Moving to DR Congo

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the visa and residence permit process for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a crucial first step. The requirements and procedures can vary significantly depending on your nationality. For instance, citizens from European Union countries may have different entry and residence stipulations compared to those from non-EU nations.

Common routes for obtaining a long-term stay include:

• **Work Permit:** Typically sponsored by an employer in the DRC, this is the most common path for expatriates.
• **Family Reunification:** For those joining a spouse or parent already residing in the DRC.
• **Study Visa:** For individuals enrolled in educational institutions within the country.
• **Residence Permit:** For those seeking to establish long-term residency outside of work or study.

It is absolutely essential to verify the most current and specific requirements with the official DRC embassy or consulate in your home country well in advance of your planned move. Regulations can change, and official sources will provide the most accurate information regarding necessary documentation, application procedures, and processing times.

Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in the DRC, particularly in major cities like Kinshasa or Lubumbashi, often involves a combination of online research, local real estate agents, and word-of-mouth. Many expatriates opt for gated communities or compounds for added security and amenities.

The typical rental process involves:

• **Property Search:** Utilizing local real estate agencies is highly recommended as they have the best grasp of the market and available properties. Online portals may list some options, but a local agent often provides more comprehensive choices.
• **Viewing & Negotiation:** Once a property is identified, viewings are arranged. Be prepared to negotiate rental terms and conditions.
• **Lease Agreement:** A formal lease agreement will be drawn up. It's advisable to have this reviewed by a local legal professional if possible.
• **Deposits:** A security deposit, typically equivalent to one to three months' rent, is standard. Ensure the terms for its return are clearly stipulated in the lease.
• **Advance Rent:** Landlords often require several months' rent in advance, sometimes up to six or even twelve months.

For temporary accommodation upon arrival, serviced apartments or hotels are common choices, allowing you time to secure a long-term rental. Long-term leases are generally for one year, often renewable.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of relocating to the DRC is influenced by several key factors, making each move unique. Understanding these elements can help you budget effectively, though exact prices will always come from a personalized quote.

• **Volume of Goods:** The more items you ship, the higher the cost. This includes furniture, personal belongings, and vehicles.
• **Distance:** The geographical distance between your origin country and your destination in the DRC significantly impacts shipping costs.
• **Seasonality:** Moving during peak seasons (e.g., summer months) can sometimes lead to higher demand and potentially higher prices for shipping and related services.
• **Accessibility:** The ease of access at both your origin and destination addresses can affect labor and transport costs. Difficult access, such as narrow streets or multiple flights of stairs, may incur additional charges.
• **Mode of Transport:** Air freight is faster but considerably more expensive than sea freight. A combination of both is often used for different types of goods.
• **Additional Services:** Services like professional packing, unpacking, storage, customs clearance assistance, and specialized handling for fragile or valuable items will add to the overall cost.

For a precise estimate tailored to your specific needs, it is always best to request a free, no-obligation quote from a relocation specialist.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized relocation to the DRC typically requires a planning window of 4 to 8 weeks to ensure a smooth transition.

4-8 Weeks Before Moving:

• **Declutter & Inventory:** Start sorting through your belongings. Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. Create a detailed inventory of items you plan to move.
• **Research & Quotes:** Begin researching relocation companies and obtain quotes.
• **Visa & Documents:** Confirm visa requirements and start gathering all necessary personal documents (passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic records, medical records, etc.). Get multiple copies and consider digitizing them.

2-4 Weeks Before Moving:

• **Book Services:** Confirm your relocation services, including packing, shipping, and any temporary accommodation.
• **Notify Utilities & Services:** Inform utility providers (electricity, water, internet) of your move-out date. Cancel or transfer subscriptions (gym, magazines, etc.).
• **Medical & Financial:** Arrange for medical check-ups and obtain necessary prescriptions. Inform your bank of your move and explore international banking options.
• **Packing Essentials:** Start packing non-essential items. Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room.

1 Week Before Moving:

• **Confirm Travel:** Reconfirm flights and ground transportation.
• **Pack Essentials Box:** Prepare a box with essentials for your first few days in the DRC (toiletries, medications, important documents, change of clothes).
• **Final Utilities:** Take final meter readings if applicable.
• **Clean & Secure:** Arrange for final cleaning of your old residence. Ensure all windows and doors are secured.

Remember to keep all critical documents, medications, and valuables with you during travel, not in your shipped goods. Pack a "first night" bag with immediate necessities. For a detailed cost breakdown and personalized plan, request a free quote on relocation123.com.

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

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Customs & Import Rules

Moving to DR Congo: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to the Democratic Republic of Congo involves navigating specific customs regulations for your personal belongings. This guide provides a clear overview to help ensure a smooth import process for your household goods and other items.

If you're relocating as a new resident (Corporate Clients & NGOs)

If you are moving to the DRC as a corporate client or working for an NGO, you may be eligible for exemptions on duties and taxes for your personal effects and a single vehicle. These items must arrive within six months of your own arrival in the DRC to qualify for exemption.

