Residence & citizenship
Beninese Ordinary Resident Card
The standard three-year residence permit for foreign nationals settling in Benin.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
The resident card fee and the full document checklist are not itemised on the official pages consulted; confirm with the DEI.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Benin government website before you apply.
On this page
- Official name
- Carte de résident ordinaire
- Route type
- Temporary/renewable residence permit
- Validity
- 3 years, renewable
Who it is for
- Foreign nationals establishing residence in Benin
- Workers, family members and others with a legitimate interest in residing
Requirements
- Valid passport and appropriate entry visa
- Proof of means of subsistence, a guarantee of support, or other legitimate interest
- Documents required by the DEI for the resident card
What you can do
- Reside in Benin for three years
- Renew the card; two renewals open the path to the privileged resident card
- Work where the card authorises professional activity
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
Related Beninese visas
- SETTLEMENT10-YEAR PERMITPrivileged Resident CardA long-term ten-year residence permit for established foreign residents of Benin.View visa details
- SETTLEMENTCITIZENSHIPNaturalisation (Beninese Citizenship)For a foreign resident seeking to acquire Beninese nationality by naturalisation after settling in the country.View visa details