Moving to Madagascar

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the visa and residence permit process for Madagascar largely depends on your nationality and the purpose of your stay. Citizens from certain regions, such as the European Union, may have different entry requirements or easier pathways compared to non-EU citizens. Common routes for obtaining a long-term stay include work permits, family reunification visas, study visas, or a general residence permit.

For work permits, you will typically need a sponsoring employer in Madagascar. Family reunification is applicable if you are joining a spouse or parent who is a Malagasy citizen or legal resident. Study visas require acceptance into an educational institution. A general residence permit is often sought by those who intend to live in Madagascar without working, provided they can demonstrate sufficient financial means.

It is crucial to verify the most current requirements, application procedures, and necessary documentation directly with the Malagasy embassy or consulate in your home country, or with the relevant immigration authorities in Madagascar upon arrival. Regulations can change, so always rely on official sources for the most accurate information.

Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in Madagascar, especially in major cities like Antananarivo or Toamasina, can be done through various channels. Local real estate agents are a common and often recommended option, as they have a good understanding of the market and can help bridge language barriers. Online property portals, local classifieds, and word-of-mouth within expatriate communities are also valuable resources.

The typical rental process usually involves viewing properties, negotiating terms, and signing a rental agreement. Most landlords will require a security deposit, which commonly ranges from one to three months' rent, in addition to the first month's rent upfront. This deposit is refundable at the end of your tenancy, provided the property is returned in good condition.

For temporary housing upon arrival, options include serviced apartments, guesthouses, or short-term rentals, which can be arranged before your move. This allows you time to search for a more permanent solution once you are on the ground. Long-term leases are generally for one year, often renewable. It's advisable to have a local contact or a trusted agent review any rental agreement before signing.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The overall cost of relocating to Madagascar is influenced by several key factors. The volume and weight of your belongings are primary determinants; more items naturally mean higher shipping costs. The distance of your move, specifically the origin country to Madagascar, also plays a significant role, with longer distances incurring greater expenses due to fuel and transit times.

The season in which you move can also impact costs, as peak moving seasons might see higher demand and prices. Accessibility at both your origin and destination addresses, such as whether there are stairs, narrow roads, or remote locations, can add to labor and logistical charges. Finally, any extra services you opt for, such as professional packing and unpacking, specialized handling for fragile or valuable items, storage solutions, or customs clearance assistance, will contribute to the total cost.

For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, it is always best to request a free, no-obligation quote from a reputable relocation service.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized relocation timeline is essential for a smooth move to Madagascar. We recommend starting preparations 4-8 weeks in advance:

• 8 Weeks Out:
  • Begin decluttering your home. Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard.
  • Research visa and residence permit requirements thoroughly.
  • Obtain multiple quotes from international relocation companies.
• 6 Weeks Out:
  • Confirm your relocation service and schedule your packing/shipping dates.
  • Start gathering essential documents: passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic records, medical records, driver's license, and any visa/residence permit paperwork. Make digital and physical copies.
  • Notify schools, landlords, and any other relevant parties of your move.
• 4 Weeks Out:
  • Arrange for utility disconnections (electricity, water, internet) at your current residence.
  • Set up mail forwarding.
  • Begin packing non-essential items. Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room.
  • Confirm travel arrangements to Madagascar.
• 2 Weeks Out:
  • Pack a "first-night" box with essentials like toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, important documents, and chargers.
  • Withdraw local currency for immediate expenses upon arrival.
  • Confirm final details with your relocation company.
• 1 Week Out:
  • Clean your current home.
  • Confirm all utility disconnections and final readings.
  • Ensure all essential documents are easily accessible for travel.

When packing, prioritize durability and protection against humidity. Use strong boxes, plenty of packing material, and consider vacuum-sealing clothes to save space and protect against moisture. Keep all critical documents and valuables with you during your journey.

Request a free quote on relocation123.com to start planning your move to Madagascar today.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

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Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Madagascar: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to Madagascar involves navigating specific customs and import regulations. This guide provides a clear, user-friendly overview to help you prepare for a smooth transition, ensuring your belongings arrive without unexpected delays or costs.

If you're relocating as a new resident (Foreign Citizens)

Foreign citizens moving to Madagascar can import their used household goods. To qualify for potential tax exemption, you must have a long-stay visa or resident card valid for more than one year. Approval for your shipment can only be granted once you are in Madagascar and know the issue date of your long-stay visa.

What you'll need

• Client's passport (more than one year old)
• Original or copy of plane ticket with original boarding pass and/or baggage ticket, or email from the airline/travel agency
• Signed list of books, CDs, and DVDs
• Original detailed inventory, signed by the Madagascar Embassy or Malagasy Consulate, with all items valued
• Madagascar Embassy/Malagasy Consulate Relocation Certificate (FDD) from your country of departure OR a Ministry of Foreign Affairs non-representation certificate in Madagascar
• Certificate of Change of Residence from the Town Hall of your city of departure
• Handwritten letter to the Head of Customs Regulation and Legislation Department requesting tax exemption
• Letter of Commitment legalized by Malagasy Town Hall (form provided to client)
• Free of charge letter legalized by Malagasy Town Hall (form provided to client)
• Long-stay visa or resident card (more than 1 year)
• Residence certificate in Madagascar
• Copy of JIRAMA bill (electricity and water bill in Madagascar)
• Certified copy of passport from Madagascar Town Hall
• If applicable, proof of passage in Madagascar during the last 12 months before final arrival
• Proof of break of stay in case of travel out of Madagascar after final arrival

