Benin resident card
carte de résident: ordinary, privileged and special economic zone
Foreigners who want to settle in Benin must get a resident card from the Direction de l'Emigration et de l'Immigration (DEI), under Law No. 2025-15 of 2 July 2025 on the entry, stay, residence and exit of foreigners. The ordinary card lasts 3 years. A privileged card lasting 10 years is open to ordinary residents who have renewed twice and show stable ties. A 5-year card exists for investors in a special economic zone (ZES).
Life in Benin
Money
3
Currency
West African CFA Franc
XOF
West African CFA Franc
Cost of living
34
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
10–30%
Income tax (national)
VAT 18%
ITS on salaries (monthly): 0% up to XOF 60,000, 10/15/19%, and 30% above XOF 500,000; small ORTB levy added in March and June.
Living
1
Happiness
#122 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Foreign nationals living in Benin long term, including workers, family members, retirees and investors. ECOWAS nationals also need a card to reside, but pay a lower fee.
Eligibility
Ordinary card
Proof of means of subsistence, or a third party's guarantee of support, or another legitimate reason to live in Benin, plus good character.
Privileged card
Open to an ordinary resident who has renewed the card twice and shows a permanent job or activity, property, a conjugal home in Benin, or a functioning business.
ZES card
Reserved for foreigners with investor status in a special economic zone.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementCIPE first
- Document checklistCompleted application form
- FeesOrdinary card, ECOWAS nationals (3 years)
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 1 more requirement
- 6 documents
- 4 fees
- 6 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Benin
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Status in-country in other countries
- BermudaBermuda Permission to Reside on an Annual Basis
- BahamasHome Owner Resident Permit
- CanadaRestoration of temporary resident status
- Côte d’IvoireECOWAS resident card
- Costa RicaTemporary Residence – Pensionado
- Cape VerdeCabo Verde residence visa (work, investment, study, family reunification) leading to a residence permit
