Moving to Djibouti

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the visa and residence permit process for Djibouti largely depends on your nationality and the purpose of your stay. Citizens of certain countries, particularly within the European Union, may have different entry requirements compared to non-EU citizens. Common routes for obtaining a residence permit include employment (work permit), family reunification (for spouses or dependents of residents), study, or establishing a business. It is crucial to verify the most current requirements directly with the Embassy or Consulate of Djibouti in your home country, or the relevant immigration authorities upon arrival. Requirements can change, so always consult official government sources for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding necessary documentation, application procedures, and processing times.

Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in Djibouti can be done through a few primary channels. Many expatriates find success through local real estate agents, who have listings for apartments and villas. Networking within the expat community, often via online forums or social groups, can also yield valuable leads for available properties. Some employers may assist with housing arrangements or provide company accommodation. The typical rental process involves signing a lease agreement, which is often for a minimum of one year. A security deposit, usually equivalent to one or two months' rent, is standard practice. Temporary housing, such as serviced apartments or hotels, is often utilized upon arrival while searching for a long-term rental. It's advisable to secure temporary accommodation before you move, especially if you are arriving during peak seasons.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of your relocation to Djibouti is influenced by several key factors. The volume of your belongings is a major determinant; more items mean greater shipping costs. The distance of your move, naturally, plays a significant role, with longer distances incurring higher transportation expenses. The season in which you move can also impact pricing, as peak moving seasons often see increased demand and potentially higher rates. Accessibility at both your origin and destination locations (e.g., stairs, narrow streets, elevator availability) can affect labor costs. Finally, any extra services you opt for, such as professional packing, unpacking, or storage, will contribute to the overall expenditure. For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, it is always best to request a free, no-obligation quote.

Timeline & Packing Tips

• 8 Weeks Out: Declutter thoroughly. Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. Begin researching visa and residence requirements.
• 6 Weeks Out: Obtain multiple quotes for your move. Confirm your moving date and book your chosen service provider. Start gathering important documents (passports, birth certificates, marriage licenses, academic records, medical records).
• 4 Weeks Out: Start packing non-essential items. Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room. Notify utilities (electricity, water, internet) of your move-out date. Arrange for mail forwarding.
• 2 Weeks Out: Confirm travel arrangements. Pack a "first-night" box with essentials like toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, and important documents. Confirm final details with your moving company.
• 1 Week Out: Empty and defrost your refrigerator/freezer. Confirm all utilities are scheduled for disconnection. Back up all digital data.
• Moving Day: Do a final walk-through of your old home to ensure nothing is left behind. Ensure all keys are handed over.

For a detailed breakdown of costs and services, 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 Djibouti: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to a new country can be exciting, and understanding customs regulations is key to a smooth transition. This guide provides a clear overview of what you need to know when importing your personal belongings and vehicles into Djibouti.

If you're importing household goods and personal effects

Whether your belongings are used or new, they are subject to customs inspection. It's crucial to have clear and accurate documentation. Customs officials have the final say on duties and taxes, which can apply to both new and used items, especially if they are commonly sold in local businesses (e.g., diapers, laundry powder).

What you'll need

• Copy of your passport
• Detailed inventory, dated and signed, with items valued in EUR/USD (one for used, one for new if applicable)
• For new personal effects: Original invoices less than six months old showing the destination address (handwritten invoices are rejected)
• For new personal effects: New personal effects form
• For new personal effects: Tax-refund request form dated and signed
• Certificate of change of residence (for private individuals)
• Certification concerning prohibited and dangerous objects or items (for private individuals and military personnel)
• Transfer letter (for military personnel)
• CTN Form (compulsory for every incoming shipment)

Good to know

• Your inventory must include a destination address.
• Imported goods are generally liable for taxes and surcharges (23% customs + 10% VAT), calculated on the value of goods.
• Customs does not accept export sales slips, sales receipts, or purchase orders.
• Failure to provide a CTN form will result in a customs fine payable before delivery.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Importing a vehicle into Djibouti involves specific regulations and taxes. Both new and used vehicles are taxed, with the amount determined by the vehicle's value (Argus value) and registration details. There are age restrictions for used vehicles intended for transport.

