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DjiboutiWork permitsLast checked October 17, 2026

Work authorisation (ANEFIP) with professional visa and residence card

carte de séjour

Under Djibouti's Law No. 40/AN/19 on the entry and stay of foreigners, jobs go to Djiboutian citizens first. An employer can hire a foreigner only if it proves it could not find a Djiboutian who fits the job. Foreign workers need a work authorisation from ANEFIP and a visa for professional reasons. Within one month of arriving, they must regularise their stay with a residence card (carte de séjour) from the Immigration Directorate. Staff of companies in the free zones need a contract approved by the Port and Free Zones Authority or a company registered with ANPI.

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1 entry rule for Djibouti based on recent travel

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Life in Djibouti

Money

3

Currency

Djiboutian Franc

DJF

Djiboutian Franc

Cost of living

50

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

Up to 40%

Income tax (national)

VAT 10%

Monthly wages above DJF 50,000 taxed progressively; 40% top rate from DJF 2 million a month.

Official rates, 2024 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

4.4

#1 of 1 countries

World Happiness Report 2014

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Who it’s for

Foreign nationals with a job offer from an employer in Djibouti, including companies in the free zones.

Eligibility

  • Labour-market test

    Djiboutian citizens have hiring priority. An employer may recruit a foreigner in regular status only when it proves it did not find a Djiboutian matching the job profile (art. 29).

  • Visa for professional reasons

    For a professional or business visit, show three items: an organisation or employer letter, an ANEFIP work authorisation, and proof of where you will stay.

    • Letter can come from the organisation, investment agency (ANPI or free zone) or employer
    • Letter must confirm you are expected
    • Accommodation proof can be a hotel booking or an accommodation certificate
    Official wording

    For professional or business visits, the foreigner must show a letter from the organisation, investment agency (ANPI or free zone) or employer confirming they are expected, a work authorisation from ANEFIP, and a hotel booking or accommodation certificate (art. 6(2)).

  • Free zone employees

    If you work for a free zone company, you need a job offer or contract with the required approval.

    • Approval comes from the Port and Free Zones Authority or from the company registered with ANPI
    • Without that approval, the entry visa is refused
    Official wording

    Employees of companies operating in the free zones must hold a job offer or contract approved by the Port and Free Zones Authority or by the company registered with ANPI. Without that approval, the entry visa is refused (art. 10).

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementPassport
  • Document checklistWork authorisation (autorisation de travail)
  • FeesVisa and residence card stamp duties

The full requirements are for members

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  • 2 more requirements
  • 6 documents
  • 3 fees
  • 6 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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