Burundi
Profiled in Bujumbura · East Africa
A small, densely populated country of steep green hills above Lake Tanganyika, with a lakeside former capital and a political capital moved inland to Gitega in 2019.
Cost of living
What a month costs
Local prices are low, but fuel shortages are chronic and the parallel exchange rate diverges sharply from the official one.
The scores
How it rates for a moving family
See and do
Top 10 in Bujumbura
- Lake TanganyikaThe world's second-deepest lake, along the western border.
- Livingstone-Stanley MonumentMarks the meeting point south of Bujumbura.
- Musée National de GitegaEthnographic collections in the political capital.
- Kibira National ParkContiguous with Rwanda's Nyungwe forest.
- Source du NilSouthernmost source of the Nile, marked by a pyramid.
- Karera FallsFour-tier waterfall in Rutana province.
- Ruvubu National ParkThe country's largest protected area.
- Bujumbura Central Market siteThe commercial heart of the lakeside city.
Where to go
Weekend escapes
- Lake TanganyikaBeaches and clear water along the Bujumbura shoreline.
- Kibira National ParkMontane rainforest with chimpanzees in the north-west.
- Rusizi National ParkHippo and birdlife where the Rusizi meets the lake.
- GitegaThe political capital and national museum.
- Karera FallsWaterfall complex in the south-east.
Residency
Residence follows work or business permits, and there is no investor route. Burundi is an East African Community member, which eases regional movement.
Tax
Personal and corporate rates are both 30%, with 18% VAT. A minimum turnover tax applies. There is no wealth or inheritance tax.
Curious what you would actually pay? See the Burundi tax profile: income, corporate, VAT and exit rules →
Nearby
More of East Africa
Frequently asked
How much does it cost to live in Burundi?
About $700 a month for one person and $1,600 for a family. A one-bedroom flat rents for around $400, and a casual meal costs about $5. Local prices are low, but fuel shortages are chronic and the parallel exchange rate diverges sharply from the official one.
Is Burundi safe, and what is healthcare like?
In our index safety scores 4 out of 10 and healthcare 3 out of 10, where 10 is best.
What language and currency are used in Burundi?
Kirundi and French. The currency is Burundian franc (BIF).
What is the capital of Burundi?
Gitega. This guide profiles Bujumbura.
How can a foreigner get residency in Burundi?
Residence follows work or business permits, and there is no investor route. Burundi is an East African Community member, which eases regional movement.
What taxes does Burundi charge?
Personal and corporate rates are both 30%, with 18% VAT. A minimum turnover tax applies. There is no wealth or inheritance tax.