Burundi
BDIBurundi is a small, landlocked nation in the Great Lakes region of East Africa, bordered by Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is one of the world's poorest countries, with an economy heavily reliant on subsistence agriculture and coffee exports. Gitega is the political capital, while Bujumbura remains the economic hub on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. The Burundian passport provides access to 44 destinations visa-free or on arrival. The country does not permit dual citizenship and has no citizenship-by-investment programme. Naturalisation requires ten years of lawful residence. Political instability and limited infrastructure make Burundi an uncommon expat or investor destination.
Passport Rank
#97
Visa-Free
44
destinations
Country Details
- Capital
- Gitega
- Currency
- Burundian Franc (BIF)
- Languages
- Kirundi, French, English
- Population
- 13,238,559
- Tax System
- Residence Based
- Dual Citizenship
- Not allowed
- Naturalisation
- 10 years
- Schengen / EU
- No
- Climate
- Tropical highland; two rainy seasons (Feb–May, Sep–Nov)
Indices
Cost of Living
28
Safety
34
Healthcare
26
Quality of Life
22
Tax Summary
- Tax System
- Residence Based
- Territorial Taxation
- No — worldwide income taxed for residents
- Naturalisation
- 10 years of legal residency
- Dual Citizenship
- Not allowed
Cost of Living by City
← scroll the table →
| City | Rent 1BR centre | Rent outside | Groceries | Utilities | Transit pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bujumbura | — | — | — | — | $20 |
| Gitega | — | — | — | — | $12 |
| Ngozi | — | — | — | — | $8 |
Monthly USD figures. Typical central 1-bedroom rent, grocery basket for one, household utilities, monthly transit pass.
Climate
Bujumbura
Rainfall range: 5–130 mm/month · Daylight 11.8h (winter) to 12.5h (summer)
Gitega
Rainfall range: 8–140 mm/month · Daylight 11.8h (winter) to 12.5h (summer)
Ngozi
Rainfall range: 10–150 mm/month · Daylight 11.8h (winter) to 12.5h (summer)
Visa Categories & Immigration Authority
Major Visa Categories
- Tourist
- Business
- Work
- Family
- Student
- Diplomatic
- Authority
- Office National d'Identification (PNI)
- Official Portal
- www.pnibu.bi
Naturalisation Details
- Residence Years
- Language Test
- Yes (level n/a)
- Civic Test
- No
- Oath Required
- No
- Dual Allowed
- No
- Fee
- $200
- Processing
- ~24 months
Safety
GPI Rank
#140
Global Peace Index ranking (lower is safer)
Common Risks
- ⚠Fake currency exchange offering above-market BIF rates
- ⚠Moto-taxi overcharging and detour scams targeting newcomers
- ⚠Charity/NGO impersonation soliciting cash donations
Related Guides
Sources & last verified
- Last verified 2026-06-15