Residence in Democratic Republic of the Congo: permits and requirements
Living legally in Democratic Republic of the Congo is possible through 4 permit types: permanent, work, study, family. Each program has its own requirements; below are the duration, renewal, costs and documentation according to the country's official sources.
Establishment visa
Residence type #1 of 4
Long-stay visa that allows establishing residence in the DRC; issued by the Directorate General of Migration (DGM).
Requirements
- Contract or project justifying the establishment
- Entry visa and DGM registration
- Certificates and fees
- Visa according to the purpose of stay; registration and carte de séjour after arrival (DGM practice)
- Long séjour/résidence categories on the evisa.gouv.cd portal
Documentation
- Passport
- Employment contract
- Good conduct certificate and medical
- Photographs
- Fees
- Passport valid ≥6 months
- Photographs, invitation/contract
- Proof of means and accommodation
- Fees by category
We could not verify the official portal
The official portal was not reachable during our latest review. The information was cross-checked against the sources listed below. Please confirm the requirements on the official portal before starting your application.
- Décret 09/10 del 30-mar-2009 — Portal DGM orientado a e-visas; régimen descrito por fuentes legales citadas (Décret 09/10, ordonnance-loi 1983)
- Ordonnance-loi 81-003 de 1983 — 2026-10-15
- Análisis jurídico de Avocats.cd — 2026-10-15
Frequently asked questions about residence in Democratic Republic of the Congo
How many types of residence permits are there in Democratic Republic of the Congo?
Democratic Republic of the Congo offers 4 residence permit types, grouped into the categories permanent, work, study, family. 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 Democratic Republic of the Congo last?
Durations vary by permit type: 2 years renewable (carte de résident after an establishment visa, issued by the DGM in the residence district; Decree 09/10 of 2009); Depending on contract (renewable); Program duration (renewable); Same as principal holder (renewable). The exact details of each type appear in the corresponding fact sheet.
Can residence permits in Democratic Republic of the Congo be renewed?
Yes. All residence permit types of Democratic Republic of the Congo (4 in total) are renewable before their expiration, according to the rules of each program.
What documentation is usually required to reside in Democratic Republic of the Congo?
Although each permit requires its own file, the most recurrent documents are: Tasas; Passport; Contrato de trabajo. The complete list by residence type appears in each fact sheet, together with the corresponding official link.
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Anything to correct or add about Democratic Republic of the Congo?
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