Settling in the DRC

In the Democratic Republic, the settlement process is overseen by the government body known as the Direction Générale de Migration (DGM). This organization has the exclusive authority and power to grant settlement visas to foreign nationals wishing to settle in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Please find below the different types of settlement visas in the DRC and their conditions:

In accordance with the law and regulations, the Direction Générale de Migration is authorized to issue visas to expatriates wishing to visit or settle in the DRC.

Visas can only be granted to applicants who meet the conditions laid down in the law and regulations.

A. Visa nomenclature and granting conditions.

The nomenclature of visas issued by the DGM and the conditions for granting them are as follows:

Visa Volant :

authorization granted by the Director General to an expatriate from a country where the DRC has no diplomatic or consular representation. This authorization enables the interested party to arrive at the border and obtain an airport or port visa to enter Congolese territory. It is also granted to guests of the Congolese Government.

NB: Visa prices are set by interministerial decree (Ministry of Finance, Budget and Interior, Decentralization & Security).

Conditions for obtaining a flying visa :

Letter of request addressed by the applicant to the Director General of the Direction Générale de Migration.
Photocopy of the applicant’s passport,
Photocopy of transferee’s identity, if Congolese, or passport, if foreign.

Airport / Port visa :

issued at the point of entry to the beneficiary of the Flying Visa, or by express authorization of the General Manager. Valid for 7 days. After this period, the applicant must regularize his or her stay with the Chancellery Services at the General or Provincial Migration Directorate.

Travel Visa :

Issued by the DRC’s diplomatic and consular missions abroad, this allows the beneficiary to cross the border if he/she meets the following conditions:

Hold a valid passport,
Have sufficient means of subsistence,
Be taken in charge by a legal entity or individual legally established in the DRC.

Establishment visas

Issued to foreigners wishing to settle in the DRC,
These visas confer not only resident status, but also the right to carry out professional or economic activities under the conditions laid down by law.

Types of Visa of Establishment

Ordinary Establishment Visa
Visa d’Etablissement de Travail
Specific Work Establishment Visa
Establishment Visa for Studies
Settlement Visa for foreign spouses of nationals (matrimonial)
Special Establishment Visa
Permanent Establishment Visa

General conditions for all Establishment Visas

Legal residence in the DRC
Residence in the DRC for at least six months
Hold a valid passport (at least six months)
Complete the application form in full
Complete the registration form in full
Submit 4 recent, identical passport photos
International vaccination card
Proof of good conduct from your country and commune of residence (less than 3 months old)
Proof of residence issued by the commune of residence (less than 3 months old)
Present original and copy of consular or registration certificate
Sufficient means of subsistence

a) Visa d’Etablissement Ordinaire (3 years)

Special conditions

For Merchants

Company articles of association (notarized)
New Commercial Register (NRC)
National Identification Number (Id. Nat.)
Proof of tax status
Proof of membership of INPP, INSS and an employers’ union recognized in the DRC (e.g. FEC, COPEMECO, FENAPEC, etc.).
Proof of working capital in a local bank (bank statement)
No petty trading

For profit-making liberal professions

Corporation approval or license
Proof of compliance with tax regulations
Proof of working capital of at least USD 5,000 in a local bank
New Commercial Register (NRC)
National Identification Number (Id. Nat.)

For philanthropic professions (Missionaries)

Letter of request from the legal representative of the community or congregation addressed to the Director General of the DGM
Approval (photocopy) of the community or ASBL
Missionary or service certificate
Legal representative’s legalized undertaking to take charge of the project

For Diamond and Gold Comptoirs

Legalized photocopy of Ministry of Mines approval order
Proof of deposit of USD 50,000 in a local bank
Legalized photocopy of the New Trade Register
Legalized photocopy of National Identification Card
Proof of tax status
Proof of membership of INPP, INSS and an employers’ union recognized in the DRC.

b) Visa d’Etablissement de Travail (1 to 2 years)

Issued to foreigners wishing to work under contract in the DRC. The work visa is valid for the same period as the work permit.

Special conditions

Holder of a work permit
To present an employment contract approved by the Office National de l’Emploi (National Employment Office)
Qualification and proof of qualification
Proof of service

c) Specific Work Establishment Visa

This is granted for a period not exceeding 1 year. It is non-renewable.

d) Establishment visa for studies

Proof of admission to an accredited educational establishment
Notarized undertaking to pay tuition fees or proof of a scholarship.
For researchers, document endorsed by the Ministry responsible for scientific research (still valid for at least 3 months).

e) Settlement visa for foreign spouses of nationals (Matrimonial)

Marriage certificate (photocopy)
Legalized photocopy of spouse’s identity card
Legalized photocopy of marital authorization (for wives)

NB : The Visa Sortie-Retour is granted for one or more trips to any foreigner holding a Visa d’Etablissement who wishes to travel outside the country. It is valid for 7 months from the first exit, and 11 months for philanthropic professions, missionaries and non-profit organizations.

f) Special Establishment Visa (5 to 10 years)

Granted to promoters or agents of new companies approved under the investment code. Holders of special visas are entitled to a free exit-return visa.

Special conditions

A letter of application must be sent to the Director General of the Direction Générale de Migration.
Submit approval from the National Investment Promotion Agency (ANAPI)
Enclose the project’s inter-ministerial approval order.

g) Permanent Establishment Visa

Permanent Establishment Visas are issued for an indefinite period. Its holder is exempt from the exit-return visa requirement.

Special conditions

A letter of application must be sent to the Director General of the Migration Department.
Regular residence in the DRC without interruption for at least 15 years
be engaged in agricultural, liberal, commercial or industrial activities
Be in good standing with the tax authorities

NB: All foreigners holding a Permanent Visa are exempt from the Exit-Return Visa requirement.

B. Passport and visa exemptions

Passport and Visa

a) Foreigners under 15 years of age, provided their identity is shown on the passport of the parent, ascendant or guardian they are accompanying;

b) Foreigners who are members of the crews of airlines or shipping companies making stopovers in the DRC, on condition that they hold a valid crew member’s license or certificate.

Transit visas

a) Foreigners in transit exclusively by air or sea, provided they do not leave the airport or port limits during their stopover:

b) Foreigners transiting through the DRC, exclusively by air, who must wait for the time strictly necessary to catch the first connection allowing them to continue their journey;

c) Foreigners who, as airline passengers, make a stopover at Kinshasa airport and continue their journey by air from Brazzaville airport, it being understood that they may also benefit from this exemption in the Kinshasa – Brazzaville direction;

d) Crew members of airlines or shipping lines calling in the DRC, on condition that they hold a valid crew member’s license or certificate.

Source: DGM