Ivory Coast Residence Permit

The Ivory Coast Residence Permit is mandatory for foreign nationals who intend to remain in Ivory Coast for more than 90 days. This permit allows foreign nationals to legally reside in the country for employment, study, family reunification, or other long-term purposes.

The Residence Permit is issued by the National Office of Identification (ONI) and is required in addition to any entry visa or work authorisation. Foreign nationals must apply for the Residence Permit after entering Ivory Coast and before exceeding their authorised entry period.

• The Residence Permit is typically issued for a validity period of one year and renewable.
• Foreign nationals entering Ivory Coast for work, study, or long-term residence must obtain this permit to maintain legal immigration status.
• The applicant must attend the National Office of Identification (ONI) in person to complete biometric registration.
• A temporary residence document may be issued while the final residence card is being processed.
• Dependants, students, and foreign workers must all obtain Residence Permits if their stay exceeds 90 days.

The Residence Permit serves as the primary legal authorisation for foreign nationals to reside in Ivory Coast and must be renewed before expiry to maintain lawful status.

Last Updated: 27/02/2026

Applicants for the Ivory Coast Residence Permit must submit documentation confirming their identity, legal entry into Ivory Coast, and their eligibility to remain in the country. All documents must be provided in French or accompanied by a certified French translation.

The application must be submitted in person to the National Office of Identification (ONI), and biometric enrolment is required for all applicants aged 16 years and older.

Documents required from the main applicant:

• Valid passport (bio-data page).
• Copy of the entry visa.
• Copies of all entry stamps.
• Original residence certificate issued in Ivory Coast.
• Original police clearance certificate.
• Birth certificate translated into French.
• Recent passport-sized photographs.
• Employment certificate, enrolment confirmation, or proof of legal purpose of stay.

Additional documents may include:

• Proof of accommodation in Ivory Coast.
• Copy of Work Permit (if applicable).
• Proof of financial means.
• Marriage certificate or birth certificates (if applying with dependants).
• Supporting documentation related to the purpose of residence (employment, study, family reunification, or investment).

Documents required from the guarantor (where applicable):

• Passport or national ID card (for Ivorian guarantors).
• Residence Permit or consular card (for foreign guarantors).

Immigration authorities may request additional documentation depending on the applicant’s purpose of stay and individual circumstances.

The processing time for the Ivory Coast Residence Permit depends on administrative workload, document completeness, and biometric enrolment. The application is processed by the National Office of Identification (ONI).

• Document preparation and submission: Estimated 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the availability of required civil and supporting documents.
• Biometric enrolment: Completed in person at ONI during application submission.
• Temporary residence card issuance: A temporary residence document may be issued while the final residence permit is being processed.
• Final Residence Permit processing time: Estimated 2 to 3 months after submission.

Estimated total timeline: Approximately 2 to 4 months from submission to final Residence Permit issuance.

Processing times may vary depending on administrative review, biometric verification, and application completeness.

Applicants for the Ivory Coast Residence Permit must pay government fees and administrative charges as part of the residence authorisation process. Fees vary depending on nationality and administrative requirements.

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

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

Online registration and administrative processing fee: Approximately EUR 39.

Temporary residence card fee (issued while awaiting final residence permit): Approximately EUR 31.

Residence certificate issuance fee: Approximately EUR 7.

Late application penalty (if residence permit is not applied for within the required timeframe): Approximately EUR 92.

Additional costs may include document translation into French, legalisation of civil documents, biometric registration, and administrative processing charges.

All government fees are subject to change and must be confirmed with the National Office of Identification (ONI) at the time of application.

Foreign nationals intending to remain in Ivory Coast for more than 90 days must apply for a Residence Permit through the National Office of Identification (ONI). The applicant must be physically present in Ivory Coast to complete the application and biometric registration process.

Step 1: Enter Ivory Coast with a valid entry visa

The applicant must first enter Ivory Coast using a valid entry visa, unless exempt. The entry visa must reflect the purpose of stay, such as work, study, or family reunification.

Step 2: Obtain a residence certificate

The applicant must obtain an official residence certificate confirming their address in Ivory Coast. This document is required as part of the residence permit application.

Step 3: Gather all required supporting documents

The applicant must prepare all required documentation, including passport copies, police clearance certificate, birth certificate, entry visa copies, and supporting documentation confirming the purpose of residence such as employment, study, or family sponsorship.

Step 4: Submit the application at the National Office of Identification (ONI)

The applicant must attend ONI in person to submit the application and complete biometric registration, including fingerprint capture and identity verification.

Step 5: Receive temporary residence documentation

A temporary residence card may be issued while the final Residence Permit is being processed. This allows the applicant to remain legally in Ivory Coast during processing.

Step 6: Receive the final Residence Permit

Once approved, the final Residence Permit is issued. The permit is typically valid for one year and must be renewed before expiry if the foreign national continues to reside in Ivory Coast.

Applicants must ensure their residence permit remains valid at all times to maintain lawful immigration status in Ivory Coast.

Disclaimer

At IBN Immigration Solutions, an Envoy Global company, we follow Google’s standards for transparency. The information provided on this page is based on the latest publicly available immigration laws, regulations, and official guidance relating to Côte d’Ivoire. This content is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, legal opinion, or official instruction.

IBN Immigration Solutions is a private immigration services firm and is not affiliated with the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, its immigration authorities, or any government department or agency. Immigration rules, requirements, and procedures may change without notice, and applicants are responsible for confirming current requirements with the relevant authorities.

Clients who engage our services do so for professional assistance in preparing and managing applications for visas, work authorisation, residence permits, and related immigration processes.