For a non-EAC foreign worker with particular technical expertise undertaking employment in Burundi for more than ninety days.
Official government source: amategeko.gov.bi · checked 2026-07-26
Eastern Africa · Immigration
Burundi
Burundi sits in Eastern Africa. Its immigration system runs 20 distinct routes — led by family, humanitarian protection and work, each set out in official law. 17 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
- 20across 10 route categories, each set out in official law
- Source-cited routes
- 17 of 20cite an official government source, with the date we last read it
- Largest category
- Family3 of the 20 routes — see them under Family below
- Region
- Eastern Africa
- Capital
- Gitega
- Population
- 14,390,003
- Official language
- French, Kirundi
- Currency
- BIF
- Time zone
- UTC+02:00
Source-cited pathways
Immigration routes
All 20 routes, grouped by purpose — 17 of 20 cite an official government source directly. Any route below without one says so on the route.
Work
2 routes
For a foreign or EAC worker undertaking an activity in Burundi for no more than ninety days.
Official government source: amategeko.gov.bi · checked 2026-07-26
Investment
2 routes
For a foreign national whose establishment and that of their family is useful to Burundi, notably through job creation or significant investment.
Official government source: amategeko.gov.bi · checked 2026-07-26
For a foreign or EAC investor, or their representative, whose presence in Burundi is justified to manage invested capital.
Official government source: amategeko.gov.bi · checked 2026-07-26
Study
2 routes
For an East African Community citizen enrolled to study in Burundi.
Official government source: amategeko.gov.bi · checked 2026-07-26
For a non-EAC foreign student lawfully staying and studying at an educational institution in Burundi.
Official government source: amategeko.gov.bi · checked 2026-07-26
Family
3 routes
For the declared spouse and minor children of a person recognised as a refugee in Burundi.
Can bring: spouse, children, parents
Official government source: amategeko.gov.bi · checked 2026-07-26
For the spouse and legal dependants of a foreign national authorised to stay in Burundi.
Can bring: spouse, dependants, children
For the foreign or EAC spouse of a Burundian citizen resident in Burundi who retains foreign nationality and takes employment.
Can bring: spouse
Official government source: amategeko.gov.bi · checked 2026-07-26
Residence-based status
2 routes
For a foreign or EAC national who has resided in Burundi for at least twenty years and has employment.
Official government source: amategeko.gov.bi · checked 2026-07-26
For a foreign or EAC national born in Burundi and continuing to live there who takes employment.
Official government source: amategeko.gov.bi · checked 2026-07-26
Free movement
2 routes
For an East African Community citizen entering Burundi with a valid national identity or travel document.
For an EAC citizen employed in Burundi for more than ninety days.
Official government source: amategeko.gov.bi · checked 2026-07-26
Short stay & visit
2 routes
Business VisaUnknown
For a foreign national making a temporary business visit to Burundi with an official business letter.
Tourist VisaUnknown
For a foreign national visiting Burundi for tourism and able to document accommodation and return travel.
Humanitarian protection
3 routes
For a person recognised in Burundi as a refugee or stateless person who has employment.
Official government source: amategeko.gov.bi · checked 2026-07-26
For a person in Burundi seeking refugee protection under the statutory Convention and African refugee grounds.
Official government source: amategeko.gov.bi · checked 2026-07-26
For a member of a mass-influx group collectively recognised as refugees in Burundi.
Official government source: amategeko.gov.bi · checked 2026-07-26
Transit
1 route
Transit VisaUnknown
For a traveller passing through Burundi to another destination for no more than seventy-two hours.
Other & special
1 route
For a foreign national establishing residence in Burundi with an approved activity, resources, suitable health evidence and repatriation security.
Official government source: amategeko.gov.bi · checked 2026-07-26
Official sources
- MAE Visa EtablissementGovernment
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