Written by: Andreas Krensel, CEO, IBN Immigration Solutions
Edited by: Lauren Daniels, IBN Immigration Solutions 

Summary

Have you been looking to immigrate to this exquisite country for work? If so, keep reading below about the visa requirements and documentation you’ll need to work in Angola.  

Introduction
The Republic of Angola is bordered by Namibia, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo and its capital city is Luanda. Angola enjoys moderate temperatures all year round, with an annual average temperature of around 24 degrees Celsius. The local people speak mostly Portuguese (the official language), a variety of African languages and some English. If you are interested in learning Portuguese to truly immerse yourself in Angolan culture, we highly recommend BiCortex Languages, a leading online cultural and language portal.

In 2020, the population of Angola was estimated at just under 33 million people. While the agricultural and gems sectors are thriving, when foreign nationals come to Angola for work, it is usually in their Oil and Gas sector, which drives their main exports and their economy overall.

At IBN Immigration Solutions, we are a proud member of the South African Oil and Gas Alliance, which prioritises introducing skilled foreign professionals into Africa’s Oil and Gas sectors, therefore stimulating Africa’s economic growth and levelling the playing field with international competitors.

Angola’s Immigration Framework
Since the adoption of a new constitution in 2010, Angolan politics are conducted within a framework of a presidential republic, whereby the President of Angola is both head of state and head of government. The Immigration Act No 2/07 has been in effect since 2007.

Work Visa Requirements 

The immigration journey to obtaining any work permit for Angola is divided into two distinct steps.  

There are two main authorities involved in administering and enforcing immigration laws, namely the Immigration Services (SME) and the National Private Investment Agency (ANIP). 

Step 1: An application must be submitted to the relevant authority governing the sector to obtain a favourable opinion regarding the hiring of a foreigner. The employer MUST apply on behalf of the applicant. An important document for such an application is the company registration certificate. The authority must check that the signatory of the application letter has the appropriate company authority to request a favourable opinion.

The Ministry of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas (“MIREMPET”) is a regulatory body governing the employment of foreign nationals in this sector and to acquire this visa, this body will determine whether the applicant’s skills are indeed needed. 

Step 2: The Work Visa applicant must submit the actual application to the Angolan mission in his or her country of residence or citizenship. The application will then be processed, and the outcome will be issued by the same mission. The opinion obtained in step one forms part of the application in step two.  

Assignees must also apply for a temporary residence permit depending on how long they will reside in-country consecutively.

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About Andreas Krensel LLM, IP (SA)
Andreas Krensel is a registered Immigration Practitioner and qualified German attorney. He holds dual citizenship and has spent the last 18 years in South Africa advising large multinationals as well as private customers on immigration into South Africa and the rest of Africa. He is a well-known expert on African corporate immigration, a regular speaker at international conferences as well as the author of two books on the topic of African corporate immigration. 

About IBN Immigration Solutions
IBN Immigration Solutions is a multiple award-winning boutique immigration firm providing specialist immigration services for African countries, as well as some international markets. Our vision is to enable talent to work and live within Africa and contribute to developing this energetic and fascinating continent and its people. We believe in making Africa a better place and complying with international laws.   

Contact Us: www.ibn.co.za

If you would like more information on this topic or immigration in general  or would like to arrange interviews or quotes, please do not hesitate to contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Read more at https://www.ibn.co.za/blog-and-news/angola-work-visas-africa-oil-and-gas/