A foreigner who decides to reside and work in Côte d’Ivoire legally requires a work visa and a residence card must meet administrative formalities that the local authorities must approve. Since April 21, 1997, any employment contract involving a foreign/non-Ivoirian employee must be endorsed by the relevant authorities, particularly the Youth Employment Agency (AGEPE). The purpose of this work visa is to ensure that the labor market is open to foreigners on the one hand, yet priority is given to national employment on the other hand.

Prerequisites for working in Ivory Coast

To lawfully employ a non-Ivorian worker, several prerequisites must be met:

1. Residence and Work visa: The individual must have a valid residence card that grants them the right to work.
2. Pre-Employment Contract: The employment contract must be secured before the residence process begins.
3. Labor Market Consideration: The vacancy must reflect a genuine need for skills not readily available within the local labor pool.
4. Contract Nature: Preference is given to roles requiring high-level technical expertise.
5. Security Deposit: Employers may be required to lodge a deposit equivalent to up to one year’s salary.
6. Visa and Permit Fees: Applicable processing fees must be paid.

Legal Framework for Work Visa in Ivory Coast

There is a legal provision under Decree No. 96-287 of April 03, 1996, and Order No. 6421 of June 15, 2004, which allows for the granting of Work Visa for foreigners in Ivory Coast.

In line with the law, there has to be a period of one (1) month where a job offer is first advertised to Ivoirians (locals) to apply for that job. At the end of the of the one month, the employer is then authorized, if the position is not filled by a national, to use a non-national worker. But prior to his hiring, the non-national worker must hold a contract or letter of employment from the employer.

In applying for work visa, there are fixed fees to be borne by the employer and these fees are paid annually, regardless of the nature of the contract.

Consequences of Non-Compliance with this Regulation

The employer who recruits a non-Ivorian worker without following the proper legal provisions, is in violation of the legal order, order 6421 Act.9; as a sanction, the employer will pay three months’ salary of the employee concerned per year of offence in addition to the payment of work visa fee.

On behalf of the state, the Youth Employment Agency, is now the Agency that manages the legal framework and ensures compliance with the provisions relating to the work visa for employment contracts of non-nationals and the issuance of approvals to private employment firms.

Conditions for Employment

Employers must adhere to specific steps before hiring a non-national:

1. Declaration of Vacancy: Job openings must be declared to the Public Employment Agency (AGEPE).
2. Job Publication: Vacancies must be advertised in a widely circulated national newspaper for a period of one month.
3. Local Recruitment Priority: If the position remains unfilled by a national after this period, the employer may hire a foreign national.
4. Employment Contract Approval: Prior to employment, a contract or job offer must be approved by AGEPE using the official format.
5. Work visa Application: Within three months of hiring, the worker must obtain a work card issued by the competent administrative body (Youth Employment Agency/Agence Emploi Jeunes (AGEPE).

Types of Work Visas and Procedures

Work visas are issued according to the type of contract that an employee has from their employer. There are two main categories.

• Fixed-Term Contract (CDD): Eligible for a work visa valid for up to 24 months.
• Permanent Contract (CDI): Qualify for a long-term work visa.

Once hired, the foreign worker has three months to obtain a work visa from the Youth Employment Agency.

Required Documents for Applying for Work Visas

• Four copies of the employment contract
• Diplomas, certificates, and CV
• Criminal record
• Medical examination certificate from a reputable hospital in Côte d’Ivoire
• A proof of salary or a pay slip (for those who are already in activity)
• Formal request and endorsed contract
• Residence card
• Two passport photos

For S.A (Public Limited Company), the CEO, Director General/Managing Director, and Deputy Managing Director, it is necessary to add to the files a document certifying their appointment to this position.

For SARL (statutory managers) and others, the following documents must be added according to the type of company.

• The Statutes
• The tax declaration of existence (DFE) and the commercial register.
• Application form for a non-Ivoirian card and documents to be attached. A card application to be collected at the Agency (at the visa service; digital version available)
• Two color passport photos of the same print run
• A sum of five thousand (5,000 FCFA) to be paid at the Agency’s headquarters to the accounting department.

