Living in Democratic Republic of Congo
Information for British citizens moving to or living in Democratic Rep. of Congo including advice on health, education, benefits and residence requirements.
Overview
This guide sets out essential information for British citizens moving to or living in Democratic Republic of Congo. Read about how our Embassy in Kinshasa can help.
This information is provided as a guide only. You should get definitive information from the Congolese authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is not liable for any inaccuracies in this information.
Support for British Nationals Abroad: A Guide sets out how British nationals can stay safe abroad and how the FCDO can help if you do get into difficulty.
Read general guidance on moving or retiring abroad.
To stay up to date: follow the British Embassy in Kinshasa on Facebook/UKinDRC and Twitter/UKinDRC
Before you go
See our travel advice for Democratic Republic of Congo for up-to-date information on entry requirements, local laws and customs, safety and emergencies.
Visas and residency
Check the entry requirements for Democratic Republic of Congo. All British passport holders need to get a visa before travelling to the DRC. See Visas section of our travel advice for more information.
Passports and travel
You can apply for or renew your British passport from Democratic Republic of Congo.
Check the Democratic Republic of Congo travel advice for passport validity requirements.
Healthcare in Democratic Republic of Congo
There is no reciprocal formal healthcare agreements between the UK and Democratic Republic of Congo.
There is no legal requirement for you to register for healthcare as a resident in Democratic Republic of Congo.
If you cannot register for healthcare, you must ensure you have a private healthcare cover for Democratic Republic of Congo, see List of medical facilities in DRC
The fee for their services starts from $50 for an initial consultation. They can also arrange medical evacuation. For any major medical problems, it is advisable to obtain medical treatment in South Africa where more advanced medical care is available.
Travellers to Democratic Republic of Congo are recommended to take out comprehensive medical insurance. See our travel advice section on health and security.
NOTE: UK Travel insurance providers will not generally cover your healthcare costs if you live overseas.
Medicine
If you are on a prescription for any medication you should ensure you have a supply of it, or are able to obtain it when in Democratic Republic of Congo. Certain medicines may not be available in Democratic Republic of Congo (including major brands readily available in the UK), and you may be prohibited from taking them into the country. You should consult your GP before travelling to Democratic Republic of Congo to find out about any alternative medication.
Read the guidance if you need to travel with medicines
Working in Democratic Republic of Congo
If you are planning to move to Democratic Republic of Congo and work, you may need a working permit to work in DRC. Read the DRC government’s guidance on working in Democratic Republic of Congo as a foreign national and how to get a visa. All British passport holders require a visa to travel to DRC. You can get a visa from the Democratic Republic of Congo Embassy in the UK. For any information related to type of visa you can contact the Congolese Embassy in the UK on +44 20 75803931 or the immigration office in Kinshasa on + 243 81623327.
To apply for a job you may need to provide a proof of holding working permit. See the DGM brochure about DRC visas
Studying in Democratic Republic of Congo
If you plan to study in Democratic Republic of Congo, you must meet all visa requirements before you travel.
Contact the relevant higher education provider in Democratic Republic of Congo to check what fees you have to pay.
The number of schools in the DRC has increased in recent years. There are a number of international schools in Kinshasa, see contact details below for:
- The American School of Kinshasa- Tasok
- The French School - Lycée français René-Descartes
- The Belgium School - Lycée Prince de Liege
Tax
You should get professional advice on paying tax in Democratic Republic of Congo. Find an English-speaking lawyer in Democratic Republic of Congo
Read guidance on:
tax if you leave the UK to live abroad
tax on your UK income if you live abroad
tax if you get a pension and live abroad
paying National Insurance while abroad to protect your State Pension and entitlement to other benefits and allowances.
Benefits
Check which UK benefits you can claim while abroad and how to claim them.
Many income-related benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit cannot be paid if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.
Pensions
Read State Pension guidance if you have lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and you are claiming or waiting to claim your UK State Pension.
If you retire in Democratic Republic of Congo, you can claim your UK State Pension or new UK State Pension Contact the International Pension Centre for further information.
Social security pensions are available for locals only. British nationals living in Democratic Republic of Congo are not entitled to social security pensions.
