The Myanmar Employment Visa allows foreign nationals to work legally in Myanmar for up to 70 days on a single entry, with extensions available through the eStay system. Unlike the tourist or business eVisa, the Employment Visa is issued exclusively through Myanmar embassies and consulates – there is no online eVisa option for employment purposes. This guide covers requirements, fees, the application process, and how to extend your stay.
Who Needs a Myanmar Employment Visa?
Any foreign national who intends to take up paid employment in Myanmar must obtain an Employment Visa before arrival. This visa is distinct from the Myanmar Business Visa, which permits only short-term business activities such as meetings, conferences, and contract negotiations – not ongoing employment.
The Employment Visa is required for workers in sectors including:
- Construction and engineering
- Hospitality and tourism management
- Education and language teaching
- Information technology and telecommunications
- Oil, gas, and mining exploration
- Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
- Fisheries and agriculture
If you plan to work in Myanmar for more than 70 days, you will also need a Stay Permit after arrival, which can be extended through the official eStay portal (estay.moip.gov.mm).
Myanmar Employment Visa Requirements
You must prepare the following documents before submitting your application at a Myanmar embassy or consulate:
- Valid Passport – At least six months of remaining validity from your intended date of entry, with at least one blank visa page available.
- Completed Application Form – One fully filled Employment Visa application form.
- Work History Form – A separate form detailing your employment history, required by most embassies.
- Two Recent Photographs – Colour photos taken within the last six months, 35 mm × 45 mm (or 2 in × 2 in), white background, full-face view. No glasses, hats, or head coverings. Photocopied or digitally altered photos are not accepted.
- Invitation Letter from Myanmar Employer – An official letter from your employer in Myanmar confirming your position and the purpose of your employment.
- Appointment Letter – A formal job offer or appointment letter from the Myanmar company.
- Company Registration Certificate – A copy of the inviting company’s valid registration from the Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) or the relevant ministry.
- Flight Itinerary – A copy of your round-trip flight schedule or booking confirmation.
- Tax Payment Receipts – Copies of receipts certifying payment of taxes imposed, as required by some embassies (notably the Myanmar Embassy in Washington, D.C. and the Embassy in Moscow).
- Labour Registration Certificate – Issued by the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Welfare (required by some embassies).
- Prepaid Self-Addressed Return Envelope – For applications submitted by mail. Use FedEx, UPS, or USPS with tracking number.
Note: Specific requirements may vary slightly between embassies. Always confirm with the Myanmar diplomatic mission in your country of residence before applying.
Myanmar Employment Visa Fees
The standard fee for a Myanmar Employment Visa is USD $50 for a single entry. This fee is payable by cashier’s check or money order – most embassies do not accept cash, credit cards, debit cards, or personal checks.
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Validity | Stay Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment Visa (Single Entry) | $50 | 3 months from issue | 70 days |
| Multiple Entry – 3 months | $200 | 3 months | 70 days per entry |
| Multiple Entry – 6 months | $400 | 6 months | 70 days per entry |
| Multiple Entry – 1 year | $600 | 1 year | 70 days per entry |
Multiple-entry Employment Visas are generally only available to applicants with a prior employment visa history in Myanmar. First-time applicants are typically limited to single-entry visas.
How to Apply for a Myanmar Employment Visa
There is no online eVisa option for employment purposes. You must apply in person or by mail at a Myanmar embassy or consulate. Here is the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Collect all the required documents listed above. Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity and available blank pages.
Step 2: Contact the Embassy
Reach out to the nearest Myanmar embassy or consulate to confirm current requirements, fees, and processing times. Requirements can vary between diplomatic missions.
Step 3: Complete the Application Forms
Fill out the Employment Visa application form and the Work History Form completely. Incomplete applications will be rejected at the counter or returned by mail.
Step 4: Obtain Employer Documents
Your Myanmar employer must provide the invitation letter, appointment letter, and a copy of the company’s registration certificate from the Myanmar Investment Commission or the relevant ministry.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Submit your application package to the embassy or consulate either in person or by mail with a prepaid self-addressed return envelope (FedEx, UPS, or USPS with tracking).
Step 6: Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the $50 fee by cashier’s check or money order payable to the Myanmar Embassy or Consulate-General. Personal checks, cash, and card payments are not accepted.
Step 7: Receive Your Visa
Processing typically takes a minimum of three business days for complete applications. Once approved, your passport will be returned with the Employment Visa sticker affixed.
Employment Visa Validity and Duration of Stay
- Validity: The Employment Visa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue. You must enter Myanmar within this window.
- Duration of stay: 70 days from the date of arrival in Myanmar.
- Extensions: The stay is extendable. Business and employment visa holders can apply for extensions of 3, 6, or 12 months through the eStay system.
