Mozambique Announces Tiered Investor-Residency Program Starting from $500,000

Mozambique has announced the launch of a new tiered investor-residency program designed to attract foreign capital into priority sectors of the economy. Under the program, investors who commit at least USD $500,000 will be eligible for a five-year residence permit, while investments of $5 million or more will qualify for a ten-year residence permit. This places Mozambique among the highest-cost investor visa programs globally.

The announcement was made by President Daniel Chapo at the first Mozambique Tourism Summit in Vilanculos, recently designated as the country’s official tourism capital. Government officials explained that the new program aims to reduce barriers to foreign investment and provide international investors with longer-term certainty and planning stability in Mozambique.

Targeted Investment Sectors

The program is designed to direct capital toward key national development priorities, including:

• Tourism and hospitality
• Transportation and infrastructure projects
• Agriculture and agribusiness
• Renewable energy and climate-resilient development

Officials also linked the policy to Mozambique’s intention to play a more active role in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), launched in 2019 to remove tariffs on up to 90% of intra-African trade. By offering clearer residence rights to international investors, Mozambique aims to position itself as a gateway for regional business expansion across southern Africa.

Digital Application Processing

The government announced that the application process will be largely digital, with a new online application platform under development. The objective is to:

• Reduce in-person paperwork
• Improve administrative efficiency
• Shorten approval timelines
• Increase accessibility for international applicants

This reflects a broader push to modernize state services and create a more investor-friendly operating environment.

Citizenship Eligibility Still Unclear

Under Mozambique’s current law, naturalization typically requires 10 years of habitual residence. However, authorities have not yet confirmed whether investor-residents will:

• Follow the standard 10-year timeline, or
• Be offered a faster track to citizenship.

Further details regarding dependents, physical presence requirements, and renewal conditions are expected to be released in the coming weeks.

How Mozambique’s Investment Requirements Compare

Mozambique’s $5 million investment tier is among the highest in the world, signaling that the program is targeted toward high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth investors.

However, the $500,000 entry point sits in the mid-to-high range, both regionally and globally.

Comparisons Within Africa:

Comparisons Outside Africa:

Instead of competing on affordability, Mozambique is positioning itself as a strategic, growth-focused investment destination, anchored in frontier-market opportunity and long-term economic development.

Next Steps

Government officials have stated that additional program details, including launch dates and processing requirements, will be announced soon.