For a foreign student admitted as a non-immigrant for studies in Mali.
Documents: 1Report facts: 3
Western Africa · Immigration
Mali
Mali sits in Western Africa. Its immigration system runs 13 distinct routes — led by family, short stays and visits and long-term residence, each set out in official law. 12 of them cite an official government source, shown on the route with the date we last read it. Who actually qualifies depends on your full profile.
5 further routes are recorded for Mali but not shown here — their details are still under review.
- Immigration routes
- 13across 6 route categories, each set out in official law
- Source-cited routes
- 12 of 13cite an official government source, with the date we last read it
- Largest category
- Family5 of the 13 routes — see them under Family below
- Region
- Western Africa
- Capital
- Bamako
- Population
- 25,198,821
- Official language
- French
- Currency
- XOF
- Time zone
- UTC
Source-cited pathways
Immigration routes
All 13 routes, grouped by purpose — 12 of 13 cite an official government source directly. Any route below without one says so on the route.
Study
1 route
Family
5 routes
For the spouse or qualifying child of a foreign resident-card holder after authorization for family reunification.
Process & costs: 3Report facts: 6
Official government source: diplomatiemdc.gouv.ml · checked 2026-07-27
For a dependent ascendant of the spouse of a Malian citizen.
Process & costs: 3Report facts: 5
Official government source: diplomatiemdc.gouv.ml · checked 2026-07-27
For a foreign child of a Malian citizen who is under 18 or remains dependent on the parents.
Process & costs: 3Report facts: 4
Official government source: diplomatiemdc.gouv.ml · checked 2026-07-27
For a foreign parent of a Malian child residing in Mali who exercises parental authority or effectively supports the child.
Process & costs: 3Report facts: 5
Official government source: diplomatiemdc.gouv.ml · checked 2026-07-27
For a foreign national married for at least three months to a Malian citizen.
Documents: 1Process & costs: 4Report facts: 2
Official government source: diplomatiemdc.gouv.ml · checked 2026-07-27
Long-term residence
2 routes
For a foreign immigrant intending to establish residence or conduct permanent lucrative or professional activity in Mali.
Process & costs: 2Report facts: 3
Official government source: diplomatiemdc.gouv.ml · checked 2026-07-27
For a non-immigrant aged over 18 who remains in Mali after three months.
Eligibility: 1Process & costs: 2Report facts: 4
Official government source: diplomatiemdc.gouv.ml · checked 2026-07-27
Short stays and visits
3 routes
For a foreign national entering Mali for a temporary business visit rather than local employment.
Documents: 1Report facts: 4
For a foreign national who requires permission to enter Mali for a temporary purpose.
Documents: 2Process & costs: 2Report facts: 5
For an eligible traveller requiring repeated entries during the authorized period.
Documents: 1Process & costs: 1Report facts: 4
Official government source: diplomatiemdc.gouv.ml · checked 2026-07-27
Humanitarian protection
1 route
Asylum and Refugee StatusUnknown
For a person requesting recognition as a refugee under Mali's national protection framework.
Process & costs: 1Report facts: 1
Source pending confirmation: rimap.unhcr.org · checked 2026-07-27
Transit
1 route
For a traveller passing through Mali en route to another destination.
Report facts: 2
Official government source: diplomatiemdc.gouv.ml · checked 2026-07-27
Official sources
- Ministere Securite Police FrontieresGovernment
See which Mali routes you actually qualify for.
Take the free 3-minute check for your verdict, country by country — then unlock the full report.