Central African Republic
CAFThe Central African Republic (CAR) is a landlocked nation in the heart of sub-Saharan Africa with substantial mineral wealth — including diamonds, gold, and uranium — that remains largely unexploited due to chronic instability. Since a 2013 coup, armed rebel factions have contested control over most of the country's territory, and a 2021 peace accord has yielded only fragile results.
The UN and multiple NGOs maintain a large humanitarian presence in Bangui. The government has partnered with Russian Wagner Group-linked forces, raising international concern. Most Western governments advise against all non-essential travel. For outsiders, CAR is not a viable relocation or investment destination under current conditions; naturalisation requires ten years of legal residence and practical access to state services remains severely limited.
- Naturalisation
- 10 years
- Tax system
- Residence Based
- Currency
- Central African CFA Franc (XAF)
- Dual citizenship
- Not allowed
- Capital
- Bangui
- Region
- africa
- Population
- 5,579,144
- Cost-of-living
- 27 /100
Passport Rank
#96
Visa-Free
48
destinations
Visa-free travel
A Central African Republic passport has visa-free access to 46 destinations. See the full Central African Republicpassport breakdown →
Passports that enter Central African Republic without a prior visa (15)
Visa-free, visa on arrival, or on an eTA.
Community-sourced (passport-index, synced 2026-08-18) — verify with the embassy before travel.
Country Details
- Capital
- Bangui
- Currency
- Central African CFA Franc (XAF)
- Languages
- Sango, French
- Population
- 5,579,144
- Tax System
- Residence Based
- Dual Citizenship
- Not allowed
- Naturalisation
- 10 years
- Schengen / EU
- No
- Climate
- Tropical
Indices
Cost of Living
27
Safety
11
Healthcare
14
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangui | — | — | — | — | $25 |
| Berbérati | — | — | — | — | $15 |
| Bambari | — | — | — | — | $12 |
Monthly USD figures. Typical central 1-bedroom rent, grocery basket for one, household utilities, monthly transit pass.
Climate
Bangui
Rainfall range: 30–250 mm/month · Daylight 11.5h (winter) to 12.5h (summer)
Visa Categories & Immigration Authority
Major Visa Categories
- Tourist
- Business
- Long-stay
- Work
- Family
- Student
- Authority
- Direction Générale de la Police
- Official Portal
- www.gouv.cf
Naturalisation Details
- Residence Years
- Language Test
- Yes (level n/a)
- Civic Test
- No
- Oath Required
- No
- Dual Allowed
- No
- Fee
- $180
- Processing
- ~24 months
Safety
GPI Rank
#157
Global Peace Index ranking (lower is safer)
Common Risks
- ⚠Checkpoint extortion by armed militias and undisciplined security forces on roads outside Bangui
- ⚠Diamond and gold purchase fraud targeting foreigners in mining regions
- ⚠Fake NGO or UN employment offers used to extract fees from job seekers
Related Guides
Related on The Citizenship Desk
Sources & last verified
- Last verified