Moving to Togo

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the visa and residence permit process for Togo depends significantly on your nationality. Citizens from some regions, like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), often benefit from more lenient entry requirements. For others, such as EU or North American citizens, a visa will be required prior to arrival. Common routes for long-term stays include work permits, family reunification visas, study visas, or a general residence permit.

The specific type of permit you'll need will dictate the required documentation, application process, and validity period. It is crucial to verify the most current requirements directly with the Togolese embassy or consulate in your home country, or with the Directorate General of National Documentation (Direction Générale de la Documentation Nationale - DGDN) once you are in Togo, as regulations can change. Always start this process well in advance of your intended move date.

Housing & Rental

Finding housing in Togo typically involves a mix of online searches, local real estate agents, and word-of-mouth referrals. For temporary accommodation upon arrival, consider hotels, guesthouses, or short-term rental platforms. These can provide a base while you conduct your longer-term housing search.

For long-term rentals, popular areas in Lomé include Kodjoviakopé, Tokoin, and Cacaveli, offering a range of options from apartments to stand-alone houses. The rental process often involves an initial viewing, negotiation of terms, and signing a lease agreement. Deposits are standard, usually equivalent to one to three months' rent, plus an advance payment of rent for a similar period. Ensure all agreements are clearly documented in writing. Utilities like electricity and water are often separate and paid directly by the tenant.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of your relocation to Togo is influenced by several key factors. The volume of your belongings is a primary determinant; more items mean greater shipping costs. The distance of your move, naturally, also plays a significant role. The time of year can impact pricing, with peak seasons sometimes leading to higher rates due to demand.

Access at both origin and destination is another consideration – difficulties with parking, stairs, or narrow doorways can require additional services and thus increase costs. Finally, any extra services you opt for, such as professional packing, unpacking, or specialized handling for delicate items, will contribute to the overall expense. For an accurate and personalized estimate, it is always best to request a free quote based on your specific needs.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized relocation timeline is essential for a smooth move to Togo. Here’s a general checklist for a 4-8 week preparation period:

• 8 Weeks Before:
  • Begin researching visa and residence requirements.
  • Declutter your home; decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard.
  • Obtain multiple quotes for your international move.
• 6 Weeks Before:
  • Confirm your moving date and book your chosen relocation service.
  • Start gathering important documents (passports, birth certificates, marriage licenses, academic records, medical records). Make copies and store them securely.
  • Notify your landlord (if renting) or begin preparing your home for sale.
• 4 Weeks Before:
  • Begin packing non-essential items. Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room.
  • Arrange for utility disconnections at your current residence and connections at your new home in Togo (if possible remotely, otherwise plan for upon arrival).
  • Notify banks, insurance companies, and other service providers of your change of address.
• 2 Weeks Before:
  • Confirm travel arrangements to Togo.
  • Pack an essentials bag for your first few days in Togo, including toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, and important documents.
  • Arrange for mail forwarding.
• 1 Week Before:
  • Confirm final details with your relocation service.
  • Empty refrigerator/freezer and clean appliances.
  • Do a final walk-through of your home.

Remember to keep all critical documents, medications, and valuables with you during your journey, not in your shipped belongings.

Request a free quote on relocation123.com to start planning your move to Togo 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 Togo: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to a new country can be an exciting adventure, and understanding customs procedures 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 Togo.

If you're relocating as a new resident

When moving your personal belongings to Togo as a new resident, your items will generally be taxed at 5% of their CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value. This applies to both corporate and private customers. It's vital to have all your paperwork in order to avoid your goods being treated as commercial merchandise, which would incur a much higher tax rate of 48% (including all taxes).

What you'll need

• Clear and legible copy of your passport.
• Certificate of change of residence or certificate of move, issued by your municipality at origin or by a consulate.
• Detailed, valued inventory of your belongings, dated and signed by you, in French.
• Transfer letter or work certificate from your employer.
• Your Tax Identification Number (NIF) issued by the Togolese Revenue Authority (OTR), or your employer's NIF if you don't have one yet.
• A non-sale certificate (stating goods were purchased over 6 months before arrival and not for resale) may be requested.
• A copy of your export declaration might also be requested.

Good to know

• Any brand new items within your personal effects shipment will be subject to tax.
• An ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) can be issued in your country of origin. If not, it can be processed upon arrival for a fee (EUR 150 for 20' container, EUR 250 for 40' container).

