Moving to Mauritania

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the visa and residence permit process for Mauritania largely depends on your nationality and the purpose of your stay. Citizens from certain regions, such as the European Union, may have different entry requirements compared to those from non-EU countries. Common routes for obtaining a residence permit include:

• Work Permit: Typically sponsored by an employer in Mauritania, requiring documentation related to your employment contract and qualifications.
• Family Reunification: For individuals joining family members who are already residents or citizens of Mauritania.
• Study Visa: For those enrolled in educational institutions within the country.
• Residence Permit (General): For individuals intending to reside in Mauritania without direct employment or family ties, often requiring proof of sufficient financial means.

It is crucial to verify the most current and specific requirements directly with the Mauritanian embassy or consulate in your home country, or with the relevant authorities upon arrival. Requirements can change, and official sources will provide the most accurate information regarding necessary documents, application procedures, and processing times.

Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in Mauritania, particularly in urban centers like Nouakchott, can be done through various channels. While online portals are growing, local real estate agents and word-of-mouth remain very effective methods. Many expatriates also find housing through their employer's network or expat communities.

The typical rental process involves identifying a property, negotiating terms, and signing a lease agreement. Deposits are standard, usually equivalent to one or two months' rent, and are held against potential damages or unpaid utilities. It's advisable to conduct a thorough inventory check before moving in and to document the property's condition with photos or videos.

For temporary accommodation upon arrival, options include hotels or serviced apartments, which can be booked in advance. For long-term rentals, unfurnished properties are common, giving you the flexibility to furnish it to your taste. Ensure all terms regarding utilities, maintenance, and any included services are clearly stipulated in your lease agreement.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of your relocation to Mauritania is influenced by several key factors. Understanding these can help you budget effectively:

• Volume and Weight of Goods: The more items you move, the higher the cost. This is often the primary determinant.
• Distance: The geographical distance between your origin and Mauritania significantly impacts shipping costs.
• Season of Move: Peak moving seasons can sometimes lead to higher demand and potentially higher prices.
• Access at Origin and Destination: Difficult access, such as narrow streets, lack of elevators, or remote locations, can incur additional charges for specialized equipment or extra labor.
• Type of Transportation: Air freight is faster but more expensive than sea freight.
• Additional Services: Services like professional packing, unpacking, disassembly/assembly of furniture, storage, and specialized handling for fragile or valuable items will add to the overall cost.
• Insurance: While an additional cost, comprehensive transit insurance is highly recommended to protect your belongings during the move.

For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, exact prices come from a free, no-obligation quote.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized timeline is essential for a smooth relocation to Mauritania. Here’s a checklist-style guide for 4-8 weeks before your move:

• 8 Weeks Out:
  • Begin decluttering: Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. This reduces moving costs.
  • Research visa and residence permit requirements thoroughly and start gathering necessary documents.
  • Obtain quotes from reputable international moving services.
  • Start compiling important documents: passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic records, medical records, and financial statements. Keep originals safe and make digital and physical copies.
• 6 Weeks Out:
  • Confirm your moving service and schedule your packing and shipping dates.
  • Notify your landlord (if renting) or begin preparing your current home for sale.
  • Arrange for school transfers for children, if applicable.
  • Start using up perishable food items.
• 4 Weeks Out:
  • Begin packing non-essential items. Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room.
  • Arrange for utility disconnections (electricity, water, gas, internet) at your current residence and connections at your new home in Mauritania.
  • Notify banks, credit card companies, and other financial institutions of your move.
  • Forward mail to a new address or arrange for mail redirection.
• 2 Weeks Out:
  • Pack an essentials box for arrival in Mauritania (toiletries, medications, important documents, a few changes of clothes).
  • Confirm travel arrangements to Mauritania.
  • Empty and clean refrigerators and freezers.
  • Return borrowed items and collect items you've lent out.
• 1 Week Out:
  • Confirm all final arrangements with your moving company.
  • Get cash in the local currency (Mauritanian Ouguiya) for immediate needs upon arrival.
  • Back up all digital data.
  • Say goodbye to friends and family.

Remember to pack essential documents and valuables in your carry-on luggage.

Request a free quote on relocation123.com today to start planning your move to Mauritania.

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 Mauritania: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to a new country can be an exciting adventure, 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 Mauritania.

If you're importing personal effects

When bringing your personal belongings into Mauritania, it's important to differentiate between used and new items, as documentation requirements can vary. All items must be listed on a detailed inventory.

What you'll need

• Certificate of change of residence
• Packing list of the goods
• Work attestation in Mauritania
• Copy of your passport (and diplomatic or service passport if applicable)
• Residence card
• Exemption letter from the Mauritania Ministry of Finance (for non-diplomatic shipments) or Ministry of Foreign Affairs (for diplomatic shipments)
• Detailed inventory, valued in EUR, dated, signed, and written in French
• For new effects: Packing list, detailed inventory with exact invoice amounts, and original invoices. Invoices for electrical items should not be older than 6 months.

Good to know

• All used effects must be clearly declared as such.
• Any new effects without tax and number plate require an original invoice with your destination address, an EX 1 n° 3 document, your ID or passport, and your residence card.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Importing a vehicle into Mauritania involves specific procedures depending on whether the vehicle is used, new with temporary registration, or new without tax and number plates. Vehicles are generally subject to taxes based on their age and capacity.

What you'll need

• For used vehicles: Valued, dated, and signed inventory; copy of car registration documents; non-lien certificate (valid for one month); residence card; passport of vehicle owner.
• For new vehicles with temporary registration (W.W): Purchase invoice; non-lien certificate (valid for one month); ID or passport of vehicle owner; residence card.
• For new vehicles without tax and number plate: Original invoice with address at destination; EX 1 n° 3 document; ID or passport of vehicle owner; residence card.

Good to know

• Tax exemptions are not always applied. Diplomats, civil servants, or those in similar categories working for an embassy or an international organization may be exempted for one vehicle if they apply through their employer (with specific registration types like CD or TT).
• Employees of international organizations or exempted companies may also be exempt for one vehicle.

Restricted & prohibited items

Mauritania has strict regulations on certain imports. It is crucial to be aware of these to avoid issues.

• Arms
• Alcohol
• Drugs and narcotics
• Counterfeit goods
• Cigarettes
• Ivory
• Ostrich eggs
• Turtle shell
• Coral
• Shells
• Stuffed animals
• Animal skin, as well as all species mentioned in the Washington Convention (CITES).

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a special letter for tax exemption?
Yes, for non-diplomatic shipments, an exemption letter from the Mauritania Ministry of Finance is required. For diplomatic shipments, this letter comes from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Are new electrical items treated differently?
Yes, new electrical items require original invoices, and these invoices should not be older than 6 months.

What is a non-lien certificate for vehicles?
This is a document confirming there are no outstanding financial claims against the vehicle. It must be valid for one month.

Is there a specific language for the inventory?
Yes, the detailed inventory must be written in French.

Can I import any amount of cigarettes?
No, cigarettes are listed as a prohibited item for import.

Are all vehicles taxed upon import?
Vehicles are generally subject to taxes based on their age and capacity, unless specific exemptions apply, such as for diplomats or employees of international organizations.

For further assistance with your relocation to Mauritania, please contact relocation123.com.

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