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Available online to most nationalities for short stays; fee approximately XAF 85,000. Work is not permitted; overstay fines apply.
For any nationality wishing to reside in Gabon without working; requires proof of accommodation and financial means. Must be converted to a residence card within 3 months of arrival.
Employer-sponsored; requires the employer to demonstrate that no qualified Gabonese national is available for the role. Quotas apply in some sectors due to Gabonisation policy.
Issued to long-term residents including work permit holders and their dependants. Renewable; requires a valid local address, medical certificate, and clean criminal record.
Gabon issues visas on arrival and through its e-visa platform for most nationalities, with tourist and short-stay visas valid for 30–90 days. Citizens of CEMAC and ECCAS member states enjoy facilitated entry. Long-stay permits are managed by the Directorate-General of Documentation and Immigration (DGDI).
Work permits in Gabon require employer sponsorship and DGDI approval, with a labour market test required to confirm no qualified Gabonese citizen is available. Processing takes approximately 6–10 weeks. Permits are generally issued for one year and tied to the sponsoring employer.
Spouses and dependents of valid work permit or residence permit holders may apply for a family reunification permit through the DGDI. Dependents require their own work authorization to seek employment.
Gabon levies income tax progressively from 5% to 35% on individuals. Corporate tax is 30%. VAT is 18%. Gabon has a limited double-tax treaty network, primarily through French bilateral arrangements and CEMAC protocols.
Private healthcare in Libreville at facilities like Clinique El Rapha and Centre Hospitalier de Libreville offers reasonable care for expatriates. Outside the capital, facilities are limited. Comprehensive international health insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
Expats with valid permits can open accounts at BGFI Bank, Societe Generale Gabon, or UGB. Requirements include passport, residence permit, and proof of income. CFA franc (XAF) accounts are standard and USD transfers are common in the oil sector.
Gabon promotes foreign investment through the Special Economic Zone (ZES) of Nkok, which offers attractive fiscal incentives including corporate tax exemptions, customs duty waivers, and streamlined administrative procedures. The government also offers petroleum investment incentives through the national oil regulator ANPG. No formal residency by investment program exists.
| Program | Min. Investment | Residency | Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nkok Special Economic Zone | — | No | No |