Ivory Coast Immigration and Visas

Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) is one of West Africa’s largest economies and a major regional hub for finance, infrastructure, energy, and international business. Its strategic location, growing private sector, and strong demand for skilled labour make it a key destination for foreign professionals, investors, students, and multinational organisations operating across Francophone Africa.

The immigration system in Ivory Coast is structured around a combination of Entry Visas, Work Permits, Residence Permits, and Dependant authorisations. Foreign nationals must obtain the appropriate visa to enter the country and, where applicable, secure work authorisation and residence status to remain legally beyond short-term stays.

Immigration processes involve multiple authorities, including the Agence Emploi Jeunes (AEJ) for Work Permits and the National Office of Identification (ONI) for Residence Permits. Foreign nationals must comply with all entry, work, and residence requirements to maintain lawful status while living or working in Ivory Coast.

Last Updated: 27/02/2026

Ivory Coast offers several immigration pathways depending on the purpose and duration of stay. Each category serves a specific function and carries its own requirements and compliance obligations.

• Entry Visas: Required for foreign nationals entering Ivory Coast for tourism, business, study, or medical purposes. These visas generally allow stays of up to 90 days.
• Business and Visitor Visas: Allow short-term business activities such as meetings, training, and limited project work not exceeding 90 days.
• Work Permits: Required for foreign nationals undertaking employment exceeding 90 days. Work Permits are issued by the Agence Emploi Jeunes (AEJ) and are typically valid for one year.
• Residence Permits: Mandatory for foreign nationals intending to remain in Ivory Coast long term for employment, study, or family reunification.
• Dependant Residence Permits: Allow spouses and children of authorised foreign nationals to reside in Ivory Coast.
• Student Visas and Residence Permits: Allow foreign nationals to study at recognised institutions and reside legally during their academic programme.

Foreign nationals must obtain the appropriate visa and authorisation based on their specific purpose of travel and intended duration of stay.

Foreign nationals applying for visas, work authorisation, or residence permits in Ivory Coast must provide documentation confirming their identity, legal entry, and eligibility to remain in the country.

• Valid passport with sufficient validity.
• Completed visa or permit application forms.
• Passport-sized photographs.
• Birth certificate translated into French.
• Police clearance certificate.
• Proof of accommodation in Ivory Coast.
• Proof of employment, enrolment, or purpose of stay.
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate.
• Supporting documents from employers, sponsors, or educational institutions.

All documents must be provided in French or accompanied by certified translations.

Government fees apply for entry visas, work permits, residence permits, and related immigration processes. Fees vary depending on nationality, permit category, and administrative requirements.

Entry Visa fee: Approximately EUR 73.

Residence Permit fee (other nationalities): Approximately EUR 458.

Residence Permit fee (French nationals): Approximately EUR 229.

Temporary residence card fee: Approximately EUR 31.

Online registration fee: Approximately EUR 39.

Work Permit fee: Varies depending on contract type, nationality, and salary level.

Additional costs may include translation, document certification, and administrative service charges.

Processing times vary depending on the immigration category and administrative workload.

• Entry Visas: Typically issued within 2 to 10 working days.
• Work Permits: Estimated 4 to 6 weeks including administrative processing.
• Residence Permits: Typically issued within 2 to 3 months after submission.
• Work Permit Card issuance: Estimated 1 to 4 weeks after work permit approval.

Processing times may vary depending on application completeness and government review procedures.

Foreign nationals must ensure they obtain the appropriate visa before travelling and apply for residence authorisation where required. Immigration compliance is essential to maintain lawful status in Ivory Coast.

• Foreign nationals must apply for a Residence Permit if staying longer than 90 days.
• Work Permits must be obtained before commencing employment.
• Applications must be submitted to the relevant authorities, including AEJ and ONI.
• Biometric registration is mandatory for residence authorisation.
• Residence Permits and Work Permits must be renewed before expiry.

Failure to comply with immigration requirements may result in penalties, refusal of future applications, or removal from the country.