What you'll need

• Copy of valid passport (including pages showing your name and the DGM entry stamp)
• Detailed inventory, dated, valued, and signed by you
• Work card (for corporate clients)
• First settlement certificate (from DGM)
• Service certificate (from employer)
• Settlement and work permit visa (from DGM)
• Tax number (from the Finance Ministry)
• For NGOs: Framework contract (agreement between government and NGO, specifying import rights)
• For NGOs: Ministerial agreement (agreement between relevant Ministry and NGO, renewable every two years, specifying import rights)
• For NGOs: Ordinary settlement visa
• For NGOs: 1st settlement attestation (from DGM)

Good to know

• Corporate clients and NGOs are generally exempt from duties and taxes on personal effects and one vehicle if they arrive within 6 months of the shipper's arrival.
• If personal effects and the vehicle arrive after 6 months, they will be treated as commercial items and subject to full duties and taxes.
• A single vehicle imported without personal effects will not be exempt from duties and taxes.
• Corporate clients and NGOs can typically be exempted for one small air shipment (less than 4m²) and one sea shipment, but not for multiple air or sea shipments.
• Import taxes for corporate clients and NGOs are 1% of the CIF value if exempted.
• If personal effects are not exempted or necessary documents are missing, customs duties and taxes can be approximately 48% of the FOB value.

Returning Congolese citizens

Congolese citizens returning to the DRC can also benefit from duty and tax exemptions on their personal effects and one vehicle, provided these arrive within six months of their return. You are limited to one sea or one air shipment.

What you'll need

• Copy of valid passport (including pages showing your name, visa, and DGM entry stamp). The original passport must be presented at customs during clearance.
• Detailed inventory, dated, valued, and signed by you
• Original certificate of change of residence (issued by the DRC embassy in your country of origin)
• End of service certificate (issued by your employer at origin)

Good to know

• Exemption for personal effects and one vehicle applies if they arrive within 6 months of your arrival in the DRC.
• If personal effects and the vehicle arrive after 6 months, they will be treated as commercial items and subject to full duties and taxes.
• Only one sea or one air shipment is allowed for returning Congolese citizens.
• Import taxes for returning citizens are 1% of the CIF value if exempted.
• If personal effects are not exempted or necessary documents are missing, customs duties and taxes can be approximately 48% of the FOB value.

Diplomatic moves

Diplomats receive the most comprehensive exemptions, including on categories like food, alcohol, and cleaning products, which are typically subject to duties for others.

What you'll need

• Copy of valid passport
• Detailed inventory, dated, valued, and signed by you
• Diplomatic card (supplied by your employer)
• Tax number of the Embassy
• VAT number of the Embassy

Good to know

• Diplomats are the only category exempted from duties and taxes on food, alcohol, and cleaning products.
• Import taxes for diplomats are 0.1% of the CIF value.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

A single vehicle can be imported with personal effects and may be exempt from duties for corporate clients, NGOs, and returning Congolese citizens if it arrives within 6 months of the shipper's arrival. Importing a vehicle alone will not qualify for exemption.

What you'll need

• Registration card
• Declaration of value or purchase invoice dated at least 6 months before the shipment's arrival

Good to know

• The purchase invoice or declaration of value must be dated at least 6 months prior to the vehicle's arrival.

Restricted & prohibited items

Certain items are strictly prohibited from import into the DRC.

• Firearms and ammunition
• Unlawful drugs

Alcohol & tobacco

Any alcohol imported will be subject to import duties and taxes, except for diplomatic shipments.

Frequently asked questions

How long does customs clearance take?
Customs clearance typically takes 3 to 5 weeks for sea shipments and 2 to 3 weeks for air shipments.

Are there any mandatory fees for all imports?
Yes, import insurance (ranging from $50-$500 depending on CIF value) and FERI (Fiche Électronique des Renseignements à l'Importation) are mandatory for all air and sea imports. FERI costs are $250 for air shipments under 300kg and $350 for over 300kg.

What happens if my documents are not ready on time?
All original documents should reach your destination agent at least 15 days before a sea shipment's arrival (7 days for air shipments). Failure to submit necessary documents or if items are not exempted can result in customs duties and taxes of approximately 48% of the FOB value.

Is a customs inspection required?
Yes, air and sea shipments are generally subject to a customs inspection.

What if the value of my items exceeds $2500 USD?
If the value of your items exceeds $2500 USD, a request for import and a VERITAS check will be required. Failure to present a BIVAC certificate will result in a fine of 100% of the customs duties, in addition to the duties and taxes owed.

Can I import food or cleaning products duty-free?
No, food, alcohol, cleaning products, and similar items cannot be exempted from duties and taxes and will be treated as merchandise. Only diplomats are exempt for these categories.

For personalized assistance with your move to the DRC and detailed customs advice, please contact relocation123.com.

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