Living in Senegal: the ultimate expat guide

Everything you need to know for a successful life in Senegal.

Guide updated byVeedushi Bissessur, on 20 July 2021

Wishing to live in Senegal? Located in Western Africa, the country is renowned for its hospitality: no wonder then that "Teranga", the Wolof world for hospitality, is a real motto. Expatriates settling here to live and work will have to master French to enjoy their expat experience to the fullest. They will discover a multiethnic nation with a modern culture shaped by traditional heritage.

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Formalities and visas in Senegal

All you need to know to enter Senegal and settle in. Learn entry requirements, the documents you need, how to apply for a visa or residency, and tips to navigate the bureaucracy smoothly.

Visas for Senegal

Senegal is relatively open to foreigners, but like most countries, its borders are protected by local authorities which will determine your ability ...

Travelling to Senegal

Like most countries, Senegal controls the entry and exit of travellers at its borders: be it at a ...

Retiring in Senegal

Senegal is a popular destination for retired foreigners, especially those from France and Belgium, ...

Driving in Senegal

Working in Senegal

Boost your international career. Understand the local labour market, the legal framework, how to adapt your resume, apply to job offers and tips to find a job in Senegal.

Working in Senegal

Senegal has long been a West African destination of choice for expats looking to live and work. ...

Starting a business in Senegal

With its growing economy, openness to foreign investment and political stability, Senegal is a ...

Internships in Senegal

Senegal is very open towards young graduates and professionals seeking new opportunities in West ...

Studying in Senegal

Universities, training courses, student visas, registration procedures: all you need to know about being an international student in Senegal.

Study in Senegal

Senegal welcomes international students with open arms. In recent years, the country has seen its higher education system become one of the most ...

Finance and banks in Senegal

Tips to manage your money in Senegal: from opening a bank account, transferring funds to filling your tax and understanding the fiscal system.

Opening a bank account in Senegal

Despite recent technological advances, Senegal remains a mostly cash-based society. The advent of money transfer services such as Orange Money and ...

Taxes in Senegal

Benjamin Franklin reportedly said that ‘nothing is certain but death and taxes'. Well, that's certainly true in Senegal, where taxes are levied ...

Health care in Senegal

Understand the healthcare system in Senegal: public and private health system, health insurance options, how to access medical care...

Healthcare in Senegal

As the saying goes, ‘without your health, everything else is worth nothing' and so finding out about healthcare in Senegal should be at the ...

Accommodation in Senegal

Explore real estate or temporary rentals in Senegal. Find out more about renting or buying a house or a flat, real estate agents, leases and rental agreements.

Accommodation in Senegal

No matter what you are doing in Senegal or how long you are staying, finding the right ...

Buying a property in Senegal

Senegal has captured the hearts and minds of many travellers who visit its golden sandy beaches, ...

Accommodation in Saint-Louis

Saint-Louis, known as Ndar in Wolof, was the Senegalese capital city until 1957. Having been ...

Planning your move to Senegal

Moving to Senegal? Get advice and tips to planning your relocation, choosing the best company, packing your belongings and managing customs procedures.

Relocating to Senegal

If you have decided to relocate to Senegal, take your time when choosing your removal company. ...

Travelling to Senegal with your pet

Whether moving long-term or short-term, you may want to take your pet with you to Senegal. But ...

Leisure in Senegal

Enjoy you free time while living in Senegal. Discover sports, leisure, cultural activities and entertainment options to make the most of your expat life.

Things to do in Senegal

Settling abroad is not just about work, but also the unique opportunity to discover the country's charms during your evenings and weekends. Whether ...

Everyday life in Senegal

Want to know what life in Senegal is really like? Here's a taste: explore the country, find tips to use transportation, to set up internet and phone services, and everything you need to live like a local.

Transport in Senegal

Whether for work or leisure, knowing how to move around the country is essential for all expats. In Senegal, there is a wide range of public ...

Phones and Internet in Senegal

Telecommunications will be an essential part of your expatriation project in Senegal. You will definitely have access to telecommunication services ...

Lifestyle in Senegal

Senegal is known worldwide for being the land of 'Teranga'; a Wolof phrase which roughly ...

About Veedushi Bissessur

I hold a French diploma and worked as a journalist in Mauritius for six years. I have over a decade of experience as a bilingual web editor at Expat.com, including five years as an editorial assistant. Before joining the Expat.com team, I worked as a journalist/reporter in several Mauritian newsrooms. My experience of over six years in the Mauritian press gave me the opportunity to meet many prominent figures and cover a wide range of events across various topics.

Join the Senegal expat community

Connect with +3M members

Share your experience and get insights from fellow expats