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Guide

Central Africa Residence and Citizenship Options

What could support a move to Central Africa?

A supported local job, an approved business, an accepted course, or a qualifying spouse can provide a reason to apply for residence. São Tomé and Príncipe also has a separate citizenship program based on a nonrefundable fund contribution and government review.

About this guide

Start with the country where you would like to live and the activity you would carry out there. An entry visa, a work authorization, and a residence card can be different documents, with separate conditions and expiry dates.

This guide compares selected options across Central Africa. It distinguishes the Republic of the Congo from DR Congo and separates residence tied to an investment project from citizenship. The regional report explains the main differences and the gaps still needing verification.

Pathways compared 28
Countries covered 8

Employer-supported work
Angola Work Visa Employment Residency A local employer can support an application to live and work in Angola, subject to the required employment and residence approvals. Residence and employment for the role and period covered by the approvals.
DR Congo Work Residence Employment Residency A local employer can support an application to live and work in DR Congo, subject to the required employment and residence approvals. Residence and employment for the role and period covered by the approvals.
Republic of the Congo Work Residence Employment Residency A local employer can support an application to live and work in the Republic of the Congo, subject to the required employment and residence approvals. Residence and employment for the role and period covered by the approvals.
Cameroon Work Residence Employment Residency A local employer can support an application to live and work in Cameroon, subject to the required employment and residence approvals. Residence and employment for the role and period covered by the approvals.
Gabon Work Residence Employment Residency A local employer can support an application to live and work in Gabon, subject to the required employment and residence approvals. Residence and employment for the role and period covered by the approvals.
Equatorial Guinea Work Residence Employment Residency A local employer can support an application to live and work in Equatorial Guinea, subject to the required employment and residence approvals. Residence and employment for the role and period covered by the approvals.
São Tomé and Príncipe Work Residence Employment Residency A local employer can support an application to live and work in São Tomé and Príncipe, subject to the required employment and residence approvals. Residence and employment for the role and period covered by the approvals.
Chad Work Residence Employment Residency A local employer can support an application to live and work in Chad, subject to the required employment and residence approvals. Residence and employment for the role and period covered by the approvals.

No pathways match that filter.

Higher-education study
Angola Study Visa Study Residency Admission to a qualifying higher-education course in Angola can support an application for student residence. Stay for the approved studies and permit period, while continuing to meet the conditions.
DR Congo Student Residence Study Residency Admission to a qualifying higher-education course in DR Congo can support an application for student residence. Stay for the approved studies and permit period, while continuing to meet the conditions.
Republic of the Congo Student Residence Study Residency Admission to a qualifying higher-education course in the Republic of the Congo can support an application for student residence. Stay for the approved studies and permit period, while continuing to meet the conditions.
Cameroon Student Residence Study Residency Admission to a qualifying higher-education course in Cameroon can support an application for student residence. Stay for the approved studies and permit period, while continuing to meet the conditions.
São Tomé and Príncipe Student Residence Study Residency Admission to a qualifying higher-education course in São Tomé and Príncipe can support an application for student residence. Stay for the approved studies and permit period, while continuing to meet the conditions.
Chad Student Residence Study Residency Admission to a qualifying higher-education course in Chad can support an application for student residence. Stay for the approved studies and permit period, while continuing to meet the conditions.

No pathways match that filter.

Active businesses and approved investment projects
Angola Investor Visa Investor Residency Investors and their appointed representatives can apply for an Angolan Investor Visa linked to a registered investment project. Permission for the approved investment-related stay and activity, for the period stated in the visa.
DR Congo Approved Investor Residence Investor Residency Promoters or authorized representatives of new businesses approved under DR Congo’s Investment Code can seek a special residence visa. A special residence visa. The investment agency (ANAPI) describes five- and ten-year categories; the approved category and issued visa determine the term.
DR Congo Business Residence Entrepreneur Residency Running an approved local business can support a residence application in DR Congo. The business and your personal role must qualify. Residence for the business activity and period accepted by the authorities, with any separate work or professional approval still required.
Republic of the Congo Business Residence Entrepreneur Residency Running an approved local business can support a residence application in the Republic of the Congo. The business and your personal role must qualify. Residence for the business activity and period accepted by the authorities, with any separate work or professional approval still required.
Cameroon Business Residence Entrepreneur Residency Running an approved local business can support a residence application in Cameroon. The business and your personal role must qualify. Residence for the business activity and period accepted by the authorities, with any separate work or professional approval still required.
Gabon Business Residence Entrepreneur Residency Running an approved local business can support a residence application in Gabon. The business and your personal role must qualify. Residence for the business activity and period accepted by the authorities, with any separate work or professional approval still required.
São Tomé and Príncipe Business Residence Entrepreneur Residency Running an approved local business can support a residence application in São Tomé and Príncipe. The business and your personal role must qualify. Residence for the business activity and period accepted by the authorities, with any separate work or professional approval still required.
Chad Business Residence Entrepreneur Residency Running an approved local business can support a residence application in Chad. The business and your personal role must qualify. Residence for the business activity and period accepted by the authorities, with any separate work or professional approval still required.

No pathways match that filter.

Joining a qualifying spouse
Angola Spouse Residence Family Residency A qualifying spouse can apply for an Angolan temporary-stay visa to join an Angolan citizen or an eligible foreign resident or visa holder. Temporary stay with multiple entries, up to 365 days per grant, renewable while the qualifying reason continues.
Republic of the Congo Spouse Residence Family Residency A foreign spouse of a Congolese citizen can apply for a resident card in the Republic of the Congo. A resident card on the accepted spouse basis, for the term issued.
Cameroon Spouse Residence Family Residency The spouse of a foreign national lawfully staying in Cameroon can seek permission to accompany or join that person. Residence as an approved accompanying or joining spouse for the period granted.
Gabon Spouse Residence Family Residency A spouse of a Gabonese citizen or a qualifying foreign resident can apply for a Gabonese residence card. Residence with the qualifying spouse, subject to the conditions and dates of the issued card.
São Tomé and Príncipe Spouse Residence Family Residency A qualifying resident can apply to bring a spouse to São Tomé and Príncipe through family reunification. A renewable family residence certificate normally linked to the sponsor’s term. Family of a permanent resident receive a renewable two-year certificate under Article 68.

No pathways match that filter.

Citizenship through a fund donation
São Tomé and Príncipe Investment Citizenship Investment Citizenship Adults can apply for São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship through an approved nonrefundable donation, subject to background checks and government approval. If the government grants and registers citizenship, the applicant becomes a citizen and can obtain citizenship documents and a passport. The official FAQ states that physical residence or relocation is not required.

No pathways match that filter.