Moving to Guinea-Bissau

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the visa and residence permit process for Guinea-Bissau depends significantly on your nationality. Citizens from certain regions, such as the European Union, may have different entry requirements compared to those from non-EU countries or other continents. Common routes for obtaining residency include work permits, family reunification visas, study visas, or permits for those demonstrating sufficient financial means for independent residence.

The application process typically involves submitting documentation to the Guinea-Bissau embassy or consulate in your home country before departure, or in some cases, applying upon arrival and then regularizing your stay. Required documents often include a valid passport, proof of purpose for your stay (e.g., employment contract, university acceptance letter, marriage certificate), financial solvency, and sometimes a medical certificate or police clearance. It is crucial to verify the most current requirements, procedures, and necessary documentation directly with the official Guinea-Bissau diplomatic mission in your country of residence or the immigration authorities in Bissau, as regulations can change.

Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in Guinea-Bissau, particularly in the capital Bissau, often relies on local connections and word-of-mouth. While a few real estate agents exist, many properties are rented directly by owners or through local intermediaries. Online listings are less common than in many Western countries, so arriving with temporary accommodation booked is highly advisable.

For temporary housing, options include hotels, guesthouses, or serviced apartments, which can provide a base while you conduct your long-term search. When seeking long-term rentals, networking with expatriates already living in Guinea-Bissau can be invaluable. They can offer insights into neighborhoods, typical rental prices, and connect you with landlords or reputable agents.

The typical rental process involves viewing properties, negotiating terms with the landlord, and signing a rental agreement. Deposits are customary, often equivalent to one or two months' rent, in addition to the first month's rent upfront. Utility costs, such as electricity and water, are usually separate and paid by the tenant. Ensure the rental agreement clearly outlines responsibilities for maintenance and utility payments. It's advisable to have a local contact or a trusted individual assist you with the negotiation and review of the rental contract, especially if you are not fluent in Portuguese or Kriol.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of your relocation to Guinea-Bissau is influenced by several key factors. The primary determinants include the volume and weight of your belongings, the distance of your move from your current location, and the chosen shipping method (air freight for speed, sea freight for cost-effectiveness). Seasonality can also play a role, with peak moving seasons sometimes leading to higher demand and prices.

Access at both origin and destination is another significant factor. Difficult access, such as narrow streets or lack of elevators, may require specialized equipment or additional labor, increasing costs. Any extra services you opt for, such as professional packing, unpacking, storage solutions, or specialized handling for fragile or valuable items, will also add to the overall expense.

For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, it is always best to request a free, no-obligation quote.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized relocation to Guinea-Bissau typically requires a 4-8 week preparation timeline.

8 Weeks Before:

• Declutter: Go through all your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. This significantly reduces shipping volume and cost.
• Research: Begin researching visa and residence permit requirements thoroughly.
• Gather Documents: Start collecting important documents like passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic transcripts, medical records, and international driving permits. Ensure passports have at least six months validity beyond your intended stay.
• Request Quotes: Contact relocation123.com for a free quote for your move.

6 Weeks Before:

• Visa Application: Submit your visa application as per the official requirements.
• Housing Search: If not already done, intensify your search for temporary or long-term accommodation.
• Medical Check-up: Arrange for any necessary medical check-ups and vaccinations. Obtain copies of prescriptions for essential medications.
• Financial Planning: Notify your bank of your move and explore options for international banking.

4 Weeks Before:

• Notify Utilities: Inform utility providers (electricity, water, internet) of your departure date.
• Change of Address: Arrange for mail forwarding or notify important contacts of your new address.
• Packing Supplies: Start gathering packing supplies if you plan to do some packing yourself.
• Inventory: Begin creating a detailed inventory of items to be shipped.

