Moving to Angola

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the Angolan visa and residence permit system requires careful attention, as requirements vary significantly based on your nationality and the purpose of your stay. For citizens of the European Union and certain other countries, the process might differ compared to non-EU nationals. Common routes for obtaining legal status include:

• Work Permit: Typically sponsored by an Angolan employer, this is the most common path for expatriates moving for professional reasons.
• Family Reunification Visa/Permit: For those joining family members who are already legally resident in Angola.
• Study Visa: For individuals enrolled in educational institutions within Angola.
• Residence Permit: For those seeking long-term stay, often after an initial period on another visa type, or for investors.

It is crucial to verify the most current requirements, application procedures, and necessary documentation directly with the Angolan Embassy or Consulate in your home country, or with the Serviço de Migração e Estrangeiros (SME) once in Angola. Regulations can change, so always consult official government sources.

Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in Angola, particularly in major cities like Luanda, often involves a combination of online research, real estate agents, and word-of-mouth. Options range from apartments in secure compounds to standalone houses. Here's what to expect:

• How to Find Housing: Many expatriates secure accommodation through reputable real estate agencies that specialize in the expat market. Online portals and professional networking groups can also be valuable resources. Some companies provide housing as part of an employment package.
• Typical Rental Process: Once you find a property, you'll usually sign a lease agreement. It's advisable to have this agreement reviewed by a legal professional. Leases are commonly for one year, renewable.
• Deposits: Expect to pay a security deposit, typically equivalent to one to three months' rent, in addition to your first month's rent upfront. This deposit is refundable at the end of the tenancy, provided the property is returned in good condition.
• Temporary vs. Long-Term: Many individuals opt for temporary serviced accommodation upon arrival, allowing them time to explore neighborhoods and find a long-term rental that fits their needs and budget. Long-term rentals often come unfurnished, though furnished options are available, usually at a higher premium.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of your relocation to Angola can vary significantly based on several key factors. Understanding these will help you budget effectively:

• Volume of Goods: The more items you move, the higher the cost. This is usually measured in cubic meters or by weight.
• Distance: The origin country's distance from Angola will impact shipping costs for air or sea freight.
• Seasonality: Moving during peak seasons (e.g., summer months, end-of-year holidays) can sometimes lead to higher prices due to increased demand.
• Access and Logistics: The ease of access to your current home and your new residence in Angola (e.g., stairs, narrow roads, port congestion) can influence labor and transport costs.
• Extra Services: Additional services such as professional packing, unpacking, disassembling/reassembling furniture, storage, and specialized handling for delicate or oversized items will add to the overall expense.

For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, always request a free, no-obligation quote from a reputable relocation service.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A structured approach to your move will help ensure a smooth transition. Here's a general timeline and some packing advice:

4-8 Weeks Before Your Move:

• Declutter: Start sorting through your belongings. Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. Moving is an excellent opportunity to minimize possessions.
• Documents: Gather all essential documents (passports, visas, birth certificates, marriage certificates, medical records, school records, professional qualifications). Make multiple copies, both physical and digital, and keep them in a secure, easily accessible place.
• Research: Begin researching schools, healthcare facilities, and banking options in Angola.
• Relocation Service: Contact a professional relocation service for a home survey and a detailed quote.

2-4 Weeks Before Your Move:

• Notifications: Notify banks, utility companies, subscriptions, and other service providers of your impending move. Arrange for mail forwarding.
• Medical & Dental: Schedule final medical and dental check-ups. Obtain necessary prescriptions and vaccination records.
• Packing Supplies: If self-packing, acquire sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and markers.
• Inventory: Start creating a detailed inventory of items you plan to ship.

1 Week Before Your Move:

• Essentials Box: Pack a separate "essentials" box with items you'll need immediately upon arrival (toiletries, medications, important documents, a change of clothes, chargers).
• Confirm Arrangements: Confirm all travel and shipping arrangements with your relocation service and airline.
• Utilities: Arrange for disconnection of utilities at your current residence and connection at your new home if possible.

Packing Tips:

• Label Clearly: Label all boxes with their contents and the room they belong to. Number boxes and keep a master list.
• Protect Valuables: Pack fragile items with ample padding. Consider professional packing for extremely delicate or valuable items.
• Weight Distribution: Pack heavier items in smaller boxes and lighter items in larger boxes to make them easier to lift.
• Separate Important Items: Keep all critical documents and valuables with you during your journey, not in the main shipment.

For a precise estimate and to streamline your Angolan relocation, request a free quote on relocation123.com today.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

Get help with your move →

Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Angola: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to a new country can be an exciting adventure, and understanding customs procedures is key to a smooth transition. This guide provides a clear overview of what you need to know when bringing your belongings into Angola.

If you're an Angolan citizen returning home

Welcome back! If you've been living abroad for at least six months, you may qualify for duty and tax exemptions on your household goods. However, Stamp Duty and VAT on importation will still apply. Be prepared for potential customs inspections.

What you'll need

• Copy of your valid passport
• Copy of your visa from your country of origin
• Proof of entry into Angola (emigration stamp)
• Copy of your Angolan Tax Card
• Detailed inventory list in Portuguese, valued in USD
• 3 original Bills of Lading or Air Waybills (AWB), original CNCA, and Packing List
• If applicable, an original declaration (in Portuguese) from your employer in Angola, stating your position and length of overseas assignment.

