Guinea-Bissau
Profiled in Bissau · West Africa
A Portuguese-speaking coastal state whose defining feature is the Bijagós archipelago, a UNESCO biosphere of eighty-eight islands with saltwater hippos and matriarchal traditions.
Cost of living
What a month costs
Very low local costs, but almost everything manufactured is imported, and political instability disrupts supply and banking periodically.
The scores
How it rates for a moving family
See and do
Top 10 in Bissau
- Bissau VelhoCrumbling Portuguese colonial quarter of the capital.
- Fortaleza de São José da AmuraEighteenth-century fort holding Amílcar Cabral's mausoleum.
- Bijagós ArchipelagoBiosphere reserve of mangrove, savanna island and turtle beaches.
- Mercado de BandimBissau's largest and most chaotic market.
- Cacheu FortSlave-trade era Portuguese fortification.
- Orango National ParkSaltwater hippo habitat in the southern islands.
- Cathedral of Our Lady of CandeláriaModernist cathedral in central Bissau.
- Poilão IslandMajor green turtle nesting site in the João Vieira park.
Where to go
Weekend escapes
- Bijagós ArchipelagoEighty-eight islands, a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
- BubaqueThe archipelago's main island and transport hub.
- Orango IslandSaltwater hippos and the tomb of King Efim.
- VarelaRemote northern beach near the Senegalese border.
- CacheuOld Portuguese fort on the northern river.
Residency
Residence follows work or family. Guinea-Bissau is a CPLP member, which matters for onward mobility in the Portuguese-speaking world, and it uses the euro-pegged CFA franc.
Tax
Personal rates reach about 20% and the corporate rate is 25%, with 19% VAT. Administration is limited. There is no wealth or inheritance tax.
Curious what you would actually pay? See the Guinea-Bissau tax profile: income, corporate, VAT and exit rules →
Nearby
More of West Africa
Frequently asked
How much does it cost to live in Guinea-Bissau?
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. Very low local costs, but almost everything manufactured is imported, and political instability disrupts supply and banking periodically.
Is Guinea-Bissau safe, and what is healthcare like?
In our index safety scores 4 out of 10 and healthcare 2 out of 10, where 10 is best.
What language and currency are used in Guinea-Bissau?
Portuguese and Crioulo. The currency is West African CFA franc (XOF).
What is the capital of Guinea-Bissau?
Bissau.
How can a foreigner get residency in Guinea-Bissau?
Residence follows work or family. Guinea-Bissau is a CPLP member, which matters for onward mobility in the Portuguese-speaking world, and it uses the euro-pegged CFA franc.
What taxes does Guinea-Bissau charge?
Personal rates reach about 20% and the corporate rate is 25%, with 19% VAT. Administration is limited. There is no wealth or inheritance tax.