Work Permits for Myanmar

This guide was written prior to the military coup in Myanmar in February 2021 and is therefore not reflective of the current situation. Travel to Myanmar is currently not advisable due to ongoing civil unrest, armed conflict, and severe restrictions on communications and transportation.

You will need a work permit in Myanmar if you intend to live and take up employment in the country. You’ll also need a stay permit. Rules and regulations frequently change, so it’s always best to consult with an embassy to ensure the proper steps are followed.

Read more: Visas and Stay Permits in Myanmar

Applying for a work permit in Myanmar

If you intend to apply for a work permit, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be in good health
• Hold a regionally or internationally recognised degree in your field to prove your expertise
• Submit a recommendation letter from your employer

The application processing time can take anywhere between seven days and a month.

Work permits in Myanmar are issued through foreign businesses that want to employ expats with technical or managerial skills. Companies must hold an investment permit and receive an endorsement from the Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC), allowing them to employ foreign workers.

You will need to hold a Stay Permit and a Multiple-Journey Special Re-entry Visa to stay in Myanmar for more than 70 days. This will allow you to leave and re-enter the country during your stay. The Stay Permit can be valid for three months, six months, or one year, so you will have to renew your work and stay permits accordingly.

If you will be in Myanmar for more than 90 days, you are also obligated to register your presence with the registration office in your local area. The Immigration and National Registration Department will issue you a Foreigner Registration Card (FRC), which is typically valid for a year.

Visa and work permit regulations are subject to change at short notice, and you should contact your nearest Myanmar embassy or consulate for the latest information.