The Myanmar business eVisa allows stays of up to 70 days for professional visits including meetings, conferences, and trade activities. It costs $70 USD and requires an invitation letter from a registered Myanmar company plus the company’s registration certificate from Myanmar Companies Online (MyCO).
What Is the Myanmar Business eVisa?
The business eVisa is an electronic visa specifically designed for foreign nationals visiting Myanmar for business purposes. It is issued by the Ministry of Immigration and Population through the same online portal used for tourist eVisas (evisa.moip.gov.mm).
The business eVisa allows a maximum stay of 70 days, significantly longer than the 28-day tourist visa, making it suitable for extended business engagements, project work, and professional visits.
Eligible Activities
The business eVisa covers the following professional activities:
- Business meetings and negotiations
- Conferences and seminars
- Trade exhibitions and fairs
- Professional consultations
- Market research and business development
- Contract signing and deal finalization
- Technical training and knowledge transfer
Business eVisa Requirements
Applying for a business eVisa requires all standard visa documentation plus additional business-specific materials:
Standard Requirements
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from arrival date
- Recent color passport photo (4.6 cm x 3.8 cm)
- Passport bio-data page scan
- Valid email address
- Credit or debit card for payment
Business-Specific Requirements
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letter of Invitation | From a registered Myanmar company, addressed to the applicant, stating visit purpose and timeframe |
| Company Registration | Certificate of incorporation of the inviting Myanmar company |
| Business Requisition Letter | From the applicant’s employer confirming the business purpose |
| Company Extract | Confirming the inviting company’s current registration status |
Important Restrictions
- The inviting company must be registered in Myanmar Companies Online (MyCO)
- NGOs and INGOs are NOT eligible to issue business visa invitation letters
- The invitation letter must specifically name the applicant
- The stated purpose must align with permissible business activities
Application Process
The business eVisa application follows the same five-step process as the tourist visa:
- Register on evisa.moip.gov.mm
- Select “Business Visa” as the visa type
- Complete the form with personal, passport, and business details
- Upload documents including the invitation letter and company registration
- Pay the fee ($70 USD) and submit
Processing takes 3-5 working days for standard applications. Rush and Super Rush options are available for expedited processing.
Business eVisa vs Tourist eVisa
| Feature | Business eVisa | Tourist eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $70 USD | $50 USD |
| Maximum stay | 70 days | 28 days |
| Validity | 90 days | 90 days |
| Entry type | Single entry | Single entry |
| Required documents | Invitation letter + company docs | Hotel booking + return ticket |
| Stay extension | Available via eStay | Must apply locally |
| Activities | Business only | Tourism only |
Stay Extension for Business Visa
Business eVisa holders can extend their stay through the eStay Extension Service at estay.moip.gov.mm. This online system allows foreigners residing and working in Myanmar to apply for:
- Stay Extension: Extend beyond the initial 70-day period
- Re-entry Visa: Leave and re-enter Myanmar without a new visa
The eStay Extension Service resumed operations on September 1, 2025, and applies to all categories of business visa including embassy-issued, VOA, and eVisa business visas.
Tips for Business Travelers
- Start the invitation process early: Your Myanmar partner company needs time to prepare the invitation letter and gather their registration documents
- Verify company registration: Confirm the inviting company is registered on MyCO before initiating the application
- Keep documents consistent: Ensure names, dates, and purposes match across all submitted documents
- Carry business cards: Having business cards from both your company and the inviting company can help at immigration
- Know the entry points: Business eVisa holders must enter through designated ports of entry, same as tourist eVisa holders
- Consider eStay for long projects: If your business engagement exceeds 70 days, apply for eStay extension rather than overstaying
Business Environment in Myanmar
Myanmar’s economy presents opportunities across multiple sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, energy, telecommunications, and tourism. The country’s strategic location between India and China, combined with a young workforce and abundant natural resources, makes it an attractive destination for business investment and partnerships.
Yangon serves as the primary business hub with modern office buildings, international hotels, and growing co-working spaces. The Thilawa Special Economic Zone near Yangon hosts numerous international manufacturers. Mandalay is the main trading hub for commerce with China, while other regions offer sector-specific opportunities.
Business Etiquette in Myanmar
Understanding local business customs will help make your trip more successful:
- Greetings: A slight bow with hands pressed together (similar to the Thai wai) is the traditional greeting. Handshakes are also common in business settings.
- Business cards: Exchange business cards with both hands. Take time to read a received card before putting it away respectfully.
- Dress code: Business attire is expected in formal meetings. For men, long pants and a collared shirt (with or without a jacket). For women, modest clothing covering shoulders and knees.
- Punctuality: While being on time is appreciated, meetings may not always start promptly. Patience is important in Myanmar business culture.
- Relationship building: Business in Myanmar is relationship-driven. Expect to invest time in building trust before discussing specific deals or contracts.
Staying Connected
Mobile internet coverage in Myanmar has expanded significantly. SIM cards from local providers (MPT, Ooredoo, Telenor/Atom) are available at the airport and in cities. 4G coverage is available in major urban areas. WiFi is provided at most hotels and many cafes in tourist areas.
How to get a business visa in Myanmar?
Apply online at evisa.moip.gov.mm. Select “Business Visa,” complete the application form, upload the required business documents (invitation letter, company registration), pay $70 USD, and receive your approval within 3-5 working days.
How long does it take to get a business visa in Myanmar?
Standard processing takes 3-5 working days. Rush processing takes 4-6 working days, and Super Rush takes 2-4 working days.
What are the different types of Myanmar visas?
Myanmar issues tourist eVisas (28-day stay), business eVisas (70-day stay), traditional stamped visas through embassies, and visa on arrival for select nationalities. The eVisa is the most convenient option for eligible travelers.
Can I work in Myanmar with a business eVisa?
The business eVisa permits business activities such as meetings, conferences, and consultations. It does not authorize employment. For work purposes, a separate work permit and visa arrangement is required.
Can I convert a tourist eVisa to a business eVisa?
No, you cannot convert between visa types while in Myanmar. If you need a business visa, apply for it before traveling. If already in Myanmar on a tourist visa, you would need to exit and re-enter with a new business eVisa.