Eastern Africa · Immigration

Djibouti

18 immigration routes

Djibouti sits in Eastern Africa. Its immigration system runs 18 distinct routes — led by short stays and visits, work and investment, each set out in official law. All 18 cite an official government source, shown on the route with the date we last read it. Who actually qualifies depends on your full profile.

Immigration routes
18across 11 route categories, each set out in official law
Source-cited routes
18 of 18cite an official government source, with the date we last read it
Largest category
Short stays and visits3 of the 18 routes — see them under Short stays and visits below
Region
Eastern Africa
Capital
Djibouti
Population
1,184,076
Official language
Arabic, French
Currency
DJF
Time zone
UTC+03:00
Source-cited pathways

Immigration routes

All 18 routes, grouped by purpose — 18 of 18 cite an official government source directly.

Work

2 routes

For a foreign employee of a Djibouti free-zone company with a qualifying employment contract and lawful entry.

Eligibility: 2Report facts: 8
Official government source: journalofficiel.dj · checked 2026-07-26 · 3 sources

Investment

2 routes

For a prospective investor admitted after approval by the Ports and Free Zones Authority or the National Investment Promotion Agency.

Process & costs: 3Report facts: 4
Official government source: journalofficiel.dj · checked 2026-07-26

Starting a business

2 routes

For a businessperson operating outside the free-zone and investment-code resident-card regimes.

Eligibility: 1Process & costs: 1Report facts: 7
Official government source: journalofficiel.dj · checked 2026-07-26

Study

2 routes

For a foreign national undertaking education or studies in Djibouti with sufficient means of support.

Eligibility: 1Process & costs: 2Report facts: 5
Official government source: journalofficiel.dj · checked 2026-07-26

For entry to begin studies at a public or private institution recognised by Djibouti's education ministry.

Report facts: 1
Official government source: journalofficiel.dj · checked 2026-07-26

Family

1 route

Living from your own income

1 route

For a foreign national who can live entirely from personal resources and undertakes not to perform regulated professional activity.

Eligibility: 1Process & costs: 2Report facts: 5
Official government source: journalofficiel.dj · checked 2026-08-03

Short stays and visits

3 routes

Humanitarian protection

2 routes

For a foreign national in Djibouti who cannot return because of persecution or other statutory refugee grounds.

Report facts: 6
Official government source: journalofficiel.dj · checked 2026-07-26

Medical treatment

1 route

Transit

1 route

For a foreign traveller crossing Djibouti en route to a destination outside Djibouti.

Documents: 1Report facts: 5
Official government source: journalofficiel.dj · checked 2026-07-26

Special cases

1 route

For a foreign national with a qualifying residence purpose seeking a Djibouti stay title after entry.

Eligibility: 1Documents: 1Process & costs: 1Report facts: 6
Official government source: journalofficiel.dj · checked 2026-07-26

Official sources

Compiled by António Mira, founder · How we verify our data · Not legal advice — immigration rules and thresholds change; confirm with the official sources above before deciding.

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