Moving to Malawi

Malawi is deservedly considered one of the most hospitable and friendly countries on the continent of Africa, which makes it attractive to foreign nationals. Due to its openness and hospitality, Malawi welcomes all those who wish to make a new home in this wonderful country. Moreover, Malawi is known for its low cost of living, making it one of the most affordable places to live on the continent. You can save significant amounts of money here without sacrificing comfort, especially if you get used to the local lifestyle and local economy.

Lilongwe is the capital and largest city of the country. It is well developed in terms of infrastructure, with major business and government structures concentrated here. The city is characterized by cleanliness and safety. Lilongwe has good international schools, medical facilities, shopping centers and restaurants. The standard of living here is higher than the rest of the country.

Blantyre is the commercial center of Malawi and the second largest city. It was founded by the British during the colonial era and still retains the spirit of that time. Beautiful historical architecture, green parks, and good infrastructure make Blantyre an attractive place to live. It has an active business and cultural life.

Zomba is a small town in a fertile agricultural area in the central highlands. Zomba is quite picturesque, surrounded by stunning scenery with hills and lakes. The city is ideal for those who prefer a quiet, measured rhythm of life. The cost of living here is quite low.

Mzuzu is the main town in the Northern Region, located at the foot of the Vingu mountain range. Mzuzu is surrounded by beautiful nature and has a mild climate. Life flows at a leisurely pace, while the developed infrastructure allows for a comfortable lifestyle. Mzuzu can be ideal for retired expats.

Manganja is a small town in the central part of the country on the shores of picturesque Lake Malawi. Manganja attracts with its quiet, peaceful atmosphere, beautiful beaches and abundant fishing on the lake. The cost of living here is one of the lowest in the country.

Visa. Most foreigners entering Malawi must have a valid visa. It is most convenient to apply for a visa online, this will allow you to get all the necessary documents as soon as possible.

Temporary residence permit. Those planning to stay in Malawi for more than 90 days will need to apply for a temporary residence permit. This can be obtained by expats who have a valid business travel permit or other legal grounds for an extended stay in the country.

Residence permit for business. If your goal is to start your own business or invest substantially in Malawi's economy (at least $50,000), you can apply for a Business Residence Permit (BRP). It is valid for five years, renewable for another five years.

Permanent Residence Permit. Once you have lived in Malawi for at least five years, you can apply for a permanent residence permit (PRP). This permit is no longer of limited duration.

Regardless of the type of permit you apply for, it is important to carefully study all the requirements of the migration services, prepare a complete set of documents in advance and follow the established procedures.

Housing: Rental housing in Malawi is relatively inexpensive. In the capital Lilongwe, a one-bedroom apartment in a modern neighborhood can be rented for $200-300 per month. In other cities prices are even lower, for example, in Blantyre - from $150. Usually housing is provided furnished. Utilities are inexpensive - about $50 per month.

Food: Due to the developed agriculture, food is very cheap. Weekly food expenses for one person are about $15-25.

Transportation: owning a private car in Malawi is a luxury. It is much cheaper to use public transportation or cabs. A bus pass in major cities costs about $10 per month. There are also one-time fares of 50 cents per trip. Cabs cost less than $2-3 for a short trip.

Entertainment and restaurants: an evening at a restaurant with drinks for two will cost $15-25. Entertainment and leisure activities are also inexpensive - a movie ticket from $2.

Health care and medical insurance: the average life expectancy in Malawi is 65 years. Malaria and yellow fever are common in the country. Although the quality of health services in Malawi has improved in recent years, expats are strongly advised to take out health insurance. Lilongwe and Blantyre hospitals provide high quality medical care, but they are expensive and you will have to pay for treatment. In rural areas, access to health care is limited. If treatment cannot be obtained in Malawi, patients are likely to be referred to hospitals in neighboring countries such as Kenya or South Africa.

Before hiring foreign workers, Malawian companies are required to thoroughly investigate local employment opportunities. Only if no suitable national candidates are available can foreign labor be hired.

To comply with Malawi's migration laws, companies must obtain a Temporary Employment Permit (TEP). This document is issued at the request of the prospective employer and must be obtained by the expat before entering the country.

The Temporary Employment Permit (TEP) is issued for a period of two years. It can be renewed a maximum of two times using the same procedure. The employer must apply for a new TEP three months before the expiry of the old one to ensure that the foreign employee's stay is legal.

To obtain a TEP, a detailed resume of the candidate, an up-to-date curriculum vitae, copies of passport and education documents, and information on work experience must be submitted. It will also be required to confirm that the position was available to locals before considering hiring a foreigner.

Special requirements apply to professions in the fields of medicine, education and technical specialties. Often, foreigners are invited to take on management positions in large companies or to work as highly skilled expats.

The process of obtaining a work permit in Malawi can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Therefore, both companies and candidates should take care of all formalities in advance to ensure the legal recruitment and stay of a foreign specialist in the country.

Pros:

• Low cost of living. Malawi is one of the most budget-friendly countries in Africa to live in. Housing, food, transportation and services are very inexpensive.
• Peaceful and tranquil environment. It is one of the most stable and safe countries in the region. Crime rates are low, especially away from major cities.
• Hospitality of locals. Malawians are famous for their friendliness, openness and hospitality towards foreigners.
• Stunning nature. Lake Malawi, hilly landscapes, reserves with rich fauna - all this creates excellent opportunities for ecotourism.
• A relaxed lifestyle. Malawi is an excellent place for those who appreciate tranquility, unhurried rhythm of life and the absence of the bustle of megacities.

Minuses:

• Poor infrastructure. Outside of major cities, roads are often of poor quality, electricity supply is unstable, services are poorly developed.
• Limited career opportunities. The labor market is quite narrow, especially for highly qualified specialists. It is not easy to find a prestigious, well-paid job.
• Language barrier. Outside of major cities, knowing only English is often not enough. You will have to learn local languages like Chichewa.
• Hot and humid climate. For many foreigners, the Malawian climate can be uncomfortable and difficult to adapt to.
• Cultural differences. There are certain cultural norms and traditions, ignorance of which can cause misunderstandings with the local population.