Visa Guide: Move Abroad Without Paying an Agent
Every year Africans lose millions to "agents" who promise visas. The truth is you can apply yourself. Pick a country below to see exactly where to apply, the step-by-step procedure, costs, processing times and the documents you need — all linked to official government sources.
This guide is free educational information compiled from official government sources. Immigration rules change often — always confirm the latest details and apply only through the official links we provide. TontonAfriJobs is not an immigration agent and never charges fees.
Japan
Japan needs workers and uses a "Certificate of Eligibility" (COE) that your employer or school gets first, making your visa easy to obtain.
South Korea
South Korea has clear visa codes: E-7 for skilled work, D-10 to job-hunt, D-2 to study and F-6 for marriage. Apply online via HiKorea.
Singapore
Singapore is English-speaking and business-friendly. Work passes (Employment Pass, S Pass) are employer-applied through the Ministry of Manpower.
Malaysia
Malaysia is affordable, English-friendly and Muslim-majority. Professionals use the Employment Pass; remote workers can use the DE Rantau Nomad Pass.
China
China actively recruits skilled foreign workers (the Z visa) and hosts a large number of African students, but strictly requires a confirmed job offer or admission before any visa is issued.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong runs one of Asia's most business-friendly, quota-free visa systems, including the Top Talent Pass Scheme, which lets qualified professionals apply without needing a job offer first.
Thailand
Thailand requires two separate approvals for work — a Non-Immigrant "B" visa to enter, then a work permit to actually work — but has one of Asia's most accessible student visa routes.
Taiwan
Taiwan offers the unique Employment Gold Card — a 4-in-1 work permit, visa, residence card and re-entry permit for senior professionals, needing no employer sponsorship — but has almost no formal presence in Africa to apply from.
Vietnam
Vietnam is a fast-growing manufacturing and teaching-English destination with a genuinely low-cost e-Visa system, though the actual work permit still requires employer sponsorship and a degree.
Indonesia
IMPORTANT: Indonesia requires a special "Calling Visa" — extra security screening that can take up to 3 months with no guarantee of approval — for passport holders from several African countries, including Nigeria, Liberia and Somalia. Cameroonian nationals face higher visa fees. Check this before planning your move.
Philippines
The Philippines requires two separate government approvals for work — DOLE's Alien Employment Permit and the Bureau of Immigration's 9(g) visa — and 2026 reforms have slowed processing to 3-5 months.
Found your destination? Now find the job.
Most work visas need a job offer first. Browse visa-sponsored and remote roles open to Africans, then build a country-tailored CV — both free.