Immigration to the Democratic Republic of the Congo for Ukrainians

Permanent residence permit in DR Congo for Ukrainian citizens

A permanent residence permit (Visa d'Établissement Permanent) is a document for foreigners who want to live in the DR Congo on a permanent basis.

What are the conditions for obtaining a permanent residence permit?

• Permanent residence in the DRC for at least 15 years.
  
• A legal source of income (job, business, investment).
  
• No criminal record.
  
• Compliance with tax and migration rules.
  
• Carry out agricultural, liberal, commercial or industrial activities.

What documents are required to obtain a residence permit in the DR Congo?

• 4 passport photos
  
• A copy of a valid passport
  
• Certificates of no criminal record (from the country of origin and DRC)
  
• International vaccination card
  
• Proof of residence in the DRC for 15 years
  
• Proof of financial stability
  
• Tax documents or certificates of investment/employment

How to apply for a permanent residence permit?

• Send a letter of request to the Director General of the Department of Migration with the full package of documents.
  
• Pass a security check and financial assessment.

For how long is a permanent permit issued?

A permanent residence visa is valid indefinitely.

What are the benefits of a permanent residence permit?

• Permanent residence in the country.
  
• Full freedom of employment and business.
  
• Possibility to apply for citizenship in the future.
  
• The right to invite family.
  
• Access to social and public services.

A residence permit for family members (VET - for spouses and children) is issued to relatives of a foreigner who already has a work permit (Visa d'Établissement de Travail - VET).

What is the validity period of this permit?

It is valid for the same period as the applicant's main permit - up to 2 years, with the possibility of extension.

What are the conditions for obtaining the permit?

• The main applicant must have a valid VET visa.
  
• Family relations must be officially confirmed.

What documents do spouses need?

• A copy of the main applicant's VET visa
  
• Marriage certificate (legalized, translated into French if necessary)
  
• Copy of the foreign passport
  
• Passport size photo
  
• Medical certificate and international vaccination card
  
• Proof of residence in the DR Congo

What documents are needed for children?

• Birth certificate (legalized)
  
• Copy of the parents' VET visa
  
• Parental consent for the child's stay
  
• Medical certificate, passport, photo

How to apply for this permit?

• Submit the documents to the Directorate of Migration (DGM) in the DRC or to a consulate abroad.
  
• Pay the application fee.

How long does it take to process the application?

From 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the completeness of the documents.

Who can apply for DR Congo citizenship by naturalization?

Foreigners can apply for citizenship if they

• Reside in the DR Congo for at least 7 years without interruption;
  
• Have reached the age of majority (18 years or older);
  
• Are well integrated into Congolese society;
  
• Respect the laws of the country and have no serious criminal offenses;
  
• Have a stable income or source of livelihood;
  
• Have a good command of at least one of the official languages of the country (French or national languages);
  
• Can prove loyalty to the state.

What documents are required?

• Application for citizenship (written to the Minister of Justice or the President);
  
• Passport or residence permit;
  
• Birth certificate;
  
• Certificate of no criminal record;
  
• Documents confirming continuous residence in the DR Congo for 7 years;
  
• Proof of employment, income or other means of livelihood;
  
• French language certificate (not always required, but recommended);
  
• Additionally: marriage certificate (if married to a DRC citizen), birth certificates of children, etc.

How does the naturalization procedure work?

1. Preparation of documents.
   
2. Submission of an application to the Ministry of Justice or to the relevant migration authorities (through provincial authorities).
   
3. Security check: the applicant is checked for criminal history and problems with the law.
   
4. Application processing: takes several months or more.
   
5. Presidential decree. Citizenship is granted on the basis of a special decree of the President of the DR Congo.

How long does the process take?

The process can take from several months to more than a year, depending on the completeness of the documents, the workload of the authorities and the specifics of the case.