Visa & Residency

Myanmar offers a limited range of visa types compared to Southeast Asian neighbors like Thailand or Malaysia. Most expats enter on business visas sponsored by their employer (international school, NGO, or company). The tourist e-Visa is the simplest entry point for those exploring the country. There is no retirement visa, digital nomad visa, or investment visa program at this time.

The tourist e-Visa is the quickest and most common way to enter Myanmar. Apply online, receive approval within 3 working days, and enjoy up to 28 days in the country. It's a single-entry visa valid for 90 days from date of issue. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed — applying at the Immigration Office in Yangon typically grants an additional 14 days.

The business visa is the primary pathway for expats planning to work in Myanmar. It requires an invitation letter from a Myanmar-registered company or organization, and most employers handle the visa process. The initial business e-Visa allows a 70-day stay, during which your employer typically arranges a longer-term Stay Permit. Working without proper authorization carries serious legal consequences.

For most expats, the process starts with securing employment in Myanmar, after which the employer guides the visa and work permit process. For those exploring independently, the tourist e-Visa is the logical first step. The process is simpler than many countries, but bureaucratic delays are common, and the political situation can cause sudden policy changes.