2 Weeks Before:

• Essential Documents: Consolidate all critical documents (passports, visa approvals, flight tickets) into a single, easily accessible carry-on bag.
• Valuables: Pack high-value items, jewelry, and irreplaceable sentimental items to carry with you personally.
• Confirm Travel: Reconfirm flights and temporary accommodation.
• Finalize Packing: Complete all packing, leaving only essentials for your last few days.

1 Week Before:

• Utilities Disconnection: Ensure all utilities are scheduled for disconnection after your departure.
• Clean-up: Arrange for final cleaning of your old residence.
• Emergencies: Prepare a small bag with essentials for your first few days in Guinea-Bissau.

Moving Day:

• Final Walk-through: Do a final check of your old home to ensure nothing is left behind.
• Handover: Hand over keys and complete any final paperwork for your old residence.

For a smooth transition, request a free quote today 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 Guinea-Bissau: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to Guinea-Bissau involves navigating customs procedures for your personal belongings. This guide provides a clear overview to help ensure a smooth import process for your move.

If you're importing personal effects

When bringing your personal belongings into Guinea-Bissau, it's crucial to have all your documentation in order. This applies to both used and new items. Be aware that new effects will incur a customs tax.

What you'll need

• A detailed, dated, and signed inventory of all your belongings, written in Portuguese. This inventory must be valued in euros or CFA franc and include your contact address at your destination in Guinea-Bissau.
• For any new effects, a separate detailed inventory showing the exact invoice amounts. This also needs to include your contact address at destination.
• Original invoices for any new effects, dated no older than 6 months. These invoices must not be handwritten and should include your address at destination.
• A residence certificate or a work permit from your employer, explaining that you have obtained a new contract.
• A transfer letter.
• A copy of your valid passport.
• If you are a private individual, your taxpayer number (either for the individual or the private institution).

Good to know

• Customs will not accept till slips, delivery notes, or order forms as proof of purchase.
• Sales slips intended for airport customs are not accepted for marine customs.
• For new effects, a tax ranging from 35% to 55% of the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value will be charged. This applies to both civilian and military clients.
• Invoices for new effects not older than 6 months must include your name and address at destination, the total invoice amount excluding VAT, and the SIRET or SIREN numbers of the supplier.
• The supplier must clearly state the exact origin of the goods on the invoice, indicating whether they are from within or outside the EU.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Importing a vehicle into Guinea-Bissau is possible, but all vehicles are subject to customs duties unless the shipment is diplomatic. There are specific rules regarding the age of the vehicle.

What you'll need

• A valued, dated, and signed inventory of the vehicle.
• Original vehicle documents.
• A copy of the vehicle owner's ID or passport.
• For new vehicles (without VAT and registration plate):
  • The original invoice with the address at destination.
  • EX 1 n° 3 form.
  • Passport of the vehicle owner.

Good to know

• Vehicles not older than 10 years can be imported, but a tax of 58% of the CIF value will apply.
• The importation of new vehicles without VAT and registration plates is subject to the agreement of a local agent.
• If you are considering importing a vehicle older than 10 years, you should contact a local agent for further information and specific requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to pay taxes on all my imported items?
New personal effects are subject to a tax of 35%-55% of their CIF value. All vehicles are also subject to customs duties unless it's a diplomatic shipment.

What kind of proof of purchase is not accepted by customs?
Till slips, delivery notes, and order forms are not accepted. Sales slips for airport customs are also not valid for marine customs.

Are there any age restrictions for importing vehicles?
Vehicles not older than 10 years can generally be imported. For vehicles older than 10 years, you should consult with a local agent.

What language should my inventory be in?
All detailed inventories must be in Portuguese.

What information must be on the invoices for new items?
Invoices must be original (not handwritten), dated no older than 6 months, include your address at destination, the total amount excluding VAT, the supplier's SIRET or SIREN numbers, and the exact origin of the goods.

Is a local contact address required on my documents?
Yes, a contact address at your destination in Guinea-Bissau must appear on your detailed inventory and on invoices for new effects.

For personalized assistance with your move to Guinea-Bissau, please contact relocation123.com.

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