Investment Code Residence

Burundi's Investment Code provides a residence pathway for foreign investors who make qualifying capital investments in the country. Governed by Law No. 1/19 of 17 June 2021 amending the original 2008 Investment Code, the program is administered jointly by the Burundi Development Agency (ADB) for investment certification and the General Commissariat of Migrations (CGM) for visa processing. The residence permit takes the form of a visa d'établissement (establishment visa), a long-term residence category defined under Burundi's 2021 migration law. The program targets foreign investors in priority sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, mining, tourism, energy, infrastructure, and services.

The minimum investment threshold is USD 500,000 for projects in Bujumbura or USD 250,000 for projects in other localities. These thresholds were raised significantly in the 2021 amendment, up from USD 50,000 and USD 25,000 respectively. Investors must commit to deploying at least 20% of the projected investment during the first year and retain assets for a minimum of five years. The business plan must include the investment amount with equity and loan breakdown, market analysis, profitability study, and five-year revenue projections.

The process involves two parallel tracks. First, the investor applies to the ADB for certification of eligibility under the Investment Code. Required documents include commercial registry, tax identification number (NIF), company bylaws, a detailed business plan, and an environmental compliance certificate where applicable. The ADB issues the eligibility certificate within 20 working days. Once certified, the investor applies for the establishment visa at the CGM, submitting proof of a refundable BANCOBU deposit (USD 1,500 individual, USD 5,000 with family), passport, and supporting documents.

The establishment visa is issued for 2 years and is renewable for additional 2-year periods. The full application and documentation must be resubmitted for each renewal. Permanent resident status is available under the migration law for foreigners whose establishment benefits Burundi through job creation or significant investment.

Certified investors receive progressive corporate tax reductions of 5% to 25% over the first five years. Additional reductions apply based on local employment: 2% reduction for 50 to 200 Burundian employees, 5% for more than 200. Investors also benefit from exemptions on transfer duties for land acquisitions, VAT and customs duty exemptions on imported construction materials and equipment, and free repatriation of profits after payment of taxes.

Foreign investors typically enter Burundi on an entry visa (USD 90, valid up to 90 days) before establishing their investment. East African Community nationals receive 180 days of free entry. The hospitality sector has additional requirements, including a minimum of 20 hotel rooms in Bujumbura and three-star comfort standards. Certain sectors are excluded from eligibility, including weapons manufacturing and pharmacology. Foreign investors may purchase land only if their country of origin grants reciprocal rights to Burundian citizens, and real estate purchases alone do not qualify for a residence permit.