Residence in Burkina Faso: permits and requirements
Living legally in Burkina Faso is possible through 2 permit types: temporary, permanent. Each program has its own requirements; below are the duration, renewal, costs and documentation according to the country's official sources.
Temporary residence card (Carte de séjour)
Residence type #1 of 2
Stay permit for foreigners settled for more than three months; renewable annually at the foreigners' police services.
Requirements
- Regular entry and stay exceeding three months
- Proof of purpose (work, studies, family)
- Registration and fees
- Maintain a valid title (visa long séjour or carte de résident)
- ECOWAS: exempt from permis de résidence, with a valid consular identity card
- Diplomatic missions and international organizations: carte de résident issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Change of residence: prior declaration to the migration control police services
Documentation
- Passport
- Visa
- Proof of purpose and residence
- Photographs
- Fees
- Passport and valid long-stay visa
- Photographs
- DEI form
- Required certificates (health and accommodation)
Frequently asked questions about residence in Burkina Faso
How many types of residence permits are there in Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso offers 2 residence permit types, grouped into the categories temporary, permanent. Each permit has its own requirements, duration and documentation, detailed in this fact sheet according to the country's official sources.
How long do residence permits in Burkina Faso last?
Durations vary by permit type: 5 years renewable; after 5 years of residence a permanent resident card can be applied for; Long-term (renewable). The exact details of each type appear in the corresponding fact sheet.
Can residence permits in Burkina Faso be renewed?
Yes. All residence permit types of Burkina Faso (2 in total) are renewable before their expiration, according to the rules of each program.
What documentation is usually required to reside in Burkina Faso?
Although each permit requires its own file, the most recurrent documents are: Passport; Photographs; Tasas; Visado; Proof of purpose and residence. The complete list by residence type appears in each fact sheet, together with the corresponding official link.
Does residence in Burkina Faso lead to nationality?
Yes, through the Nationality of adults born in Burkina Faso to foreign parents pathway, which requires 5 years prior to reaching the age of majority of legal residence. The complete requirements are in the nationality fact sheet of Burkina Faso.
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Anything to correct or add about Burkina Faso?
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