The Government of Eswatini is preparing to introduce a new investment visa that will offer legal residency to qualifying foreign investors.
Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, made the announcement on Wednesday during a welcome reception for a Taiwanese business delegation hosted at Mountain Inn in Mbabane. The visiting delegation was led by Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Lin Chia Lung, and Ambassador Jeremy Liang.
Khumalo said the Ministry, working with the Ministry of Home Affairs, is finalising amendments to the Immigration Act to create a new visa category aimed at attracting high-impact foreign investment. The proposed legislation is expected to be tabled in Parliament before the end of the year.
“The visa won’t grant citizenship but will allow legal residency for those who meet specific thresholds. This includes investing above a certain amount, employing locals, and adding measurable value to the economy,” Khumalo said.
Until the new legal framework is in place, investors will continue using the ordinary work permit system.
The Minister noted that 22 Taiwanese-owned companies currently operate in Eswatini, including a recent addition—Paper Tech, a corrugated packaging manufacturer based in Matsapha that serves both local and export markets.
He said the growing number of Taiwanese investors reflects their confidence in Eswatini’s economic stability and the strong diplomatic relationship between the two countries.
Khumalo also announced the imminent launch of a One-Stop Business Service Centre in Mbabane, which will centralise government services related to work permits, compliance certification, and other business needs.
“Staff training and office preparation are ongoing. This initiative will improve efficiency for investors and local businesses alike,” he said.
He added that Eswatini aims to move away from exporting raw materials and focus on producing finished goods through industrialisation.
The event was coordinated by the Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association (CIECA), which brought over 30 Taiwanese business leaders to explore investment opportunities in the kingdom.
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