Dual citizenship has been allowed in Burundi since 2000.

The General Commissariat of Migration (CGM) is one of the General Commissariats of the Burundi National Police Inspectorate (IGPNB), which provides numerous services to Burundian citizens and foreigners regarding travel documents and other related services in accordance with the Organic Law of February 20, 2017.

Types of visas issued to foreigners who are not members of EAS and CEPGL are of the following types:

1. Entry visa: US$ 90/month
2. Resident visa: US$ 70/month
3. 2-year settlement visa: US$ 500
4. Permanent resident visa: US$ 1200

Permanent residence permit

Permanent residence permits are granted to foreigners (and their family members) who are considered useful for the development of the country because they create jobs and/or make large investments. The cost of obtaining a permanent residence permit is about 1,200 USD.

Spouses and dependents

A foreign woman who marries a citizen of Burundi can obtain Burundian citizenship two years after the marriage, provided she has renounced her previous citizenship.

The Orientation Commission issues a permanent work and residence permit to the spouse of a Burundian citizen who resides in Burundi and has retained his or her original citizenship. Dependent children of a foreign citizen who has a residence permit in Burundi have full right to stay in Burundi.

Requirements for each type of visa:

Residence visa

• Copy of passport
• A copy of the entry visa
• Passport photo
• Employment contract for at least 2 years
• Passport photo

2-year settlement visa 2-year
extendable visa: This visa is issued to foreigners who wish to stay in the country for a long period of time. Its value is 500 US dollars, which must be transferred to a government account opened in a commercial bank in Burundi. An additional deposit of 1,500 US dollars (or $5,000 US dollars if the applicant is traveling with family) is required.

• Copy of passport
• Passport photo
• Employment contract for 2 years or more
• A letter of motivation addressed to the Commissioner General for Migration duly filled in the applicant's identification form

Permanent residence visa: This visa can be obtained after living in Burundi for at least 10 years. Its cost is 600 US dollars, while a deposit of 1,500 US dollars is required (already deposited if the foreigner had a 2-year visa with the possibility of extension).

• Copy of passport
• Passport photo
• Employment contract for 2 years or more
• 2-year settlement visa
• Letter of motivation, in the name of the Commissioner-General for Migration, a duly completed form of identification of the applicant
• A document confirming his profession in Burundi

Exit-Return Visa: Foreigners holding a resident visa or a long-term visa who want to leave the country, even for a very short period, must apply for an exit visa at a cost of 30 US dollars.

Contact Information

General Commission on Migration (CGM)

Kigobe district

Bujumbura-Burundi

Phone: +257 22 258265

[email protected]

https://eastandhornofafrica.iom.int/burundi