Loading...
Loading...
Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Banjul International Airport; fee is approximately US$20-40. Work is not permitted; extensions may be granted by the Department of Immigration.
Available to any nationality for long-term stays; requires proof of accommodation, financial means, and a clean criminal record. Does not authorize employment.
Employer-sponsored; issued by the Department of Labor after showing no qualified Gambian national is available. Combined with a residence permit; fee varies by sector.
The Gambia offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to citizens of ECOWAS member states and many Western nations for short stays of up to 90 days. Long-stay permits are issued by the Immigration Department for those with employment or business ties. As one of West Africa's smallest countries, The Gambia has a growing expat retiree community attracted by its low cost of living and English-speaking environment.
Work permits in The Gambia are issued by the Department of Immigration in consultation with the Ministry of Trade and Employment. Employer sponsorship is required and a labour market test confirms no qualified Gambian is available. Processing takes approximately 4–8 weeks and permits are typically annual.
Spouses and dependent children of work or residence permit holders may apply for dependent residence permits through the Immigration Department. Dependents who wish to work must obtain separate work authorization.
The Gambia levies income tax progressively from 0% to 35% on individuals. Corporate tax is 31%. VAT (sales tax) is 15%. The Gambia has a small double-tax treaty network mainly through bilateral agreements with ECOWAS partners and the UK.
Healthcare in The Gambia is limited, with the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital in Banjul being the main public facility. Private clinics in the Kombo coastal area (Kololi, Kotu) offer basic care for expats. Comprehensive international health insurance with medical evacuation coverage to Senegal or Europe is essential.
Expats with valid permits can open accounts at Trust Bank, GTBank Gambia, or Standard Chartered Gambia. Requirements include a valid passport, residence permit, and proof of income. Dalasi accounts are standard and mobile money services are expanding rapidly.
The Gambia actively promotes foreign investment through GIEPA (Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency). Incentive packages include corporate tax holidays for qualifying investments in tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing. There is no formal residency by investment program, but substantial investors may receive residency facilitation.