offer you a one-stop solution to this entire process by taking care of the application from the very beginning itself and keep you abreast of the development.