By the end of this guide, you’ll know which investor visa fits your plan, how to prepare every document, what fees and timelines to expect, plus unique tips few sources mention.

A Snapshot of DRC’s Investor Visa Landscape

Unlike several nations in Africa and beyond, the DRC does not run a formal residency-or-citizenship-by-investment (“golden visa”) program, meaning you’ll rely on established investor-visa categories rather than an all-in-one scheme (see the Global Citizenship Review report on DRC’s visa programs).

Types of Investor Visas in Kinshasa

The primary route for serious entrepreneurs and promoters is the Establishment Investor Visa.

Establishment Investor Visa

This category is reserved for founders or appointed agents of a new company validated under the DRC Investment Code as administered by the Investment Promotion Agency. It grants you:
– A five-year residency permit
– A free exit visa whenever you travel outside the country
– The chance to apply for citizenship after just over five years

Who Qualifies and When to Apply

Before you start your application, ensure you meet these conditions:
– You’ve entered the DRC on a valid visa (tourist or business)
– You’ve lived in the country continuously for at least six months
– You act as a company promoter, agent or investor under the Investment Code

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Confirm your initial visa status and six-month residency.
2. Secure proof of good conduct by obtaining a certificate from your home country’s authorities and the local police in Kinshasa.
3. Open a local bank account and deposit your working capital, following guidelines from the World Bank’s Doing Business in the DRC report.
4. Submit notarized company articles of association and your New Commercial Register (NRC) extract.
5. Provide evidence of tax compliance, as outlined by KPMG’s guide to taxation in the DRC, and union membership (for merchants).
6. File the required forms with the Ministry of Interior and the Investment Promotion Agency.

Essential Documents at a Glance

• Valid passport and entry visa
• Police clearance certificate
• Bank statements showing working capital
• Notarized articles of association + NRC extract
• Proof of tax status
• Employer-union membership certificate

Fees and Processing Time

While the exact fee schedule isn’t published online, industry insiders report an average cost around USD 400 for an investor visa application in Kinshasa. Plan for approximately four months of processing.

Perks, Restrictions and Milestones

• You receive a free exit visa, so you do not pay additional fees when leaving the country.
• Petty trading is off-limits, as the Establishment Investor Visa is designed for significant investment activities.
• After 62 months of continuous residency under this visa, you may petition for DRC citizenship.

What’s Coming in Early 2025: The e-Visa System

DRC authorities have announced a new electronic visa platform set to launch in early 2025. Once active, you’ll be able to apply, pay and track your investor-visa request entirely online as detailed by the U.S. State Department’s update on the DRC e-Visa.

Next Stop: Permanent Status?

If you’re eyeing DRC citizenship, remember:
– Five years (60 months) on the Establishment Investor Visa
– At least 62 months of residency before you qualify to apply

From there, standard naturalization procedures apply.

Your Kinshasa Venture Starts Now

You’ve seen the visa types, gathered the checklist, and even caught a glimpse of the upcoming e-Visa. Next step: finalizing your business plan, lining up local advisors, and sending in your application. Your dreams of building in Kinshasa are now anchored in clear steps—time to set sail.