Living in Bujumbura as an expatriate

Visa requirements

Expatriates intending to live in Burundi for an extended period should obtain a residence permit, which can be issued by the Direction Générale de Immigration et Étranger at the Ministry of Territorial Administration, Decentralization, and Institutionalizing Good Governance. The permit's initial validity is three months, and it's renewable every three months up to one year. Expats must get a renewable six-month visa from the Burundian embassy in their home country. The process can vary widely, with different embassies having different requirements.

Language resources

French and Kirundi are Burundi's official languages, with Swahili also widely spoken, particularly in business transactions. While the majority of Burundians speak Kirundi, French is frequently used in offices and government institutions, and English is often understood and spoken in major cities, including Bujumbura.

Housing

The cost of housing in Bujumbura varies significantly depending on proximity to the city center, amenities, and property type. Renting a room in a shared house is approximately USD 100-150 per month, while one-bed and two-bedroom apartments cost USD 200-350 and USD 350-500 respectively. Three-plus bedroom houses range from USD 700-1200 per month, depending on the location and size. Figure an additional USD 100-150 per month to cover utilities such as electricity and water.

Groceries

Food expenses for a single person can vary between USD 150 and USD 350 per month, depending on lifestyle preferences and eating habits. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats are available in local markets and supermarkets, costing around USD 40-80 per week, while beer, soft drinks, and bottled water can cost USD 20-30 per week.

Transportation

Using public transportation in Bujumbura is relatively cheap, with fares ranging from USD 0.15 to USD 0.50 per ride. Taxis charge a negotiable price based on the destination, with the average fare varying from USD 2 to USD 10. Owning a car or motorbike is recommended due to the lack of adequate public transportation infrastructure and the number of minibuses operating on selected routes.

Bujumbura enjoys a tropical highland climate characterized by mild temperatures and considerable rainfall. The annual average temperature hovers around 20°C, with occasional peaks of 25°C in summer and dips to 13°C in winter. Two primary rainy seasons commence in late February, extending through May and October through December, supplemented by shorter, less intense showers from March to May and September through November. The dry season lasts from June to August and from December to February.

Bujumbura is home to a thriving job market owing mainly to its role as the country's administrative and economic hub. The city's economy is predominantly agriculture-driven, with coffee and tea, livestock, and large-scale commercial farming being the most prosperous sectors. Expatriates seeking employment opportunities in Bujumbura will find significant employment opportunities primarily in multinational companies, NGOs, embassies, and international organizations such as the World Bank and UNICEF.

Bujumbura offers expatriates an array of healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and dispensaries that provide comprehensive medical services. The availability and quality of medical care in the city can be variable due to a shortage of doctors and medical equipment, particularly in government health centers. Main private hospitals include Hopital Baptiste was Rohr and Hopital Adventiste d'Umuganda. Private clinics include Clinique Sanatoire, Clinique Saint-Luc, and Clinique Saint-Esprit. Expats are advised to have comprehensive medical insurance to access quality medical care.

Bujumbura's public transportation system largely relies on minibuses known as 'taxi-brousse' that operate on fixed routes, stop anywhere, and are equipped with informal signage for landmarks. The city's roads are narrow and winding, with a lack of proper road infrastructure, making motorcycles and bicycles a popular mode of transportation for shorter journeys. Taxis are also available, and their fares are negotiable.

Bujumbura's safety situation can be unpredictable, predominantly related to political instability and sporadic intercommunal tension. Violence and riots in the city's neighborhoods are infrequent but nonetheless dangerous when they occur. Expats are advised to remain vigilant, avoid protests, and maintain low profile movements. The rural areas of Bujumbura offer an array of natural beauty, hiking trails, and wildlife, recommending visitors to take precautionary measures, including avoiding walking alone during the evening and night, particularly in remote regions.