Moving to Lebanon

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the visa and residence process for Lebanon largely depends on your nationality. Citizens from certain countries, particularly within the European Union, may enjoy easier entry requirements or visa-on-arrival options for short stays. However, for long-term residence, nearly everyone will need to secure a specific permit.

Typical routes for obtaining a residence permit include:

• Work Permit: If you have secured employment with a Lebanese company, your employer will typically sponsor your work permit application. This is a common pathway for expatriates.
• Family Reunification: If you are joining a spouse or parent who is a Lebanese citizen or already holds a valid residence permit, you may be eligible for a family reunification visa.
• Study Visa: Enrollment in a recognized Lebanese educational institution will allow you to apply for a student visa.
• Residence Permit (Non-Working): For individuals not working but wishing to reside in Lebanon, there are options for a general residence permit, often requiring proof of sufficient financial means.

It is crucial to verify the most current requirements and procedures directly with the Lebanese Embassy or Consulate in your country of origin, or with the General Directorate of General Security in Lebanon. Regulations can change, and individual circumstances may require specific documentation.

Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in Lebanon can be an exciting part of your relocation. The market offers a range of options from modern apartments to traditional homes, primarily concentrated in Beirut and its surrounding areas, and other major cities.

Here’s how to approach the housing search and rental process:

• How to Find Housing:
  • Real Estate Agents: This is often the most efficient way, especially for expatriates. Agents have extensive listings and can help navigate the local market and language barriers.
  • Online Portals: Several Lebanese real estate websites list properties for rent.
  • Word of Mouth: Networking within expat communities or local contacts can sometimes yield good leads.
• Typical Rental Process:
  • Once you find a suitable property, you'll typically sign a rental agreement (lease) with the landlord. It's advisable to have the agreement reviewed by a legal professional, especially if it's not in a language you fully understand.
  • Lease terms are often for one year, renewable. Shorter terms might be available but are less common for long-term rentals.
• Deposits: A security deposit is standard, usually equivalent to one or two months' rent. This deposit is refundable at the end of your tenancy, provided the property is returned in good condition. You may also be asked for advance rent payments.
• Temporary vs. Long-Term: For your initial arrival, consider temporary accommodation like serviced apartments or short-term rentals. This allows you time to explore different neighborhoods and finalize a long-term lease without pressure.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of your relocation to Lebanon is influenced by several key factors, making each move unique. Understanding these elements will help you budget effectively:

• Volume and Weight of Your Belongings: The more items you move, the higher the cost. This includes furniture, boxes, vehicles, and any specialized items.
• Distance of the Move: The geographical distance between your current location and Lebanon is a primary cost driver.
• Seasonality: Moving during peak seasons (often summer months) can sometimes be more expensive due to higher demand.
• Accessibility: The ease of access at both your origin and destination properties (e.g., stairs, narrow streets, elevator availability) can impact labor costs.
• Mode of Transport: Options like sea freight (more economical for large volumes, longer transit time) versus air freight (faster, more expensive for smaller volumes) will significantly affect the price.
• Extra Services: Additional services such as professional packing, unpacking, storage, specialized handling for fragile or valuable items, and customs clearance assistance will add to the overall cost.

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 timeline is essential for a smooth relocation. Here’s a checklist-style guide for 4-8 weeks out:

• 8 Weeks Before:
  • Declutter & Inventory: Start going through your belongings. Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. Create a detailed inventory.
  • Research & Request Quotes: Begin researching moving companies and request free quotes for your international move.
  • Visa & Residence: Initiate your visa and residence permit application process, gathering all necessary documents.
  • Schooling/Healthcare: If applicable, research schools for children or healthcare providers in Lebanon.
• 6 Weeks Before:
  • Book Movers: Confirm your moving company and schedule your moving date.
  • Documents: Organize and secure all vital documents (passports, birth certificates, marriage licenses, medical records, academic transcripts, financial statements). Make copies and digital backups.
  • Medical Check-ups: Schedule any necessary medical check-ups or vaccinations.
  • Insurance: Arrange for transit insurance for your belongings.
• 4 Weeks Before:
  • Utilities & Services: Notify current utility providers (electricity, water, internet, gas) of your move-out date. Arrange for disconnections.
  • Mail Forwarding: Set up mail forwarding to your new address or a trusted contact.
  • Bank Accounts: Notify your bank of your move and explore options for banking in Lebanon.
  • Start Packing Non-Essentials: Begin packing items you won't need immediately. Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room.
• 2 Weeks Before:
  • Confirm Travel: Finalize your personal travel arrangements to Lebanon.
  • Essentials Box: Prepare an "essentials" box with items you'll need immediately upon arrival (toiletries, medications, important documents, a change of clothes, chargers, basic tools).
  • Notify Contacts: Inform friends, family, and relevant institutions of your new contact details.
• 1 Week Before:
  • Final Packing: Complete all remaining packing.
  • Clean Out: Start cleaning your current residence.
  • Cash: Ensure you have some local currency for immediate expenses upon arrival.
• Packing Tips:
  • Use sturdy boxes and quality packing materials.
  • Wrap fragile items individually with ample cushioning.
  • Distribute weight evenly in boxes.
  • Label every box clearly on multiple sides with its contents and the room it belongs in.
  • Keep a separate, easily accessible bag with essential documents, medications, and valuables for your journey.

To get started on your stress-free move, 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 Lebanon: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to Lebanon involves navigating specific customs regulations for your belongings. This guide provides a clear overview to help ensure a smooth transition for your household goods and personal items.