- Single entry: Unless you have a multiple-entry visa, you must apply for a new visa each time you leave Myanmar.
Employment Visa vs Business Visa: Key Differences
Understanding the difference between these two visa types is essential:
| Feature | Employment Visa | Business Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Paid employment in Myanmar | Meetings, conferences, negotiations |
| Application route | Embassy/consulate only | Embassy or online eVisa |
| Fee | $50 (single entry) | $50 consular / $70 eVisa |
| Stay duration | 70 days (extendable) | 70 days (extendable) |
| Work permit required? | Yes, after arrival for stays >70 days | Not applicable |
| Extension available? | Yes, via eStay | Yes, via eStay |
If your purpose is short-term business activities (meetings, conferences, exploring partnerships), apply for the Myanmar Business Visa. If you will be employed by a Myanmar company, you need the Employment Visa.
Work Permits and Stay Extensions
After arriving in Myanmar on an Employment Visa, foreign workers who need to stay beyond 70 days must obtain a Stay Permit. The process works through the eStay system:
Stay Permit Types:
– 3-month extension – $62 USD
– 6-month extension – $114 USD
– 12-month extension – $217 USD
Re-Entry Visa Fees (for leaving and returning during extended stay):
– Single re-entry – $72 USD
– Multiple re-entry – $217 USD
To be eligible for an extension through eStay, you need:
– A valid Employment or Business Visa
– A registered sponsoring company in Myanmar (incorporated at DICA)
– At least six months of remaining passport validity
– Physical presence in Myanmar during processing
Apply at estay.moip.gov.mm. See our complete Myanmar Visa Extension Guide for detailed step-by-step instructions.
Approved Entry Ports
Employment Visa holders can enter Myanmar through the following ports:
Airports:
1. Yangon International Airport (RGN)
2. Mandalay International Airport (MDL)
3. Nay Pyi Taw International Airport (NPT)
Land Borders (from Thailand):
4. Tachileik Land Border Checkpoint
5. Myawaddy Land Border Checkpoint
6. Kawthaung International Land Border Checkpoint
For the full list of entry points and details, see our Myanmar Ports of Entry guide.
Photo Requirements
The photograph requirements for the Employment Visa are strict:
- Size: 35 mm × 45 mm or standard 2 in × 2 in
- Background: White
- Recency: Taken within the last six months
- View: Full-face, facing the camera directly – side or angled views are not accepted
- Format: Colour, high resolution, no discernible pixels or dot patterns
- Restrictions: No glasses, hats, or head coverings (unless for religious reasons)
- Not accepted: Photocopied photographs
For complete photo specifications, see our Myanmar Visa Photo Requirements guide.
Tips for a Smooth Application
- Apply early. The visa is valid for only 3 months from issue, so time your application to align with your travel dates – not too early, not too late.
- Confirm requirements by phone. Embassy requirements vary. Call or email before submitting to avoid rejection.
- Use cashier’s checks only. Most embassies will not accept personal checks, cash, or card payments.
- Keep copies of everything. Make photocopies of all documents before submission.
- Track your return envelope. Use FedEx, UPS, or USPS with tracking. Do not reuse tracking numbers from previously submitted envelopes.
- Plan for extensions. If your contract exceeds 70 days, research the eStay extension process before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Myanmar Employment Visa cost?
The standard fee is USD $50 for a single-entry Employment Visa. Multiple-entry visas cost $200 (3 months), $400 (6 months), or $600 (1 year). Payment must be made by cashier’s check or money order.
Can I apply for a Myanmar Employment Visa online?
No. The Employment Visa is not available through the online eVisa system. You must apply at a Myanmar embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
How long can I stay in Myanmar on an Employment Visa?
The Employment Visa allows a stay of 70 days from the date of arrival. This can be extended for 3, 6, or 12 months through the eStay system at estay.moip.gov.mm.
What is the difference between an Employment Visa and a Business Visa?
The Employment Visa is for individuals taking up paid employment with a Myanmar company. The Business Visa is for short-term business activities such as meetings, conferences, and negotiations. The Employment Visa requires employer sponsorship documents, while the Business Visa requires a company invitation letter.
Can Americans get a Myanmar Employment Visa?
Yes. US citizens can apply for a Myanmar Employment Visa through the Myanmar Embassy in Washington, D.C. or the Consulate-General in Los Angeles. The same $50 fee and standard requirements apply.
How long does Employment Visa processing take?
Processing takes a minimum of three business days for complete applications submitted at a Myanmar embassy or consulate. Incomplete applications will be rejected or returned.
Can I extend my Employment Visa in Myanmar?
Yes. Employment Visa holders can extend their stay through the eStay online portal. Extensions are available for 3 months ($62), 6 months ($114), or 12 months ($217). A sponsoring company registered in Myanmar is required.
