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MaliStatus in-countryLast checked October 17, 2026

Temporary residence visa (visa de séjour) and resident card

carte de résident

Any foreigner over 18 who stays in Mali for more than three months must get a temporary residence authorisation from the immigration authority. For non-immigrants this is a residence visa (visa de séjour), valid up to one year and renewable. Foreigners settling permanently (immigrants) get a resident card (carte de résident), valid five years and renewable. Spouses and children of Malian citizens, and family of resident card holders, are entitled to temporary residence.

See requirements ↓

Life in Mali

Money

3

Currency

West African CFA Franc

XOF

West African CFA Franc

Cost of living

33

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

5–37%

Income tax (national)

VAT 18%

Salary tax (ITS) annual barème: 0% up to XOF 330,000, then 5/12/18/26/31%, and 37% above XOF 3,494,130.

Official rates, 2025 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

4.6

#112 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

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Who it’s for

Foreigners staying in Mali for more than three months: family members of Malians, family of resident card holders, self-employed people and people living on their own means.

Eligibility

  • Who must apply

    You need a temporary residence authorisation if you are a foreigner over 18 and stay beyond three months from entry.

    Ageforeigners must apply
    Over 18
    Time after entryauthorisation needed after
    3 months
    • Source: Law 04-058, art. 12
    Official wording

    Every foreigner over 18 must get a temporary residence authorisation after three months from entry (Law 04-058, art. 12).

  • Granted as of right

    Authorisation is granted as of right to certain family members of Malian nationals or resident card holders.

    3 months

    Marriage to a Malian · minimum length of marriage

    • Foreign child of a Malian national: under 18 or dependent
    • Dependent parents of a Malian's spouse
    • Foreign parent of a Malian child living in Mali, with parental authority or supporting the child
    • Spouse and minor children of a resident card holder admitted under family reunification
    Official wording

    To a foreigner married for at least three months to a Malian national; the foreign child of a Malian national (under 18 or dependent); dependent parents of a Malian's spouse; a foreign parent of a Malian child living in Mali who exercises parental authority or supports the child; and the spouse and minor children of a resident card holder admitted under family reunification (art. 13).

  • Self-employed or not working

    If you are self-employed or not working, show means of subsistence and a medical certificate from an approved doctor in Mali.

    • Source: Decree 05-322, art. 29
    Official wording

    Must show means of subsistence and a medical certificate from an approved doctor in Mali (Decree 05-322, art. 29).

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementRefusal
  • Document checklistStamped application to the Director of the Border Police
  • FeesResidence visa stamp duty

The full requirements are for members

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  • 1 more requirement
  • 8 documents
  • 1 fee
  • 5 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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