Visa requirements

Benin

General visa requirements for travelling to Benin. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Work / Immigration visa (Work Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
365 days
Processing time
2-6 weeks for work permit, 2-6 weeks for visa
Validity
12 months (renewable)
Entry
Single entry

Work permit must be obtained before entering Benin; employer initiates process. Work permit valid for 12 months and renewable. ECOWAS citizens can work in Benin without visa under regional free movement protocol. All documents must be translated to French and notarized. Processing times range from 2-6 weeks for both work permit and visa.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Foreign nationals from non-ECOWAS countries requiring work authorization

  • Employment

    Valid job offer from employer registered with National Immigration Institute (INM) in Benin

    Required status: Job offer from registered employer

  • Purpose of visit

    Employment and work in Benin for duration specified in work contract

    Includes
    • Employment
    • work

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 2; Specifications: Recent passport-sized photographs (35x45mm, white background)

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

  • Vaccination certificate

    Required vaccines: Yellow fever vaccination certificate (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis); Validity months: 120

  • Proof of address

    Provide current address evidence, such as a utility bill, tenancy document, residence certificate or official correspondence.

  • Work contract

    Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

    Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No

  • Work permit notification

    Provide work permit approval, notification or authorisation evidence from the relevant authority.

  • Criminal record certificate

    Provide a police or criminal record certificate from the country or countries requested by the destination authority.

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Secure job offer from Beninese employer; employer must be registered with National Immigration Institute

  2. Document submission

    Employer submits work permit application to Ministry of Labor and Public Service with required documentation

  3. Processing wait

    Wait for work permit approval from Ministry of Labor (2-6 weeks)

  4. Visa collection

    Collect work visa from embassy/consulate and prepare for travel to Benin

Sign in to apply
This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.