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Hiring Employees in Mozambique

Hiring locals and expatriates — employment contracts, INSS, work permits, and labour compliance.

Updated: May 2026 (with official references)

Employment legal framework

Employment relationships in Mozambique are governed by the Labour Code, sector regulations, and collective agreements where applicable. Every contract must be in writing and respect minimum wage, working hours, leave, and protection against unfair dismissal.

Foreign-invested companies should balance technical needs with workforce nationalisation policies in priority sectors.

Hiring Mozambican workers

Informal hiring exposes the company to fines, disputes, and banking difficulties. Always use formal payroll and payslips.

  • Draft an employment contract in a language the worker understands (Portuguese) stating role, pay, and location
  • Register the employee with INSS (National Social Security Institute)
  • Declare income and withhold IRT through the Tax Authority (AT)
  • Meet sector training and occupational health and safety requirements

Hiring expatriates

Foreign workers need a work authorisation and appropriate visa before starting duties. The process involves the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security and immigration services.

  • Show the position cannot be adequately filled by a qualified Mozambican professional
  • Submit contract, qualifications, company registration, and skills-transfer plan
  • Renew authorisations before expiry — delays can lead to fines and block licence renewals

Pay, benefits, and termination

Beyond base salary, consider transport and meal allowances and private health cover to attract talent. Dismissal requires justified cause or a documented disciplinary process — severance depends on length of service.

Union negotiations may apply in sectors such as mining, energy, and large infrastructure projects.

Key official institutions

APIEX (apiex.gov.mz) registers foreign investment and incentives. AT (at.gov.mz) manages NUIT, VAT, and CIT. Capital repatriation requires banking compliance with the Bank of Mozambique.

Best practices and disclaimer

This guide is for information only. Labour law and visa requirements evolve — always confirm current procedures with local professionals.

  • Define a written HR policy and onboarding procedures
  • Keep individual files with contract, reviews, and formal communications
  • Plan local succession for critical roles held by expatriates
  • Consult an employment lawyer before restructurings or layoffs

Need HR and visa support?

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