Good to know

• For expatriate workers, additional documents include employment authorization from EDBM Madagascar, a certificate of employment, and a copy of your work contract.
• French teachers/development workers (AEFE) will need a certificate of non-employment from EDBM Madagascar, a certificate of employment, a copy of their work contract, and their AEFE contract/transfer for more than one year.
• Investors require a certificate of non-employment from EDBM Madagascar, a certificate of employment, a copy of their work contract, a letter of nomination for employment, and certified copies of the company's status.
• For family reunion visas, you'll need a long-stay visa for family reunification, a marriage certificate or family record book, and your original foreign identity card.

Returning residents (Malagasy Citizens)

Malagasy citizens returning to Madagascar can import their household goods. Similar to foreign citizens, strict compliance with customs regulations is required to avoid duties.

What you'll need

• Client's passport (more than one year old) and foreign passport for dual nationality (if applicable)
• Original or copy of plane ticket with original boarding pass and/or baggage ticket, or email from the airline/travel agency
• Signed list of books, CDs, and DVDs
• Original detailed inventory, signed by the Madagascar Embassy or Malagasy Consulate, with all items valued
• Madagascar Embassy/Malagasy Consulate Relocation Certificate (FDD) from your country of departure OR a Ministry of Foreign Affairs non-representation certificate in Madagascar
• Certificate of Change of Residence from the Town Hall of your city of departure
• Visa/residence permit in the country of departure (more than one year before final arrival date)
• Handwritten letter to the Head of Customs Regulation and Legislation Department requesting tax exemption
• Letter of Commitment legalized by Malagasy Town Hall (form provided to client)
• Free of charge letter legalized by Malagasy Town Hall (form provided to client)
• Residence certificate in Madagascar
• Copy of JIRAMA bill (electricity and water bill in Madagascar)
• Certified copy of passport from Madagascar Town Hall
• Copy of Malagasy identity card
• If applicable, proof of passage in Madagascar during the last 12 months before final arrival
• Proof of break of stay in case of travel out of Madagascar after final arrival

Good to know

• Proof of a Malagasy bank account (RIB) is required for tax payment procedures.

Diplomatic moves (Accredited Foreign Diplomats)

Accredited foreign diplomats benefit from specific duty exemption procedures for their household goods.

What you'll need

• Copy of passport and visa, certified by the municipality or embassy
• 'Attestation de Destination' (official Duty Exemption Permit)
• Work Certification / MIDAC
• Title document (original or certified copy) if a vehicle is being imported

Good to know

• Diplomatic shipments are exempt from the SGS managed cargo tracking system (CTN / BSC).

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Importing a vehicle to Madagascar has specific requirements and restrictions.

What you'll need

• Registration certificate (carte grise) of the vehicle/motorcycle, issued more than one year ago in the country of departure
• Vendor invoice for new vehicles
• For foreigners, a long-stay visa strictly longer than one year in Madagascar is required for tax exemption procedures.

Good to know

• Vehicles with right-hand steering are NOT allowed for import into Madagascar.
• For all non-diplomatic shipments, vehicles are unloaded from the sea container at the port of entry and undergo a Gasynet inspection at the port before being delivered to Antananarivo by a special vehicle carrier.
• The inspection process can be lengthy and may incur port storage charges, which must be paid by the shipper before delivery.

Restricted & prohibited items

Certain items are either prohibited or subject to strict restrictions for import.

• Firearms and ammunition are prohibited.
• Any new items (only used household goods are generally permitted for duty-free import).
• Household and garden tools are subject to import duty, even if used.
• Non-prescription drugs are prohibited.
• More than one type of appliance per shipper (e.g., two hair dryers are not allowed).
• Vegetable matter of any kind is prohibited.
• Pornographic materials of any kind are prohibited.
• Foodstuffs are prohibited.
• Animal skins are prohibited.

Alcohol & tobacco

Alcohol, tobacco, and cigarettes are admitted tax-free only in limited quantities:

• 2 liters of whisky
• 2 liters of champagne
• 4 liters of wine/sparkling wine
• 4 liters of liqueur
• 2 cartridges of twenty packs of cigarettes
• 50 units of cigarillos and cigars
• 250 units of tobacco

Frequently asked questions

What are the import duties for household goods?
Import duties are approximately 46% of the cost and freight value if tax exemption requirements are not met.

Is there a cargo tracking system for shipments to Madagascar?
Yes, customs authorities operate an SGS managed cargo tracking system (CTN / BSC) for all non-diplomatic shippers. It is the shipper's responsibility to proceed with this process.

When can I get approval for my shipment?
For foreign nationals, the "green light" for shipment can only be given once you have arrived in Madagascar and are aware of the date your long-stay visa was issued.

Are containers inspected upon arrival?
Containers are scanned at the port but are not subject to a physical customs inspection unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Can I import new items duty-free?
No, only used household goods are generally eligible for duty-free import. New items are typically subject to duties.

What if I travel out of Madagascar after my final arrival?
You will need to provide proof of a break of stay in such cases.

For personalized assistance with your move to Madagascar, please contact relocation123.com.

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