Here you will find detailed information about how to obtain a Ugandan working permit if you are a foreign national. There is all the information you need to know about the requirements to obtain a work permit in Uganda.
You can find detailed information in this article on how to obtain a Ugandan working permit if you are a foreigner. In this section, you will learn everything you need to know about how to get a Ugandan work permit. It’s organized according to what class you’re interested in.
In Uganda, immigration compliance is complicated and sophisticated due to its complicated procedures. However, any foreigner must go through it. Understanding these immigration duties often takes a lot of effort and can be frustrating for businesses and people.
The Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control is in charge in Uganda (also known as DCIC).
All foreign nationals wishing to work in Uganda must make sure they have the appropriate work permit. You must therefore be aware of which one best matches your own circumstances. This article will try to shed some light on each category below.
How to get a Ugandan work permit
An organisation code, also known as a unique code for the company, is generated by DCIC once specific corporate information is given to them.
Then, using this code, all applications are submitted online. No application can be submitted without this code.
Avoid taking shortcuts that involve paying bribes since they will either backfire or leave gaps that could subject you to legal issues and penalties.
Within 15 days following ceasing a job for which a work visa was issued, a worker must notify immigration and apply for permission to remain in Uganda or depart the country.
Working Permit Categories for Non-Ugandans
As mentioned above, this article is going to describe the various categories of work permits in Uganda. They include the following:
Class A (Government and Diplomatic Service)
The applicants must be either Uganda-accredited diplomats or people with contracts to work for the Ugandan government.
Application specifications:
- Complete the Entry/Work Permit form.
- Include copies of your passport.
- Two passport-sized photographs.
- A supporting letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a covering letter from the Embassy.
Class A2 (Government Contractors)
Candidates must be employees of the government, including those working at government-run universities.
Application prerequisites
- Complete the entry/work permit form.
- Include copies of your passport.
- Two passport-sized photographs.
- A letter of introduction from the company.
- A letter of introduction from the line ministry.
- Home-country Interpol letter.
- Professional education requirements.
Class B (Investment in Agriculture)
Applicants must be individuals who want to make investments in the agriculture or animal husbandry industries.
- Fill out the entry/work permit application form.
- Two passport-sized photographs.
- Passport photocopy.
- Include a cover letter from the employer.
- Title to land.
- License from the Uganda Investment Authority.
- Letter pertaining to a planned agriculture venture from the Ministry of Agriculture.
- A letter from the LC or RDC’s office.
- Feasibility study and work plan for the project that was started.
- Bond of security.
- Home-country Interpol letter.
Class C (Mining)
Applicants must be individuals who plan to invest in the business of mining or exploring for minerals in Uganda.
Application prerequisites
- Complete the Entry/Work Permit Form.
- Passport photocopies.
- Two passport-sized photographs.
- Include a covering letter from the employer.
- Ministry of Natural Resources licence.
- Memorandum.
- A letter of encouragement from the Ministry of Natural Resources.
- Letter from the home country to Interpol; Security Bond; License from the Uganda Investment Authority;
Class D (Business and Trade)
Applicants must be individuals who intend to conduct business or engage in trade in Uganda.
Application prerequisites
- Complete the work permit form.
- Include a cover letter from the employer.
- Two passport-sized photographs.
- Passport photocopies.
- Bank statement for the business.
- License from the Uganda Investment Authority ( where applicable ).
- Association’s articles and memorandum.
- Incorporation certificate.
- Payment of taxes.
- A trading permit.
- Ugandan Banking certificate for the transfer of $100,000.
- Letter of good conduct from the nation of origin or Interpol.
- Bond of security.
Class E (Manufacturers)
Applicants must be individuals who plan to operate a manufacturing firm in Uganda.
Application prerequisites
- Complete the work permit form.
- Two passport-sized photographs.
- Copies of your passport.
- Include a cover letter from the employer.
- Bond of security.
- The company’s records, including its bylaws, memorandum, and incorporation certificate. Investment authorization.
- Incorporation certificate.
- Bank record.
- A trading permit.
- Payment of taxes.
- Letter of good behaviour from the nation of origin or Interpol.
Class F (Professionals)
Applicants must be members of professional organisations if they plan to work in Uganda in that capacity.
Application prerequisites
- Complete the work permit form.
- Two passport-sized photographs.
- Passport photocopy.
- Include a cover letter.
- Company documentation; registration with the appropriate professional organisation, such as the Association of Medical Practitioners;
- Letter of good conduct or Interpol letter from the country of residence.
- Bond of security.
Class G1 (NGO workers, volunteers, and Missionaries)
Application prerequisites
- Fill form.
- Two passport-sized photographs.
- Passport photocopy.
- A copy of the NGO certification.
- A letter from Interpol or a criminal record report (both from the country of origin)
- Include a cover letter from the institution or NGO.
- Letter of cover.
- Letter of appointment.
- Capabilities.
Class G2 (Employees)
Candidates must be individuals planning to work in Uganda as employees, whether or not for pay.
Application prerequisites
- Complete EP form.
- Two passport-sized photographs.
- Passport photocopies.
- Academic credentials.
- Good conduct letter.
- Letter of appointment.
- Include a cover letter from the employer.
- Letter of investment.
- Proof of payment of taxes
- Memorandums and articles
- A trading permit
- Bond of security
- Bank statement for the business
- Incorporation certificate
Note that those who fall under this category cannot enter Uganda before their work visas have been approved and paid for.
It is advised to hire an immigration agency when you are unsure if you have the correct information. It minimises the effort and increases the likelihood that your Ugandan work permit application will be approved.
Last but not least, you can find out more about DCIC here if you have any questions.
