Benin · Investor / Golden Visa

Carte ZES (Zone Économique Spéciale) — 5 ans (investor)

By António Mira, Founder · Member, Arab-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCIAP) & Portuguese-Saudi Business Council (PSBC)
✓ Verified against the official government source · Last verified 2026-06-08 · Our methodology
6.5/10 diff
Challenging

Special economic zone card for foreign investors and operators in the Glo-Djigbé Special Economic Zone (GDIZ — opened 20…

Min income
Processing
10+ days
Path to PR
Yes
Job offer
Not required
Direct answer

Special economic zone card for foreign investors and operators in the Glo-Djigbé Special Economic Zone (GDIZ — opened 2022, Benin's flagship industrial park). 5-year validity. Application + payment online. Distinct from the ordinary/privilégié residence ladder, this is an industrial-policy residency channel.

At a Glance

Visa Duration
60 months
Processing Time
10+ days
Min Income
Path to PR
Yes
Difficulty
6/10 — Challenging

Eligibility Requirements

RequirementDetails
Job Offer RequiredNo
Sponsorship RequiredNo
Health Insurance RequiredNo

Family & Rights

RightDetails
Family AllowedYes
Spouse Can WorkYes
Path to Permanent ResidencyYes
Time to Citizenship3 years

Related Pathways

Cost of Living

Porto-Novo
Single (monthly)€640
Family (monthly)€1,500
Rent 1BR (center)€200
Groceries€150
Transport pass€25

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Carte ZES (Zone Économique Spéciale) — 5 ans (investor)?

Special economic zone card for foreign investors and operators in the Glo-Djigbé Special Economic Zone (GDIZ — opened 2022, Benin's flagship industrial park). 5-year validity. Application + payment online. Distinct from the ordinary/privilégié residence ladder, this is an industrial-policy residency channel.

Can I bring my family on the Carte ZES (Zone Économique Spéciale) — 5 ans (investor)?

Yes, this pathway allows family members including dependents. Your spouse may also be eligible to work.

Can the Carte ZES (Zone Économique Spéciale) — 5 ans (investor) lead to permanent residency or citizenship?

Yes. Holders of this visa can work toward citizenship in approximately 3 years, subject to meeting residence and other conditions.

Are there alternative pathways to Benin?

Yes. Benin offers 1 other immigration pathway. Compare all options on our Benin country page.

What is the cost of living in Benin?

Monthly costs for a single person in city center: Porto-Novo: €640/mo. These include rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.

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Official source

Requirements on this page are based on this official/primary source:

Data last verified: 2026-06-08 · See our methodology

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