The authority to issue residence permits is vested in the director of the Immigration Service. Applicants who are not satisfied with the Director's decision may appeal to the Minister of Internal Affairs while outside the country.

To obtain a permanent resident visa of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, you must meet the following requirements:

• Send a letter with a request to the Main Directorate for Migration
• Regularly reside in the DRC without a break for at least 15 years
• Engage in agricultural, freelance, commercial or industrial activities
• Have a good reputation of the tax service

The validity period of the residence permit is not limited, and holders of the residence permit can enter and leave the country freely.

Congolese citizenship can be obtained if the following condition is met:

• A person has legally resided in the country for at least 7 years.
• Naturalization may be granted to persons who have resided in the country for a sufficient period to prove that they speak the language widely used in the country and understand the customs and traditions of the society.

The general provisions stipulate that applicants must be of good character and conduct; have no convictions for corruption or crimes

Citizenship in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is restrictive in that it requires applicants to have outstanding service to the state or that naturalization will benefit the state.

The applications must be approved by the Council of Ministers and the National Assembly, and then approved by the president. Once approved, the applicant must renounce any other citizenship.

The purchase of real estate is not a basis for granting a residence permit in the DR Congo.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is not included in the list of countries where it is possible to obtain citizenship and a residence permit for investment.