Residence in Burundi: permits and requirements
Living legally in Burundi is possible through 3 permit types: work, family, study. Each program has its own requirements; below are the duration, renewal, costs and documentation according to the country's official sources.
Residence card for work
Residence type #1 of 3
Residence for foreigners with a local contract under Law 1/25 of 2021 on migration regulation; processed by the General Commissionerate for Migration.
Requirements
- Employment contract with a Burundian entity
- Entry visa and migration registration
- Certificates and fees
- Reside in Burundi; application filed with the Commissariat Général des Migrations
- Conditions and fees set in the arrêté d'application (art. 247 of loi 1/25)
Documentation
- Employment contract
- Passport
- Good conduct certificate and medical
- Photographs
- Fees
- Passport
- Visa
- Proof of accommodation/activity
- Payment of fees per the arrêté
Frequently asked questions about residence in Burundi
How many types of residence permits are there in Burundi?
Burundi offers 3 residence permit types, grouped into the categories work, family, study. 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 Burundi last?
Durations vary by permit type: Up to 2 years renewable, tied to the work authorization (Decree-Law 1/007); Same validity as the sponsor, max. 2 years renewable; 1 year renewable until the end of the studies. The exact details of each type appear in the corresponding fact sheet.
Can residence permits in Burundi be renewed?
Yes. All residence permit types of Burundi (3 in total) are renewable before their expiration, according to the rules of each program.
What documentation is usually required to reside in Burundi?
Although each permit requires its own file, the most recurrent documents are: Passport; Tasas; Visado. The complete list by residence type appears in each fact sheet, together with the corresponding official link.
Does residence in Burundi lead to nationality?
Yes, through the Naturalization by residence pathway, which requires 10 years of legal residence. The complete requirements are in the nationality fact sheet of Burundi.
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Anything to correct or add about Burundi?
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