Central African Republic
Profiled in Bangui · Central Africa
A country of dense rainforest and savanna with extraordinary wildlife at Dzanga-Sangha, held back by decades of conflict and among the lowest development indicators on earth.
Cost of living
What a month costs
Bangui is expensive and supply-constrained, with goods arriving by road from Cameroon. Security arrangements dominate any foreign budget.
The scores
How it rates for a moving family
See and do
Top 10 in Bangui
- Dzanga BaiForest clearing where hundreds of elephants gather daily.
- Chutes de BoaliFifty-metre falls on the Mbali river.
- Bangui CathedralNotre-Dame cathedral in the capital.
- Musée Barthélemy BogandaNational museum of ethnography in Bangui.
- Marché CentralBangui's main market.
- Manovo-Gounda St Floris National ParkUNESCO site, listed as in danger.
- Bouar MegalithsPrehistoric stone alignments in the west.
- Oubangui riverfrontThe waterfront facing Zongo in the DRC.
Where to go
Weekend escapes
- Dzanga-SanghaRainforest reserve with forest elephants and lowland gorillas.
- Chutes de BoaliWaterfall on the Mbali river, two hours from Bangui.
- Oubangui RiverRiver traffic and the border with the DRC.
- BouarMegalithic stone sites in the west.
- Manovo-Gounda St FlorisNorthern savanna park, a UNESCO site in danger.
Residency
Residence follows work permits, largely for diplomatic, mining and humanitarian personnel. There is no investor route, and much of the country is outside state control.
Tax
Personal rates reach high nominal levels and the corporate rate is 30%, with 19% VAT. Collection is limited in practice. There is no wealth or inheritance tax.
Curious what you would actually pay? See the Central African Republic tax profile: income, corporate, VAT and exit rules →
Nearby
More of Central Africa
Frequently asked
How much does it cost to live in Central African Republic?
About $900 a month for one person and $2,000 for a family. A one-bedroom flat rents for around $500, and a casual meal costs about $7. Bangui is expensive and supply-constrained, with goods arriving by road from Cameroon. Security arrangements dominate any foreign budget.
Is Central African Republic safe, and what is healthcare like?
In our index safety scores 1 out of 10 and healthcare 1 out of 10, where 10 is best.
What language and currency are used in Central African Republic?
French and Sango. The currency is Central African CFA franc (XAF).
What is the capital of Central African Republic?
Bangui.
How can a foreigner get residency in Central African Republic?
Residence follows work permits, largely for diplomatic, mining and humanitarian personnel. There is no investor route, and much of the country is outside state control.
What taxes does Central African Republic charge?
Personal rates reach high nominal levels and the corporate rate is 30%, with 19% VAT. Collection is limited in practice. There is no wealth or inheritance tax.