For a foreign national establishing ordinary residence in Benin on the basis of employment or a documented job promise.
Benin
Benin sits in Western Africa. Its immigration system runs 18 distinct routes — led by free movement, humanitarian protection and work, each set out in official law. 15 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.
- Immigration routes
- 18across 12 route categories, each set out in official law
- Source-cited routes
- 15 of 18cite an official government source, with the date we last read it
- Largest category
- Free movement3 of the 18 routes — see them under Free movement below
- Region
- Western Africa
- Capital
- Porto-Novo
- Population
- 14,814,460
- Official language
- French
- Currency
- XOF
- Time zone
- UTC+01:00
Immigration routes
All 18 routes, grouped by purpose — 15 of 18 cite an official government source directly. Any route below without one says so on the route.
Work
2 routes
For a foreign national entering Benin to carry out a professional activity for up to twelve months.
Investment
1 route
For a foreign investor holding an approval for a project inside a Benin special economic zone such as GDIZ, and for foreign salaried staff of approved zone enterprises. The law fixes no personal minimum investment.
Business & self-employment
1 route
For a foreign national establishing ordinary residence through a lawful income-generating professional or business activity.
Study
1 route
For a foreign national undertaking studies or training in Benin for up to twelve months.
Family
1 route
For the spouse, minor children and qualifying dependants of a person recognised as a refugee in Benin.
Independent means
1 route
For a foreign national able to support themselves in Benin or supported by a qualifying third party.
Residence-based status
1 route
For an ordinary resident who has completed two card renewals and has a qualifying durable connection to Benin.
Free movement
3 routes
For an ECOWAS citizen establishing or managing an economic activity in Benin, subject to national business and immigration formalities.
For an ECOWAS citizen seeking or carrying out income-earning employment in Benin, subject to national registration and labour formalities.
For an ECOWAS citizen visiting Benin with a valid travel document for up to ninety days.
Short stay & visit
2 routes
For economic, commercial or industrial business travel to Benin without establishing residence.
For family, professional-visit, medical or tourism travel to Benin for no more than ninety days.
Humanitarian protection
3 routes
For a person seeking protection in Benin under the individual refugee definition in national, Geneva Convention or OAU law.
For a person considered for political exile status by the President of Benin.
For members of a group recognised collectively during a mass influx or comparable protection situation.
Transit
1 route
For a traveller passing through Benin to a destination where they have the right to enter.
Other & special
1 route
For a foreign national whose residence is supported by another legitimate interest accepted by the authority.
Official sources
- Citizen PortalGovernment
- Assemblée Nationale du BéninGovernment
See which Benin routes you actually qualify for.
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