Returning Togolese citizens

Togolese citizens returning to the country will also have their personal effects taxed at 5% of the CIF value. The documentation requirements are slightly different, focusing on proving your return.

What you'll need

• Clear and legible copy of your passport.
• Certificate of change of residence.
• Detailed, valued inventory dated and signed by you, in French.
• Your Tax Identification Number (NIF) issued by the Togolese Revenue Authority (OTR), or your employer's NIF if you don't have one yet.

Good to know

• Failure to provide the required documents will result in your effects being taxed as merchandise at 48%.
• Brand new items will be subject to tax.
• An ECTN can be issued in your country of origin. If not, it can be processed upon arrival for a fee (EUR 150 for 20' container, EUR 250 for 40' container).

Diplomatic moves

Diplomatic shipments benefit from specific tax exemptions, but these must be secured before your goods arrive. It is no longer possible to use a D48 form to anticipate exit.

What you'll need

• The same personal effects documents as other residents, in addition to specific diplomatic documentation for exemption.

Good to know

• Ambassadors and embassies themselves are typically subject only to an IT tax (and a statistic tax for some embassies) of 10 EUR.
• Embassy administrative and technical staff are taxed similarly to other expatriates, at 5% of the CIF value.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Importing a vehicle requires careful preparation and specific documentation. It's highly recommended to ship vehicles in containers to protect them from damage or theft during transit. Togolese customs will assess your vehicle's value upon arrival in Lomé, and this valuation will determine the CIF value for taxation.

What you'll need

• Original car registration documents. If unavailable, a declaration of loss must be obtained for EUR 50.
• Vehicle purchase invoice if the vehicle is new.
• Certificate of change of residence or certificate of move from your origin municipality or consulate.
• Certificate of work transfer.
• Photograph of the dashboard showing the odometer.
• Four photographs of the vehicle (front, back, and both sides).
• Your Tax Identification Number (NIF) or your employer's NIF.
• A copy of your export and import declaration may be requested.

Good to know

• Vehicles with less than 13 horsepower are taxed at 49% of the customs-assessed value.
• Vehicles with more than 13 horsepower are taxed at 54% of the customs-assessed value.
• Motorbikes, two-wheelers, and quads are assessed on a case-by-case basis by Customs upon presentation of transport documents.
• A minimum fixed tax (MFI) of 1% applies to all imported second-hand vehicles.
• Customs duties must be paid in full, in cash or by bank certified cheque, before delivery.
• An Interpol check is compulsory for vehicles, costing 20 EUR.
• For diplomatic shipments: Ambassadors and embassies are subject only to an IT tax of 10 EUR. Embassy administrative and technical staff are taxed between 5% and 10% of the CIF value.
• Certain NGOs and organizations with specific exemption agreements with the Togolese State may benefit from partial exemptions, with the percentage varying by agreement.
• An ECTN can be issued in your country of origin. If not, it can be processed upon arrival for a fee (EUR 150 for 20' container, EUR 250 for 40' container).

Restricted & prohibited items

The importation of any firearms and ammunition is strictly forbidden in Togo.

Frequently asked questions

What is the NIF and why do I need it?
The NIF is your Tax Identification Number, issued by the Togolese Revenue Authority (OTR). It's a crucial document for customs clearance for both personal effects and vehicles.

What happens if I don't have all the required documents for my personal effects?
Without the necessary documents, your personal effects will be considered merchandise and taxed at a much higher rate of 48% (including all taxes), instead of the standard 5%.

Are brand new items in my personal shipment taxed differently?
Yes, any brand new items, even if part of your personal effects, will be subject to tax.

Can I get an exemption for my vehicle if I'm with an NGO?
Certain NGOs and organizations with specific exemption agreements with the Togolese State may qualify for partial exemptions on vehicle taxes, upon presentation of proof.

What is an ECTN and is it mandatory?
An ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) can be issued at the country of origin. While not strictly mandatory to obtain at origin, if it's not provided, it will be processed upon arrival in Togo for an additional fee.

How are diplomatic shipments for administrative staff taxed compared to ambassadors?
Ambassadors and embassies themselves typically pay a minimal IT tax (10 EUR). Embassy administrative and technical staff, however, are taxed similarly to expatriates, at 5% of the CIF value for personal effects and between 5% and 10% of the CIF value for vehicles.

For more detailed information or assistance with your specific relocation needs, please contact relocation123.com.

Get help with your move →