Good to know

• If your shipment's value is $5,000 USD or more, an import license is mandatory.
• Returning citizens who can prove a minimum 6-month stay abroad are exempt from duties and taxes on household goods, but Stamp Duty (around 3% of CIF value) and VAT (14% of CIF value) are still levied.
• False declarations or importing identical items may result in a fine and an additional charge of 50-70% of the CIF value, plus the Stamp Duty.
• Air shipments typically clear customs in 10-15 working days, while sea shipments take 15-20 working days, provided all documents are submitted in advance.

If you're a foreign expatriate moving to Angola

As an expatriate, you will generally be subject to customs duties and taxes on your household goods. Customs inspections are common for sea shipments and systematic for air shipments. Ensure all documentation is prepared thoroughly to avoid delays.

What you'll need

• Copy of your valid passport
• Proof of entry into Angola (emigration stamp)
• Copy of your Angolan work visa or the Ministry’s "parecer" (opinion)
• Copy of your Angolan Tax Card, or your hosting company's Angolan Tax Card
• Detailed inventory list in Portuguese, valued in USD

Good to know

• An import license is required if your shipment's value is $5,000 USD or more.
• A customs Stamp Duty (around 3% of CIF value) and VAT on importation (14% of CIF value) are always levied.
• Incorrect declarations or importing identical items can lead to a fine and an additional charge of 50-70% of the CIF value, on top of the Stamp Duty.
• Air shipments typically clear customs in 10-15 working days, and sea shipments in 20-30 working days, assuming timely document submission.

If you're a diplomat (Angolan or Foreign)

Diplomatic consignments benefit from specific exemptions, but strict adherence to documentation requirements is essential. Foreign diplomatic shipments are generally easier to clear when consigned directly to the Diplomatic Mission.

What you'll need

• Copy of your diplomatic passport
• Copy of your Angolan Diplomatic ID
• Proof of entry into Angola (emigration stamp)
• Copy of your Angolan Tax Card
• Original "Nota Verbal" and Declaration from MIREX (exemption documents), prepared by the host Diplomatic Mission in Angola
• Detailed inventory list in Portuguese, valued in USD

Good to know

• For shipments valued at $5,000 USD or more, an import license is required.
• Diplomatic consignments are exempt from duties and taxes, provided all required documents are submitted.
• Customs may occasionally require an inspection of a diplomatic consignment, usually conducted at the place of delivery.
• Air shipments typically clear customs in 10-15 working days, and sea shipments in 15-20 working days, provided all documents are submitted in advance.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Importing a vehicle to Angola involves specific rules and significant duties, with very limited exceptions. Vehicles older than 5 years are generally prohibited.

• For new vehicles: Original registration card, original invoice, certificate of ownership.
• For second-hand vehicles: Original registration card, document showing vehicle value, certificate of ownership.
• Additional for returning Angolan Diplomats: Copy of valid passport, copy of Diplomatic Card at Origin, copy of client’s Angolan Tax Card, original declaration from Diplomatic Mission at origin confirming length of assignment abroad and value of goods.
• Additional for Foreign Diplomats: Copy of Diplomatic passport, copy of Angolan Diplomatic ID, copy of client’s Angolan Tax Card, detailed inventory list in Portuguese (valued in USD), original Note Verbal and Declaration from MIREX (exemption documents) prepared by the host Diplomatic Mission in Angola.

Good to know

• Documents must clearly show chassis number, engine number, cylindrical power, age, brand, and model.
• Import of vehicles older than 5 years is prohibited, except for returning Angolan Diplomats and Foreign Diplomats.
• Vehicles are subject to 60% duties and taxes, with Foreign Diplomats being the only exception. Returning Angolan citizens, including diplomats, must pay duties and taxes on their vehicles.
• Any consignment including a car requires an Import License, regardless of its value.
• Containers shipped with vehicles will be transferred to FAYOL terminal for inspection.

Communication Equipment

Bringing in items like mobile phones, fax machines, routers, or security systems requires a special license.

• The client must present valid invoices or certificates for the devices to the Ministry of Telecommunications to obtain an INACOM license.

Good to know

• Import of communication equipment (new or used) is prohibited unless a license is obtained from the Angolan Ministry of Telecommunications (INACOM).
• Obtain and submit the INACOM license to your local agent prior to shipment to avoid delays and fines.

Frequently asked questions

Is an import license always needed for household goods?
An import license is required for both sea and air shipments if the total value of your household goods, as shown on the detailed inventory list, is $5,000 USD or more.

What are the main taxes and duties on household goods?
Generally, a customs Stamp Duty (around 3% of the CIF value) and VAT on importation (14% of the CIF value) are levied. Returning Angolan citizens with proof of living abroad for 6+ months may be exempt from other duties.

How long does customs clearance take?
For air shipments, clearance typically takes 10-15 working days. For sea shipments, it's usually 15-20 working days for Angolan citizens/diplomats and 20-30 working days for expatriates, assuming all documents are submitted promptly.

Will my shipment be inspected by customs?
Customs inspections are common for sea shipments and systematic for air shipments. Diplomatic consignments may also be inspected occasionally.

What happens if I make a false declaration?
False declarations or importing identical items can result in significant fines and additional charges of 50-70% of the CIF value, on top of any applicable Stamp Duty.

Can I import an old car?
Vehicles older than 5 years are generally prohibited from import, with exceptions only for returning Angolan Diplomats and Foreign Diplomats.

For personalized assistance with your move to Angola and detailed advice on customs and import procedures, please contact relocation123.com.

Get help with your move →