About Democratic Republic of the Congo
Whether your company is sending employees to the Democratic Republic of Congo or expanding your worldwide footprint—Fragomen is here to help. Our experienced immigration professionals partner with businesses of all sizes to develop immigration strategies that can help you achieve your goals.
- The Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) immigration system provides several options for employers of foreign nationals. While there is no specific pathway for business visitors, the immigration authorities generally allow foreign nationals to enter the country with an ordinary visa to engage in general business activities without work authorization.
- The Ordinary Visa - or Visa de Voyages - is suitable for stays of 7 days or more, allows for single or multiple entries, is valid for up to 180 days based on the traveler’s need, and can be extended. Visitors who intend to conduct an income-generating activity in the DRC with the potential of signing an employment contract should seek work authorization.
- The Flying Visa - or Visa Volant- is available to most nationals who reside in a country without a Congolese consular post. The Flying visa must be used within three months of issuance. Flying visa holders will obtain an Airport visa (Visa Aéroportuaire) upon arrival valid for 7 days and limited to the city of entry. Foreign nationals seeking to stay more than 7 days or move to another area outside the city of entry must obtain another relevant visa in the country.
- The Airport Visa - or Visa Aéroportuaire - is also available to COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa) and EAC (East African Community) nationals for stays up to 30 days.
- The VET - or Visa d'établissement de travail - provides long-term work authorization and is suitable for work assignments that exceed 180 days. This visa is valid for 12 to 24 months. After a foreign national obtains a VET, they must apply and obtain a Residence Permit. Foreign nationals must be placed on the Congolese payroll. A “go-in/go-out” visa (Visa Sortie/Retour - or VSR) is issued in tandem with the VETS or VET, as appropriate, allowing visa holders to travel internationally within the work validity period.
Fragomen can also consult on citizenship matters and, as permitted within the confines of local law, may be able to offer citizenship assistance.
Firmwide services
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Business Visa Services and Technology
Guidance, support and technology to help you get your business travelers on the ground quickly and compliantly.
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Consular Services
Personalized support to help ease the burden of complex immigration consular processing.
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Corporate Immigration Program Development
World-class corporate immigration services to help you optimize your immigration operations.
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Crisis Management Services
The help you need, when you need it most.
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Digital Nomad Services
Advice and planning for your growing Digital Nomad population.
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Document Services
Proactive planning and on-the-ground support to streamline the immigration document process.
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Employment Verification Services
Modern, streamlined employment verification solutions to increase your compliance and minimize your exposure to risk.
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Government Advisory Services
Strategic and tailored consultation to help you achieve your business goals.
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Immigration Analytics, Benchmarking and Knowledge
Robust resources to help you understand immigration in a changing world.
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Immigration Compliance Services
Experienced guidance to help manage your most complicated immigration activities and maximize your compliance.
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Immigration Enforcement Defense Services
Enforcement defense and internal investigations assistance to help defend your business against immigration noncompliance.
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Immigration Litigation Services
Experienced, skilled immigration litigation to help you resolve complex situations.
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Immigration Technology Solutions
Pragmatic, leading-edge technology solutions that support our clients’ immigration experiences.
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Immigration Training
Unmatched training means better immigration experiences for your employees.
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Immigration Work Permit Services
Comprehensive, end-to-end immigration services and technology to help streamline business immigration.
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Private Client Services
Sound, holistic alternative residency and citizenship solutions to help you seize your opportunities.
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Remobilization Services
Strategic support to help remobilize quickly and prepare for the future of work.
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Remote Work Strategic Services for Employers
As the world moves forward from the pandemic, some companies are calling employees back to the office full-time, while others are implementing or formalizing hybrid work schedules.
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Value-Added Services
A wealth of complimentary benefits to enrich your immigration experience.
Related offices or regional coordination center (“RCC”)
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Fragomen RCC for Democratic Republic of Congo (Johannesburg)