If you're relocating as a new resident or returning Lebanese citizen

Whether you're a returning Lebanese citizen or a foreign national moving to Lebanon, your used household goods will generally be subject to customs duties and taxes, typically around 45%. Any item that appears new, lacks sufficient signs of wear, or has been in your possession for less than six months will be considered new and liable for additional duty. It's important to import your personal estate in a single shipment if possible. If multiple shipments are necessary, you must obtain prior authorization from the Customs General Management.

What you'll need

• Detailed packing list
• Passport Copy (original required for air shipments)
• ID copy (for Lebanese citizens)
• Delivery address

Good to know

• Your presence is preferable for customs clearance, but not always a strict requirement.
• CDs, videos, and books are subject to censorship control.
• Satellite dishes, receivers, fax machines, and telephones require special authorizations from the Ministry of Telecommunication and Defence, which can cause delays and additional charges.
• Imported furniture or other items, whether new or used, cannot be sold in Lebanon within three years of their arrival date. Violations may incur a fine up to three times the item's cost.
• All accompanying articles must have been in use for over six months and in your possession when you sign the customs declaration.

Diplomatic moves

Diplomats on active service and duly accredited in Lebanon are exempt from most customs regulations. Their shipments enjoy duty-free entry.

What you'll need

• Packing list
• Delivery order
• Copy of Bill of Lading submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to obtain a Franchise
• Shipment documents must secure approval from the Lebanese Higher Council
• A simple declaration of diplomatic immunity, an inventory drawn up and signed by the diplomat, and countersigned by the protocol service of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Customs Higher Council.

Good to know

• Import of alcohol for diplomats is allowed but limited to an annual quota agreed upon by the local Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the respective embassies.
• Once the Franchise and approval are obtained, shipments are cleared without delay or inspection.

Moving after marriage (Wedding Trousseaux)

Certain items considered part of a wedding trousseau may be exempt from duties.

What you'll need

• Letter to Customs General Management prior to shipping
• Proof of recent marriage

Good to know

• Only body linen, household linen, bed covers, and clothing are exempt from duties.

Inherited belongings

Inherited items can be imported duty-free.

What you'll need

• Certificate from Mayor, proving heir status, legalized by the Lebanese Consulate.

Good to know

• These items are granted duty-free entry.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Importing vehicles to Lebanon has strict rules regarding age and type. It's generally not recommended to ship used cars.

What you'll need

• Ownership Card
• Original invoice (legalized by the Chamber of Commerce and the Lebanese Consulate)
• Original Bill of Lading (OBL), showing the chassis number

Good to know

• Customs duties on used cars depend on the year, make, and options, with a minimum duty of USD 3700. Duties start at 20% and can reach 100% based on customs' estimated value.
• Cars older than 8 years cannot be imported.
• Right-hand drive cars are not accepted.
• Motorbikes can only be imported if they are up to 3 years old from the manufacturing date.
• Personal belongings are not allowed inside the car during shipment.

Pets

Bringing your beloved pet to Lebanon requires specific health documentation.

What you'll need

• Sanitary certificate

Good to know

• Payment of a governing tax will be required.

Restricted & prohibited items

Be aware of items that are either completely forbidden or require special permits for import.

Good to know

• Prohibited: Firearms, ammunition, drugs, narcotics, pornographic materials, unopened supplies of provisions and alcohol, used tires, hard musical CDs and tapes with trade names on the boycott list against Israel.
• Restricted: Any electrical equipment (battery-operated or domestic appliances) is generally prohibited unless specific authorization is obtained.
• For firearms and ammunition, authorization must be applied for.

Alcohol & tobacco

There are duty-free allowances for personal quantities of alcohol and tobacco.

Good to know

• Duty-free allowance per traveler: 1/2 kilo pipe tobacco, 500 cigarettes, 100 cigars, 13 bottles of alcohol.
• Quantities exceeding these figures will be subject to customs duties.

Frequently asked questions

Are new household goods subject to duty?
Yes, new furniture and household goods are subject to customs duties of 30% of their value (as estimated by an official expert), plus 11% VAT and 3% Security Fees. The origin of goods must be mentioned on the packing list and invoice.

What about electrical appliances?
Used electrical appliances are duty-free if they are truly used and all required clearance documents are available. New electrical appliances are subject to a 15% customs duty plus 11% VAT and require permits from the Industrial Research Institute (IRI). HS codes are also needed.

Can I import works of art or antiques?
Paintings, old masters, and old manuscripts incur customs duties of 5-10% plus 11% VAT. Other art and antique items are subject to general customs duties. Items over 100 years old require a certificate from the Antiques Department sealed on every article, along with original legalized invoices and a packing list.

Are there duties on machines and equipment?
Industrial or agricultural equipment may qualify for reduced customs duties of 6% under special authorization. You'll need a catalogue, machine plan, or a stamp from the technical service on the customs declaration.

What documents are needed for plants and vegetable products?
You'll need a customs declaration stamped by sanitary services, a commercial invoice, a packing list, and a Certificate of Origin. These items are subject to customs duties.

What if I bring commercial shipments or new furniture/articles?
These are subject to customs duties at 46.5% of their value plus 3% Security, as estimated by an official expert. You'll need original signed and stamped invoices legalized by the Chamber of Commerce and Consul, a packing list, and a Certificate of Origin.

Contact relocation123.com for personalized assistance with your move to Lebanon.

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