Cost of Work Visa in Ivory Coast

The fees for work visa vary based on the nationality:

For Fixed-Term Contracts:

• Non-African workers: One month’s salary (including bonuses). For example, if a non- African national on a fixed-term contract (24-months work visa) earns a monthly of $1000 and he receives a bonus of $500. The government fee would be $1500.
• African workers: Half a month’s salary (including bonuses). For example, if a non- African national on a fixed-term contract (24-months work visa) earns a monthly of $1000 and he receives a bonus of $500. The government fee would be $1000.

For Permanent Contracts:

• Non-African workers: One and a half months’ salary (including bonuses). For example, if a non- African national on a permanent contract (long term) earns a monthly of $1000 and he receives a bonus of $500. The government fee would be $2000.
• African workers: Three-quarters of a month’s salary (including bonuses). For example, if an African national on a permanent contract (long term) earns a monthly of $1000 and he receives a bonus of $500. The government fee would be $1250.

Exceptions for Payment of Work Visa Fees

Certain categories of workers are not covered under these provisions. These persons are exempt from paying for a work visa.

• Non-salaried performance-based workers;
• Executive-level salaried company officials (e.g., CEO, General Manager, Deputy General Manager);
• Agricultural laborers;
• Domestic workers.

Resident Card: A Must-Have

To get your residence card in Côte d’Ivoire, you must complete an online pre-registration through the ONECI (Office National de l’État Civil et de l’Identification) portal. Provide personal details like your name, passport information, and visa status. Be sure to save and print the receipt, you will need it later. Next, gather all the necessary documents, such as your valid passport or consular card, visa copies, criminal record, birth certificate, and a certificate of residence that is less than six months old. Depending on your situation (like if you’re a student, worker, or minor).

After the pre-registration, visit the ONECI (Office National de l’État Civil et de l’Identification) enrollment center for biometric registration. The officials will check your documents, take your fingerprints and photo, and confirm your information. You must pay a processing fee at a Versus Bank branch and include the payment receipt with your file. Once everything is processed, ONECI will notify you via SMS or email when your residence card is ready for pickup. The card is valid for five years, and you have to renew it when it expires. Processing timelines can vary, but it’s advisable to follow up after one week.

Requirements for a Residence Card in Côte d’Ivoire

The following requirements are mandatory for a first-time residence card application.

• A copy of the identity page of a valid passport or consular card
• A copy of the visa
• Copy of the entry stamp in the passport
• An extract from the criminal record
• Online pre-registration receipt
• Enrolment receipt (proof of biometric enrolment)
• Birth certificate or equivalent document
• An original certificate of residence, less than six (06) months old, issued by the ONECI (Office National de l’État Civil et de l’Identification) branch
• Payment receipt issued by a Versus Bank branch

Every foreigner living in Côte d’Ivoire must hold a resident card, and a Consular card if you are an ECOWAS national, with costs as follows:

• 150,000 FCFA for French nationals
• 300,000 FCFA for other nationalities

In case of loss, a replacement requires:

• A copy of the passport or consular card
• A declaration of loss
• The old card, if available

Documents written in a language other than French must be translated and certified.

Declaration and Renewal of Employment Contract for Non-Nationals

The employment contract of non-nationals is annual and renewable every year. Before any declaration, you must be assured that you have the documents below;

1. An employment contract form for a non-Ivorian worker to be completed in four (4) copies by the employer (available at the Youth Employment Agency, at the visa service, and also available in digital version.
2. A renewal form to be collected at the Youth Employment Agency and completed in duplicate; a digital version is available. Attached a copy of the most recent pay slip or one of the last three months.
3. Application form for non-Ivorian card (renewal) and documents to be attached.

In Conclusion

For companies operating in Côte d’Ivoire, it is essential to understand and comply with the visa and employment regulations for non-Ivorian personnel. Compliance with these procedures ensures both legal operation and alignment with national employment objectives. Employers are advised to engage with AGEPE early in the recruitment process and seek professional guidance where necessary to navigate the procedural requirements effectively.