Living in Beirut: the ultimate expat guide

Lebanon's economy has undergone significant transformation since the 2019 financial crisis, with the job market adapting to new realities. While traditional sectors like banking have contracted, opportunities exist in technology, healthcare, NGOs, education, and tourism. Most professional salaries are now paid partially or fully in US dollars, providing stability for international workers.

Key Industries and Employment Sectors

The Lebanese economy is predominantly service-oriented, with services accounting for approximately 88% of GDP. Key growth sectors include information and communications technology (ICT), healthcare, education, and hospitality. The tech startup ecosystem has shown resilience, with fintech companies and digital platforms emerging to address new market needs. International organizations and NGOs maintain significant operations in Beirut, employing thousands of professionals.

Work Permits and Employment Regulations

Foreign nationals require a work permit from the Ministry of Labor and a residency visa from General Security to work legally in Lebanon. The employer must sponsor the application and submit documentation including an employment contract, valid passport, and medical certificates. Work permits are typically valid for one year and renewable. Processing takes approximately 1-3 months, with fees around USD 200-300. Once employed, workers can apply for a temporary residency permit within three months of arrival.

The following table provides key employment indicators:

Sources: World Bank, Trading Economics

Beirut has long been recognized as an academic hub in the Middle East, hosting several internationally accredited universities that attract students from across the region and beyond. The city offers programs taught in English, French, and Arabic, with many institutions following American or European academic models.

Leading Universities

The American University of Beirut (AUB), founded in 1866, is the flagship institution, ranked #237 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026. AUB offers undergraduate and graduate programs across faculties including Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, and Business. Tuition for undergraduate programs ranges from USD 700 to USD 1,200 per credit, depending on the faculty. The university also operates a campus in Cyprus (AUB Mediterraneo).

The Lebanese American University (LAU) provides American-style education with campuses in Beirut and Byblos. Annual tuition starts from approximately USD 11,600 for most programs. Saint Joseph University (USJ) follows the French educational system and is particularly renowned for law, medicine, and humanities programs. Beirut Arab University and the Lebanese University (public) offer additional options.

Admission Requirements

International students typically need to provide official transcripts, English proficiency scores (TOEFL minimum 80 or IELTS 6.5 for English-medium programs), and standardized test results (SAT for undergraduate, GRE/GMAT for graduate programs). Application deadlines vary, with most programs accepting students for fall and spring semesters. Student visas can be obtained through the General Security office with university enrollment documentation.

Sources: American University of Beirut, Lebanese American University, QS World University Rankings

Beirut offers a diverse range of schooling options for expatriate families, from international curricula to bilingual French-Arabic and English-Arabic programs. Most expat families opt for private international schools, which maintain high academic standards despite the country's economic challenges. The school year typically runs from September to June.

International and Private Schools

Leading international schools in Beirut include International College (IC), offering both American diploma and Lebanese baccalaureate tracks, with development fees of USD 4,000 upon enrollment plus annual tuition. Learner's World International School-City International School (LWIS-CiS) provides American curriculum and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs from kindergarten through Grade 12. The American Community School (ACS) follows a US curriculum and is accredited by the Middle States Association.

French-language options include the Grand Lycée Franco-Libanais and Collège Louise Wegmann, which follow the French national curriculum and prepare students for the French baccalaureate. British curriculum schools are less common but available.

Enrollment and Fees

Admissions for top international schools often have waiting lists, so early application is recommended. Required documents typically include previous school transcripts, immunization records, and passport copies. Tuition fees vary significantly: expect approximately USD 8,000-15,000 annually for established international schools, with additional costs for registration, development fees, and activities. Many schools now accept payment in US dollars, providing stability for international families.

Sources: Edarabia, LWIS-CiS

Beirut's real estate market has adjusted significantly since the 2019 crisis, with rentals now commonly priced in US dollars. The city offers diverse housing options from modern high-rises to charming Ottoman-era buildings. Most expatriates rent rather than buy, with furnished apartments widely available for short and long-term stays.

Popular Neighborhoods for Expats

Achrafieh is an upscale Christian neighborhood known for elegant architecture, boutique shops, and proximity to cultural venues like the Sursock Museum. It offers a quieter residential atmosphere with excellent restaurants and cafés around Sassine Square. Hamra, near the American University of Beirut, is a cosmopolitan district with diverse dining, shopping, and a vibrant intellectual atmosphere—ideal for students and young professionals.

