Democratic Republic of the Congo

Business visit visa / Work visa

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s immigration system does not specifically provide for business visits; however, the immigration authorities generally allow foreign nationals to enter the country with an ordinary visa to engage in general business activities without work authorization. Ordinary visas are valid for stays up to six months for single, double, or multiple entries, based on the traveler’s needs, and can be extended. Work authorization should be sought when the business visit exceeds 90 days.

The Visa d'établissement de travail spécifique (VETS) is a Short-Term Work Permit, suitable for work assignments of up to 12 months, although foreign nationals must be placed on Congolese payroll to obtain work authorization beyond 180 days refer to the VET below). Under the VETS, foreign nationals enter with an ordinary visa, then apply for the Short-Term Work Permit in country.

The Visa d'établissement de travail (VET) provides long-term work authorization and is suitable for work assignments that exceed 180 days. This visa is valid for 12 to 24 months and serves as a residence permit. Foreign nationals must be placed on Congolese payroll. A "go-in/go-out" visa (Visa Sortie/Retour - or VSR) is issued in tandem with the VETS or VET, as appropriate, allowing visa holders to travel internationally within the work validity period.