Annual Residence Permit - Work (إقامة سنوية للعمل)

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Annual Residence Permit - Work (إقامة سنوية للعمل)

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Estimated Cost

Free

Stay Duration

1 year

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Overview

One-year renewable residence permit for foreign workers holding a valid work permit from the Ministry of Labor.

The Annual Residence Permit for work is a renewable legal document that allows foreign nationals to reside in Lebanon for one year while employed. This permit is the natural progression for an individual who has already secured a valid work permit issued by the Ministry of Labor. It formalizes the worker's stay, ensuring they are legally recognized by the General Security Directorate, and is a mandatory requirement for any foreign national wishing to maintain long-term employment status within the country.

This permit is intended for foreign employees who have successfully obtained their work permit and are currently under contract with a Lebanese employer. A distinctive requirement for this permit is the mandatory provision of health insurance, which must be issued by an insurance company accredited by the Ministry of Labor. This ensures that the foreign worker has adequate medical coverage throughout their stay. The permit is renewable annually, provided the employment relationship remains active and the worker continues to meet all legal and health-related requirements.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must have a valid work permit issued by the Ministry of Labor.

Must be sponsored by a Lebanese employer or company.

Must have a passport valid for at least one year.

Must undergo a medical examination in Lebanon.

Must maintain valid health insurance.

Must not have an Israeli stamp or visa in the passport.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Experience

1+ years

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport (at least 1 year validity) and copies.

Work permit issued by the Ministry of Labor.

Employment contract (notarized).

Medical examination report.

Proof of health insurance.

Application form signed by the applicant and employer.

Recent passport-sized photographs (typically 3-4).

Commercial register of the sponsoring company.

Family civil registry extract (if applicable).

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Allows for legal long-term residence in Lebanon.
Enables the holder to work legally for the sponsoring employer.
Renewable annually.
Can often be extended to include family members (spouse and children).

Worth Knowing

Work permits are tied to a specific employer; changing jobs requires a new permit process.
Failure to renew on time results in fines and potential legal issues.
Spouses of workers are generally not permitted to work under the worker's residence permit.
The process is bureaucratic and requires significant coordination between the employer and government agencies.

Application Process

Employer secures initial approval from the Ministry of Labor.

Applicant enters Lebanon using a work entry visa.

Employer submits the work permit application to the Ministry of Labor within 10 days of arrival.

Applicant undergoes medical tests.

Once the work permit is granted, the applicant applies for the annual residence permit at the General Directorate of General Security.

Submit all required documentation and pay applicable fees.

Application Forms

Residency Permit Application

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