Mar Mikhael and Gemmayzeh are adjacent trendy neighborhoods famous for nightlife, art galleries, and hip cafés along Armenia Street and Gouraud Street. These areas suit those seeking an active social scene. Badaro offers a laid-back residential environment with tree-lined streets, local cafés, and proximity to the National Museum. Raouché provides seafront living with views of the famous Pigeon Rocks and the Corniche promenade.

Rental Prices and Procedures

The table below shows approximate monthly rents in US dollars:

Rental agreements are typically for one year with payment often required quarterly or semi-annually in advance. Landlords usually request one to three months' deposit. Most apartments come with generators due to electricity shortages, and this cost may be included or billed separately.

Sources: Numbeo, Anera

Beirut offers an exceptional array of cultural, social, and recreational activities that reflect its position as the artistic and entertainment capital of the Arab world. From world-class museums to legendary nightlife, the city provides endless opportunities for exploration and enjoyment.

Museums and Cultural Attractions

The National Museum of Beirut houses an impressive collection of archaeological artifacts spanning 5,000 years of Lebanese history, from Phoenician gilded figurines to Roman sarcophagi. The Sursock Museum, a privately owned contemporary art museum in a stunning 1912 mansion in Achrafieh, showcases modern Lebanese and regional art. It reopened in 2023 after restoration following the 2020 port explosion, symbolizing the city's resilience. The MIM Mineral Museum displays over 2,000 minerals in a striking presentation.

Downtown Beirut features the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, an iconic blue-domed landmark, alongside ancient Roman ruins and the reconstructed Beirut Souks shopping district. The Pigeon Rocks at Raouché offer spectacular sunset views from the Corniche promenade.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Beirut's nightlife is legendary in the Middle East. Mar Mikhael and Gemmayzeh neighborhoods pulse with bars, rooftop lounges, and clubs along Armenia Street and Gouraud Street. Popular venues include Internazionale, Torino Express, and numerous rooftop bars offering Mediterranean views. Live music venues host everything from Arabic pop to jazz and electronic sets.

For outdoor activities, the nearby Faraya-Mzaar ski resorts operate during winter, just 45 minutes from the coast. Ancient sites like Byblos (Jbeil), one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and the Jeita Grotto limestone caves make excellent day trips.

Sources: Lonely Planet, Sursock Museum

Daily life in Beirut combines Mediterranean ease with urban energy. The city is compact and walkable within neighborhoods, though getting between districts typically requires transportation. Beirut operates largely on a cash economy, with US dollars widely accepted alongside Lebanese pounds. The social culture is warm and hospitable, with cafe culture, family gatherings, and outdoor activities central to local life.

Transportation Options

Beirut lacks a metro or tram system, but several transport options exist. Shared taxis (service) are the most common public transport, following fixed routes for approximately LBP 150,000 (around USD 1.70) within the city. Private taxis charge around LBP 600,000 (USD 6-7) for trips within Beirut. Uber and Careem operate throughout the city, offering reliable service with transparent pricing and the convenience of app-based payment.

Public buses managed by OCFTC and private minivans cover major routes for LBP 75,000-100,000 (under USD 1.50), though schedules can be irregular. Many residents rely on private cars, and parking is available but limited in central areas. The Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport is located 9 km south of the city center.

Lifestyle and Cultural Norms

Beirut is one of the most liberal cities in the Middle East, with relaxed dress codes and a thriving nightlife scene. Shops and restaurants typically open late, with dinner often served after 8 PM and nightlife continuing until early morning. Friday and Saturday form the weekend for most businesses, though some follow a Sunday-Monday schedule. Learning basic Arabic phrases is appreciated but not essential, as English and French are widely spoken in commercial areas.

Sources: Wikipedia - Transport in Beirut, L'Orient Today

Beirut's cost of living has become significantly more affordable for those earning in foreign currency following the Lebanese pound's devaluation. According to Numbeo's mid-2025 index, Beirut ranks as the 228th most expensive city globally with a Cost of Living Index of 45.5 (New York City = 100). However, the situation remains challenging for those paid in local currency.

Monthly Budget: Single Person

The following table estimates monthly expenses for a single expatriate living a moderate lifestyle in Beirut:

Monthly Budget: Family of Four

Sources: Numbeo, Credit Libanais Economic Research