Public Services

Obtaining Residence/Work permit in Chad

Residence Permits: A Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour) can be obtained from the Immigration Office, Office of Foreign Services at the National Police, (Sûreté Nationale) on Rue du Colonel Moll in N’Djamena.

The following documents are required to apply for a Residence Permit and long-term Visa:

a. A letter (in French) requesting the deliverance of a visa and residence permit addressed to the “Directeur de la Sûreté Nationale.” If it is for an employee, the Employer must write the letter and attach a copy of employment authorization delivered to the employee by ONAPE (National Office for employment promotion)

b. A valid passport with a valid short-term visa.

c. Completed application forms for the permit and visa. These forms can also be obtained in other cities in Chad from the respective Sûreté Nationale offices.

d. A copy of a work contract.

Once the request is approved by the Directeur de la Sûrété Nationale, the file is forwarded for processing to the SAMLEX Office, currently located in Customs Building on Rue du Colonel D’Ornano. Applicants must go there to have pictures taken and for the issuance of the residence permits.

Total fees are FCFA 525,000: FCFA 500,000 for a residence permit (carte de séjour) to be paid at SAMLEX and FCFA 25,000 for the long-term visa to be paid at the Immigration office (prior to processing of the residence permit).

Please note that the immigration office has stopped the issuance of residence permits for religious workers, including missionaries. Only long-term visas are now permitted.

Work Permits: The regulations for individuals seeking long-term employment are somewhat rigorous and bureaucratic. The country has a strong "Chadians first" policy. The National Office for the Promotion of Employment (Office National pour la Promotion de l'Emploi -- ONAPE) in the Ministry of Labor regulates the employment of foreigners in Chad. ONAPE is currently located behind the CNPS office, on Rue 3.009 (between Rue des Poids Lourds and Rue des Bordeaux). Any contract made between a foreign employee and any employer must be approved in advance by ONAPE and the Ministry of Public Security and Immigration.

To apply for a work permit, applicant must provide the following document:

- A letter of request for an Authorization of Employment from an employer addressed to the Directeur d’ONAPE
- A resume or curriculum vitae of the employee
- A copy of his passport bearing a valid entry visa.
- Previous work permits (if any) and proof of professional work experience.
- Copies of all diplomas and certificates of professional studies.
- Fees: FCFA 100,000 for members of CEMAC, FCFA 150,000 for other African Countries and FCFA 250,000 for other foreigners to be paid at ONAPE (Division de l’Orientation et Conseils).

Upon approval of the request, ONAPE issues an Authorization of Employment to the employer. The Employer must return a copy of this authorization plus a photo card of the employee to ONAPE to establish a work permit (Carte permis de travail).

Individuals who wish to set up their own business must also seek a work permit. To apply for a work permit, the foreign businessperson must provide copies of an administrative authorization and trade register, a letter of request for a work permit to the attention ONAPE Director, and all relevant fees.