Eligibility quiz
Do you have enough money to support yourself in Benin from savings, a pension or other income?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in Benin
A resident card lets you settle in Benin.
An ordinary card lasts 3 years, and a privileged card lasts 10 years; both can be renewed.
Enjoy equal rights
In Benin, residents generally have the same rights and freedoms as Beninese citizens.
This does not automatically grant citizen-only rights, public services or exemptions, which have their own conditions.
Own property
You can own property in Benin, though other laws may restrict or prohibit ownership in some cases.
How to apply
Applying in BeninApplying in Benin
Get the application form
Ask the immigration authority, the Direction de l’Émigration et de l’Immigration, for the current ordinary resident card application form and instructions.
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Pay the fee
Ask the immigration authority how to pay the resident card fee, then pay it and keep the receipt.
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Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the immigration authority.
See required documentsHand in your application
Submit your application and required documents to the immigration authority. Ask the authority how to hand them in.
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Wait for the decision
Wait for the immigration authority to decide on your application and respond if it asks for more information.
Find decision informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How long does a Benin carte de résident ordinaire application take?”
Documents needed
Required to applyRequired to apply
Proof of funds
Provide proof that you can support yourself, such as evidence of savings, a pension or other income. Check with the immigration office which records it will accept.
Police certificate
For a first application, provide a criminal-record extract or equivalent document from your country of origin or the last country where you lived. For a renewal, provide a criminal-record extract issued in Benin.
Application form
This is the form for an ordinary resident card. Check with the immigration office whether you need to submit one.
Copy of travel document
Make a photocopy of your passport or other travel document. It must expire more than one year after the date you apply.
Copy of CIPE
Make a photocopy of your foreigner’s personal identification certificate, known as a CIPE. Check with the immigration office how to obtain it if you do not have one.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Resident card renewal
You must renew your card when it expires: after 3 years for an ordinary card or 10 years for a privileged card.
Residence can end
If renewal is refused, you must leave within 3 days unless you challenge it in court.
File within 3 days of notice or, if no decision arrives, of the decision deadline.
The challenge pauses departure or expulsion, and the court must decide within 45 days.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Move To Benin
English Facebook group for people living in Benin interested in Beninese visas
Join on FacebookBénin expats
Facebook group for people living in Benin interested in Beninese visas (English & French)
Join on FacebookExpat au Bénin
French Facebook group for people living in Benin interested in Beninese local life
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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