Somaliland
Corporate Guide

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

The process of obtaining a work permit requires either the foreign employee or their employer to apply to the Ministry of Labour. The application should contain the following information: 

• Passport or refugee ID 
• Curriculum vitae 
• Two passport-size photos 
• A medical certificate 
• Letter from the employer with details about the nature of the job and its objectives
• A permit from the ministries of health and education if the work has to do with health or education

However, the process was recently simplified through the establishment of the Office of Labour within the Ministry of Employment, where all the relevant ministries have joined offices within the immigration department. 

If there is no pending tax obligation by the employing organisation, and the process takes approximately five to 14 days.