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Pathway

Gabon Business Residence

Gabon Residency
Pathway overview

At a glance

If you plan to run a business or work for yourself in Gabon, you need commercial approval and the required business registrations before applying for residence. Gabon's immigration authority, DGDI, reviews your own application as well as the records supporting your business activity.

Who can apply
People running an approved business or self-employed activity
Commercial approval
Required, along with the relevant registrations and licenses
Your role
Must meet foreign-ownership and any professional rules

Summary

Gabon’s business residence route lets an eligible applicant live there to operate an accepted business. Commercial approval and the formalities required by immigration authority DGDI must support that role. The applicant must connect those records to an actual operating role. Buying property, registering a company, or holding shares passively does not itself provide residence approval.

Could this pathway work for you?

Eligibility

Obtain commercial approval and complete the registration, tax, licensing, and other requirements for the business and your personal role. Check restrictions on foreign owners and any special rules for your profession.

Prepare the DGDI application with identity, entry, housing, and any required repatriation-deposit records. A repatriation deposit is money held to cover a return journey if needed; it is separate from the application fee.

DGDI's published form lists XAF 150,000 for a two-year card, plus the deposit. Confirm the current amounts before paying.

Running a business in Gabon
  1. Complete business approvals Check the activity, ownership, registration, and licensing rules.
  2. Prepare the residence records Gather identity, entry, housing, and any deposit evidence.
  3. Apply through DGDI Confirm current charges and follow the issued conditions.

Company registration alone does not give you residence permission.

What This Route Allows

You can live in Gabon for the business activity and period approved. The published residence-card term is two years. Any separate work or professional approval required for your role still applies.

What This Route Is Not

Registering a company, passively holding shares, or buying property alone does not grant residence. This route does not grant citizenship or guarantee permanent residence.

Next Steps

  1. Confirm that the activity, foreign ownership, and your role are allowed.
  2. Obtain the business approvals and prepare company, tax, licensing, and personal records.
  3. Confirm the current card fee and deposit, apply through the required DGDI process, and keep your records and permissions current.

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Sources