Life certificates for UK State Pensions
If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you must respond as soon as possible. Your payments may be suspended if you do not.
Money and banking
Some credit cards are accepted in Kinshasa. The local currency is the Congolese Franc but US Dollars are widely used. US Dollars should be in good condition and issued after 2001 or they will not be accepted or changed at banks. There are a number of ATMs that dispense US dollars in Kinshasa; take normal security precautions when withdrawing money. Western Union and other money transfer agencies are present in most main towns. Make sure you have arrangements in place before leaving the UK to have funds sent to you in case of emergency.
Accommodation and buying property
The new constitution of DRC guarantees the right of individuals to private ownership of property. It also encourages and watches over the security of foreign investment. No land is prohibited to foreign ownership. Foreigners can own land and property in Democratic Republic of Congo.
Driving in Democratic Republic of Congo
Read the guidance on what actions you must do to drive legally in Democratic Republic of Congo. UK driving licences are not valid for visitors and visitors are expected to obtain a DRC driving licence. You can contact CONADEP (Commission National de Delivrance des Permits) headquarters on telephone +243 816233271 to obtain a DRC driving licence. The offices are located on RVA (Ndolo airport).
The British Embassy cannot issue or renew a UK driving licence. Please contact the DVLA for information about renewing a licence or applying for a new licence.
If you’re asked for a letter authenticating, certifying or validating your UK driver’s licence, you should contact your UK issuing office (eg the DVLA).
Please note that driving in Kinshasa can be dangerous. Police can demand bribes for no reason. Car doors should be kept locked at all times, even when driving, in case of thieves.
For guidance on travelling by road in Democratic Republic of Congo see DRC travel advice on road travel.
If you wish to take your vehicle with you, see taking vehicles out of the UK )
Disabled drivers
If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Democratic Republic of Congo, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.
Voting
Only DRC citizens have the right to vote and foreigners do not have the right to vote. Voting generally takes place every four years.
You may be able to vote in some UK elections. You can:
Births, deaths, marriage and civil partnership
Births
If your child is born in Democratic Republic of Congo you should register the birth with the local authorities. You can then register with the UK authorities and apply for a UK birth certificate.
If your child has British nationality, you do not need to register the birth with the UK authorities to apply for a British passport. Get a child passport.
Deaths
If someone dies in Democratic Republic of Congo read our guidance on:
What to do if someone dies abroad
English-speaking funeral directors in DRC
Marriage and civil partnership
Find out how you can get married or get a civil partnership abroad.
If you plan to get married in DRC, the local authorities may ask you for a certificate of non-impediment (CNI). You can apply for it at the British Embassy in Kinshasa, and it takes 7 days to process it.
Pets
Foreigners can own and import pets as long as they follow Democratic Republic of Congo regulations on pets.
Social Ethics and traditions
The most commonly spoken language is French and 4 national languages; Kiswahili, Tshiluba, Kikongo and Lingala. In major towns and tourist areas visitors should be able to get along quite well with French only. English is not widely spoken.
Remember to be sensitive to the different cultures and people around you and do not engage in behaviour that may cause offence. DRC people are very friendly and welcoming but can be reserved.
Emergencies
Dial 112 for the police, ambulance or fire brigade, or dial:
Dial +243 910 500 815 to report a missing child
If you have been the victim of a rape or sexual assault in Democratic Republic of Congo, read the Democratic Republic of Congo: Information for victims of rape and sexual assault. See also guidance for victims of rape and sexual assault abroad.
English Speaking lawyers in Democratic Republic of Congo
NOTE: Lawyers in DRC are slow in replying emails. it is advised to call their lines directly.
If you’re the victim of a crime, have been arrested, or are affected by a crisis, contact the British Embassy Kinshasa
Read the guidance on international parental child abduction if your child may be at risk of this.
Returning to the UK
Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently which includes information on bringing family members, tax and access to services.
Last updated 26 March 2024 + show all updates
-
Yearly check to have a new date appear.
-
First published.
-
A new template has been released and we updated all information.
-
Coronavirus section added with a link to guidance on vaccines.