Gambia
Profiled in Banjul · West Africa
A narrow ribbon of country following its river inland from the Atlantic, with birdlife, beach resorts on the coast and a strong Anglophone tradition in a Francophone region.
Cost of living
What a month costs
Coastal tourism keeps some prices elevated near the resort strip, while upriver costs are very low. Imported goods and fuel are the main expense.
The scores
How it rates for a moving family
See and do
Top 10 in Banjul
- Kunta Kinteh IslandFort ruins central to the Atlantic slave trade, a UNESCO site.
- Arch 22Gate monument marking the 1994 coup, with a viewing deck over Banjul.
- Albert MarketBanjul's crowded main market by the port.
- Wassu Stone CirclesMegalithic circles, part of a UNESCO listing shared with Senegal.
- Tanji Fishing VillageBeach landing site with smokehouses and pirogues.
- Bijilo Forest ParkCoastal monkey park beside the resort strip.
- Katchikally Crocodile PoolSacred pool in Bakau.
- Fort BullenNineteenth-century British fort at Barra guarding the river mouth.
Where to go
Weekend escapes
- Makasutu ForestRiverine forest reserve with baboons and mangrove creeks.
- JanjanburehUpriver island town, historic Georgetown.
- Kunta Kinteh IslandUNESCO-listed slave-trade site in the river.
- KartongQuiet southern beach village near the Casamance border.
- Abuko Nature ReserveSmall, dense reserve close to the coast.
Residency
Residence follows work or business permits, and The Gambia has no investor programme. It is one of the few Anglophone jurisdictions in the region, which simplifies administration for English-speaking arrivals.
Tax
Personal rates are progressive to 30% and the corporate rate is 27%, with 15% VAT. A minimum turnover tax applies where profits are low. There is no wealth or inheritance tax.
Curious what you would actually pay? See the Gambia tax profile: income, corporate, VAT and exit rules →
Nearby
More of West Africa
Frequently asked
How much does it cost to live in Gambia?
About $700 a month for one person and $1,600 for a family. A one-bedroom flat rents for around $350, and a casual meal costs about $5. Coastal tourism keeps some prices elevated near the resort strip, while upriver costs are very low. Imported goods and fuel are the main expense.
Is Gambia safe, and what is healthcare like?
In our index safety scores 6 out of 10 and healthcare 3 out of 10, where 10 is best.
What language and currency are used in Gambia?
English. The currency is Dalasi (GMD).
What is the capital of Gambia?
Banjul.
How can a foreigner get residency in Gambia?
Residence follows work or business permits, and The Gambia has no investor programme. It is one of the few Anglophone jurisdictions in the region, which simplifies administration for English-speaking arrivals.
What taxes does Gambia charge?
Personal rates are progressive to 30% and the corporate rate is 27%, with 15% VAT. A minimum turnover tax applies where profits are low. There is no wealth or inheritance tax.