Guinea Conakry
Corporate Guide

If there is no requirement to have a local director or shareholder in Guinea Conakry, what is the process of obtaining a work permit for foreign employees?

The process of obtaining a work permit for foreign employees in Guinea typically involves the following steps:

1. Pre-approval of the expat contract from the National Agency in Charge of Promotion of Employment (AGUIPE)

The employer must first seek approval from AGUIPE. This usually involves submitting the draft employment contract of the foreign worker and a justification for hiring a foreign worker instead of a local candidate in the letter accompanying the application to AGUIPE.

2. Application for work permit

Once pre-approval is obtained, the employer or the employee must submit a work permit application to AGUIPE. The application typically includes:

• A copy of the employment contract, duly approved
• A copy of the employee’s passport
• Passport-sized photographs
• The employee’s curriculum vitae
• Copies of the employee’s academic and professional qualifications
• A medical certificate proving that the employee is in good health
• A police clearance certificate or criminal record from the employee’s country of origin
• Proof of payment of the work permit fee

3. Review and processing

AGUIPE will review the application and may conduct background checks. This process may involve verifying the authenticity of the documents submitted and ensuring that the employment conditions comply with local labour laws.

4. Approval and issuance

If the application is approved, the work permit will be issued. The employee can then legally work in Guinea. The work permit is usually valid for one year and can be renewed annually.

5. Registration with the CNSS

After obtaining the work permit, the employer must register the foreign employee with the CNSS and ensure that social security contributions are made.

6. Residency permit

In addition to the work permit, the foreign employee may need to apply for a residency permit. This process is often carried out simultaneously with the work permit application and may require similar documentation.