Certificate of Employment – Manufacturing
A Certificate of Employment authorises a foreign national to work for a specified employer and role in Lesotho’s manufacturing sector. Certificates are typically granted up to two years; shorter durations are possible. NES may request evidence of local recruitment attempts.
| Step | Action | Documents (typical) | Indicative time | Govt fees | Investor notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Employer and role confirmed | Company registration; trader’s licence; tax clearance; contract; job description; cover letter | 1–2 weeks (prep) | — | Align job title across all documents |
| 2 | If requested: labour-market test with NES | Vacancy posting; interview notes; NES correspondence | 1–2 weeks | — | Retain evidence for audits |
| 3 | Apply to NES | Application form; certified passport; academic/professional certificates; CV; police clearance; medical | ≈5–10 working days | App M500; ≤6m M1,500; 6–23m M2,500; 2y M3,000; ID ~M350 | Submit complete set to avoid queries |
| 4 | Collect certificate and ID card | NES outcome; ID card | — | — | Diarise renewal |
Certificate of Employment – Nursing
Nursing roles require both the NES Certificate of Employment and professional registration with the Lesotho Nursing Council (LNC). Employers should confirm scope of practice and hospital accreditation before filing.
| Step | Action | Documents (typical) | Indicative time | Govt fees | Investor notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sponsorship and role | Employer letter; job description | — | — | Define scope of practice |
| 2 | Professional registration | LNC registration; proof of good standing | Varies | Council fees | Check LNC rules for expatriates |
| 3 | Apply to NES | Application; passport; qualifications; police and medical; employer pack | Follows manufacturing bands | Same fee bands as manufacturing | Keep originals for inspection |
| 4 | Collect certificate and ID card | NES outcome; ID card | — | — | Plan onboarding after card issue |
Certificate of Employment – Medical, Dental and Pharmacy
Medical practitioners, dentists and pharmacists must obtain the NES Certificate of Employment and register with the Lesotho Medical, Dental and Pharmacy Council (LMDPC). Some applicants require primary-source verification (e.g., EPIC) before council registration.
| Step | Action | Documents (typical) | Indicative time | Govt fees | Investor notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Confirm eligibility and register with LMDPC | Council application; qualifications; good-standing letters | Varies | Council fees | EPIC/primary- source verification may apply |
| 2 | Apply to NES for certificate | Application; passport; police and medical; employer pack | Follows manufacturing bands | Manufacturing-aligned bands | Align role title with council registration |
| 3 | Collect certificate and ID card | NES outcome; ID card | — | — | Coordinate start date |
