Work permit and residence permit
Somalia's Immigration and Citizenship Agency processes work permits for foreign nationals employed in Somalia and issues temporary and permanent residence permits, including work-based residency. For residence permits ICA lists a valid passport and entry visa, an employer or sponsor letter where applicable, and an application form. ICA says requirements for work permits have not yet been published.
Life in Somalia
Money
2
Currency
Somali Shilling
SOS
Somali Shilling
Tax
6–18%
Income tax (national)
Sales tax 5%
Federal PIT for residents (ITR 2025): 0% up to USD 1,200 a year, 6% to 6,000, 12% to 18,000, 18% above USD 18,000; federal member states (e.g. Puntland) and Somaliland run their own systems.
Living
1
Happiness
#115 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Foreign nationals employed in or investing in Somalia.
Eligibility
Valid entry
A valid passport and entry visa.
Sponsor
An employer or sponsor letter where applicable.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Document checklistValid passport and entry visa
- FeesWork / residence permit
- Steps to applyEnter Somalia on a valid visa
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 3 documents
- 1 fee
- 3 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Somalia
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to Somalia
All routes to Somalia →Work permits in other countries
- South SudanWork permit
- São Tomé & PríncipeResidence visa for salaried work (visto de residência para actividade profissional subordinada) and temporary residence certificate
- El SalvadorResidencia temporal con autorización para trabajar
- Sint MaartenSint Maarten employment permit and first-time employee residence permit
- EswatiniTemporary Residence Permit - employee
- Turks & Caicos IslandsTurks and Caicos Islands Work Permit