What you'll need

• Detailed inventory dated and signed, valued in EUR/USD
• Original car registration
• Certificate of non-pledge (valid for one month)
• Original purchase invoice
• Certificate of registration or deed of sale signed by the original owner (original)
• Certified deed of act of transfer legalized (original)
• Technical inspection authorization (original), issued by an approved structure in the country of origin
• Interpol control document (original)
• Legalized copy of export declaration from country of origin
• Identity document or passport of the owner
• For new vehicles with WW plates: Original car registration (pay attention to validation date)
• For new vehicles in duty-free without registration plate: Original invoice with destination address, Ex 1 n°3, Diplomatic passport (for protocol exemption)

Good to know

• Used vehicles for transporting people and goods must be less than eight years old for tourist vehicles, taxis, buses (up to 36 seats), and trucks (3.5T up to over 5T).
• Right-hand-drive vehicles are prohibited.
• You must provide the engine and chassis numbers of any imported vehicle.
• These age restrictions do not apply to foreign diplomats, Djiboutian diplomats, Djiboutian international civil servants returning from missions abroad, or Djiboutians residing abroad for professional reasons returning to Djibouti.
• If a car is loaded with household effects, the Bill of Lading (BL) must show the number of packages inside the vehicle. This incurs additional customs processing costs.
• A car cannot be loaded and transferred from the bonded area to Djibouti city.

Restricted & prohibited items

Djibouti has strict regulations on certain goods. It's crucial to be aware of these to avoid delays, fines, or confiscation.

• Prohibited items: Weapons, drugs and narcotics, harpoons, counterfeits, milk, cigarettes, ivory, ostrich eggs, turtle shells, coral, shells, stuffed animals, animal skins, or any species protected by the Washington Convention.
• Drones: Remote-controlled drones are prohibited unless the owner presents a registration certificate issued by Djibouti National Security.
• Airsoft and paintball items: These are now considered dangerous and are prohibited.
• Household products: Items like washing powder, diapers, and soap are not considered used household goods and their import can lead to customs holds and extra charges.

Alcohol & tobacco

While alcohol import is not prohibited, it is strongly discouraged due to extremely high taxes. Tobacco (cigarettes) is prohibited.

• Alcohol: Subject to prohibitive taxes: 23% customs taxes + 175% additional taxes + 10% VAT + 1% handicap + 0.2% Africa Union.
• For wine and all other alcohol, you must submit a detailed and separate inventory from your personal effects.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to declare both new and used items separately?
Yes, if your move includes both new and used personal effects, you should submit one inventory for the used items and a separate inventory for the new items.

Are my household goods subject to taxes?
Yes, imported goods are generally liable for taxes and surcharges (23% customs + 10% VAT), calculated on the value of the goods. This can apply to both new and used items, especially common retail products.

What is a CTN form and why is it important?
A CTN (Cargo Tracking Note) form is compulsory for every incoming shipment to Djibouti. Failure to apply for it will result in a customs fine that must be paid before delivery.

Can I bring a drone into Djibouti?
You can, but any drone introduced into the national territory must be declared at the border to customs authorities. The object will be held until you present a registration certificate issued by Djibouti National Security.

Are there any age restrictions for importing used vehicles?
Yes, used vehicles intended for the transport of persons and goods (like tourist vehicles, taxis, buses, and trucks) must be less than eight years old. Exceptions apply for diplomats and returning Djiboutian professionals.

What kind of invoices does customs accept for new items?
Customs requires original invoices less than six months old showing the destination address. Handwritten invoices, export sales slips, sales receipts, and purchase orders will be rejected.

For further assistance with your move to Djibouti, please contact relocation123.com.

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