Visa & Residency

Madagascar has a relatively accessible visa system for short-term visitors, with visa-on-arrival available for most nationalities. For stays beyond 60 days, you'll need to plan ahead and apply through a Malagasy embassy. The system is bureaucratic but manageable with patience and the right documentation.

If you plan to live in Madagascar beyond the initial 60-day tourist visa, you'll need a long-stay visa (visa de long séjour) from a Malagasy embassy in your home country. This visa allows stays of 90 days to one year and can be renewed in-country at the Ministry of Interior. The process requires patience and multiple documents.

If you're already in Madagascar and want to extend your stay beyond your initial visa, you can apply for an extension at the Immigration Office (Service de l'Immigration) in Antananarivo. Extensions are generally granted but require planning — apply at least a week before your visa expires.

Working legally in Madagascar requires a work permit (autorisation de travail) sponsored by a Malagasy employer, plus a long-stay visa. Starting a business is possible through the EDBM (Economic Development Board of Madagascar), which offers a one-stop shop for company registration. The process takes 2–4 weeks and costs approximately $200–$500.