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Residence & citizenship

Malawian Permanent Residence Permit

The permit authorising a foreign national to reside in Malawi permanently, granting long-term settled status for those making the country their lasting home.

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Under review — check current rules

Processing fee and post-approval fee amounts, and the permit validity beyond 'permanent', are not published on the pages reviewed — left unverified.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Malawi government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
Permanent Residence Permit (PRP)
Route type
Permanent residence
Residence requirement
Ordinarily resident for not less than 5 years
General qualifying period stated by the Department
Decision
Determined by the Minister
Validity
Permanent
A permit authorising the holder to reside in Malawi permanently.
Qualifying residence
Ordinarily resident 5+ years
One route is having been ordinarily resident in Malawi for a period of not less than five years.
Where to apply
Immigration Headquarters or Regional Immigration Offices
The application is forwarded to the Minister for a decision.
Fee after approval
Payable within 30 days
Approved applicants must pay the appropriate fees within 30 days of notification.

Who it is for

  • Foreign nationals ordinarily resident in Malawi for at least five years
  • Spouses of Malawian citizens
  • Retirees with an assured income
  • Elderly dependants of existing permit holders

How to apply

  • Complete the PRP application form
  • Submit it with supporting documents to Immigration Headquarters or a Regional Immigration Office and pay the processing fee
  • Await the Minister's decision and formal notification
  • If approved, pay the appropriate fees within 30 days of notification

Requirements

A Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) authorises a person to reside in Malawi permanently. The following may apply: a foreign national wishing to reside in Malawi permanently; a foreign wife of a Malawian; a person of assured income wishing to spend retirement in Malawi; an over-aged dependant of a Permanent Residence Permit holder; or any person who has been ordinarily resident in Malawi for a period of not less than five years.

Frequently asked questions

  • Foreign nationals wishing to live in Malawi permanently, foreign wives of Malawians, retirees with assured income, over-aged dependants of PRP holders, and anyone ordinarily resident in Malawi for at least five years.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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