About Democratic Republic of the Congo

Whether you’re looking to visit, live or work in the Democratic Republic of Congo—we can support your immigration needs at every stage of your journey.

If you’re a foreign national looking to visit, live, and/or work in the Democratic Republic of Congo, several options are available.

• Business Visits: The Democratic Republic of Congo’s immigration system does not specifically provide for business visits. However, as a business visitor, the immigration authorities will generally allow you to enter the country with an Ordinary Visa to engage in general business activities without work authorization. The Ordinary Visa (Visa de Voyages) is issued with single or multiple entries and valid for up to 180 days based on the traveler’s need; the visa can be extended. The Flying Visa or Visa Volant is available to most foreign nationals who reside in a country without a Congolese consular post and allows them to travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Airport Visa or Visa Aéroportuaire is available to COMESA and EAC nationals intending to stay up to 30 days. It is also issued on arrival to Flying Visa holders.
• Work Authorization: The Democratic Republic of Congo does not offer a short-term work permit. If you intend to work for more than 180 days the Visa d'établissement ​de travail (VET) provides long-term work authorization and is a suitable option for those on Congolese payroll. This visa is valid for 12 to 24 months. After you obtain a VET, you'll also need a “go-in/go-out” visa (Visa Sortie/Retour - or VSR)​ to travel internationally within your work permit validity period. You'll also obtain a Residence Permit.
• Internships/Traineeships: There is no trainee-specific work authorization category in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• Self-employment: If you're an investor or start-up company owner, you may be eligible for a work authorization visa, issued by the Migration Authority (Direction Générale des Migrations - or DGM). For short-term investments of up to three years, the ordinary establishment visa requires a minimum capital investment of USD 5,000. For long-term investments of five to ten years, a special establishment visa is suitable. The National Agency for the Promotion of Investments (Agence Nationale pour la Promotion des Investissements - ​or ANAPI) must approve the investment before the special establishment visa is granted.

Fragomen can also consult on citizenship matters and, as permitted within the confines of local law, may be able to offer citizenship assistance.