Foreign nationals planning to travel to Myanmar for business purposes are required to obtain a Myanmar (Burma) business visa. Fortunately, citizens from over 50 countries can now conveniently apply for this essential document online, eliminating the need to visit the embassy or consulate. The Myanmar eVisa application process is both quicker and simpler compared to the traditional paper visa application method. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide detailed information on the requirements for obtaining a business visa, including the necessary documentation and steps involved in the application process.

What is the Myanmar Visa Letter of Invitation?

The first crucial document required to obtain a Myanmar business visa is the Letter of Invitation from a registered company. This letter serves as an official invitation from a company registered in Myanmar, inviting the applicant to engage in business activities within the country. It is important to note that the invitation letter must be addressed directly to the applicant by name, rather than to the embassy or immigration office in Myanmar.

Obtaining a Letter of Invitation

To secure a business visa for Myanmar, applicants must provide a Letter of Invitation from a registered company. This invitation serves as a document from a company registered in Myanmar, formally inviting the applicant to engage in business activities within the country. It is important to note that the invitation letter must be addressed directly to the applicant by name, as addressing it to the embassy or immigration office in Myanmar is not permitted.

The Letter of Invitation should contain the following specific details:

• Recipient’s full name as it appears on the passport and their title.
• Applicant’s job role or position within the company.
• Brief description of the purpose of the trip to Myanmar.
• Duration of the trip or the intended time frame.
• Full name of the inviting company.
• Registered address of the inviting company.

It is essential that the invitation letter is printed on the company’s official letterhead, bearing the company logo. Additionally, the letter must be signed by an authorized representative of the inviting company. Any letter that does not meet these requirements may not be accepted. Applicants should upload the invitation letter while completing the online business visa application.

Company Registration Certificate

A Company Registration Certificate is another important document required for a Myanmar business visa application. The visa applicant must have a guarantor from the registered Myanmar company inviting them to conduct business within the country. The guarantor should be either the Managing Director or the owner of the company, as they are the only ones authorized to provide a Company Registration Certificate.

The local inviting company registration certificate can take one of two forms:

• For local companies: A Certificate of Incorporation, which serves as a license to form a corporation issued by the state.
• For foreign investment companies: A Certificate of Registration of Branch Office, which acts as a license to establish a branch office issued by the state.

Business visa applicants should ensure they obtain the relevant Company Registration Certificate from the inviting company and upload it during the eVisa application process.

Additional Documents Required

In addition to the Invitation Letter and Company Registration Certificate, applicants must fulfill several other requirements to complete the Myanmar business visa application. These include:

• A valid passport from an eligible country with a minimum validity of 6 months.
• Passport details, including type, citizenship/nationality, passport number, place and date of issue, and expiration date.
• Date of birth as it appears on the passport.
• Country of birth.
• Full name as it appears on the passport.

Applicants must also provide a recent passport-style color photograph, taken within the last 3 months. It is crucial to ensure that the photograph meets all the Myanmar photo requirements; otherwise, the application may be denied.

Please note that the business eVisa application will only be granted if both the invitation letter and company registration certificate are provided. Once approved, the business visa will be emailed to the applicant, who is required to print it out and present it at the port of entry. The business visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, and entry will not be permitted once this validity period has elapsed. In such cases, a new visa must be requested.

Corporate travelers holding a business visa are allowed to stay in Myanmar for a maximum of 70 days.

Applying for a Myanmar Business Visa Extension

If visitors require more than the standard 70-day allowance to complete their business activities in Myanmar, they will need to apply for a visa extension. It is important to note that overstaying the visa can result in fines and create problems with accommodation. Additionally, without a valid visa, domestic flights within Myanmar may not be possible, and future travel to Myanmar could be restricted.

To apply for a business visa extension, current visa holders need to present a relevant Ministry recommendation letter. For assistance with extending their business visa, applicants should contact an embassy or consulate.

Conclusion

Obtaining a business visa for Myanmar involves specific documentation, including a Letter of Invitation and a Company Registration Certificate. By adhering to the requirements and following the application process diligently, foreign business travelers can ensure a smooth entry into Myanmar and carry out their business activities seamlessly.