Working and Living in Madagascar

Travel and Visa

Changed travel regulations during and after the corona pandemic

The Malagasy Aviation Authority has imposed an entry ban on passengers from COVID-19 risk areas, including Germany, with the exception of diplomats and staff from international organizations. As a general rule, a negative PCR test, which must not be older than 72 hours, must be presented before the start of the journey, when boarding.

Upon arrival, travelers will be tested again at the airport (free of charge). Quarantine is mandatory until the test result is received (usually via SMS). This must be completed in a specific quarantine hotel at your own expense.

Source: Federal Foreign Office on July 24th, 2021

General provisions for travel and residence (until the corona pandemic)

In addition to the required passport with at least one free page, you need a visa to enter Madagascar. A tourist or business visa entitles you to stay in Madagascar for 3 months (90 days) within the following 6 months. You can obtain a visa in advance from the responsible embassy or you can get one upon arrival at the airport.

Visa from the embassy

Upon request by email, you will receive a password with which you can call up the application form as a PDF. The processing of the application takes about 3 weeks. The documents will only be returned after the fee has been paid.

The following documents are required:

• 2 completed, signed application forms
• 2 passport photos
• valid passport (valid for at least 6 months)
• Flight reservation for outward and return flights
• stamped return envelope with 3.60 EUR (if the passport is not picked up in person)
• Visa costs: up to 30 days stay 30.76 euros; up to 60 days stay 47.65 euros; up to 90 days stay 67.28 euros; One-month extendable (up to 90 days) visa 70.08 euros

Visa at the airport

Every international airport has a visa desk that is open for incoming international flights. First you pay the fee for the desired visa at the cash desk (for a stay of 30, 60 or 90 days). You can pay in euros if you can. With the payment receipt you go to the counter and present the necessary documents (payment receipt, passport still valid for 6 months with at least two blank pages and return or onward flight ticket).

Long term visa

The easiest way to get a long-term visa is for retirees and those with a steady income. You need a certificate of good conduct without an entry, which you have to have a sworn translator translated into French. Further forms and documents for applying for a long-term visa can be downloaded from the website of the Embassy of Madagascar. You then have to go to the embassy in person with the completed documents.

Labor market

Working in Madagascar is tied to setting up a company in the country. According to countryvv, the size of the company does not matter. Hotels, restaurants or internet cafes have a good chance of success.

Cost of living

Imported goods, dairy products and the Internet are considerably more expensive than in Germany. Local products, on the other hand, are much cheaper.

You would need around € 1,497.86 in Antananarivo to maintain the same standard of living that you could have in Berlin with € 3,600.00 (assuming you rent in the cities).

• Consumer prices in Antananarivo are 54.35% lower than in Berlin (without rent)
• Consumer prices in Antananarivo are 58.39% lower than in Berlin (including rent)
• Rental prices in Antananarivo are 67.61% lower than in Berlin
• Restaurant prices in Antananarivo are 73.51% lower than in Berlin
• Food prices in Antananarivo are 54.75% lower than in Berlin
• The local purchasing power in Antananarivo is 82.40% lower than in Berlin

Average cost of living in Antananarivo (from 08/2019 – 07/2020)

Average costs for local transport, utilities, clothing, leisure, education of Antananarivo (from 08/2019 – 07/2020)

Average rental prices / purchase and salaries of Antananarivo (from 08/2019 – 07/2020)