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THE CITIZENSHIP DESK

Central African Republic

CAF

The 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.

Passport Rank

#96

Visa-Free

48

destinations

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

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Monthly cost of living per major city in USD: rent, groceries, utilities, transit pass
CityRent 1BR centreRent outsideGroceriesUtilitiesTransit 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

26°J
27°F
27°M
26°A
26°M
25°J
24°J
24°A
25°S
25°O
26°N
26°D

Rainfall range: 30250 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

Sources & last verified

  • Last verified 2026-06-15