Juba: what to see and whether to move there

Is it worth moving to Juba in 2026

Juba is the capital of South Sudan, the world's youngest country, which became independent in 2011. The city of about half a million people stands on the White Nile and hosts the government, embassies, the UN mission, humanitarian organisations and companies linked to oil and construction. Almost all foreigners come on contracts, and the employer usually provides housing, security and transport.

For living by choice Juba is unsuitable. The security situation is difficult: several countries advise against any travel to South Sudan, political tension rose in 2025-2026, and armed clashes occur outside the capital. Infrastructure is weak, medical care is limited, and secure housing for foreigners is expensive.

Cost of living in Juba

There is little open price data for Juba, and city averages differ many times from prices for foreigners: guarded compounds with a generator, water and security, where most foreigners live, cost from $1,100 a month, and many organisation staff live in hotels. The South Sudanese pound is losing value fast, so rent, hotels and many services for foreigners are paid in US dollars cash.

Where to live in Juba

• Tongping - area near the airport with organisation offices, hotels and guarded compounds.
• Hai Amarat - central area with restaurants, shops and residential compounds.
• White Nile riverside - hotels and compounds on the riverbank, popular with organisation staff.
• Jebel - the south-west of the city near Jebel Kujur hill with residential compounds.

Foreigners are advised to move around by car with a driver, avoid travel after dark and agree routes in advance with the employer's security team.

Entry and residence

Russian citizens need a visa, obtained online through South Sudan's official electronic system. A tourist visa is valid for one month, processing usually takes two to five working days, and the application requires a form, passport copy and a return flight booking. For work, a work permit is obtained from the labour ministry through the employer, followed by residence from the directorate of nationality, passports and immigration.

There is no separate residence for investors, remote workers or retirees. Requirements and fees change often, so they are checked before every application.

Taxes in South Sudan

Income tax on salaries is progressive, from 0% to 20% on a monthly scale. The thresholds are set in South Sudanese pounds, and because the currency has lost value the top 20% rate effectively starts at small salaries in dollar terms. Rental and investment income is taxed at 20% after a standard 20% allowance. Tax is withheld by the employer. Business rates and fees are revised by the annual finance act, so a company's tax burden is checked for the current year.

Renting and buying property

Foreigners in Juba almost always rent rather than buy: land belongs to communities and the state, plot rights are often disputed, and documents are hard to verify. Rent in guarded compounds is usually paid several months or a year upfront in dollars, and the lease is often signed by the employer. Before moving in, check security, the generator, water supply, air conditioners and the evacuation route.

Climate and daily life

The climate is hot: around 30-38 degrees by day, with a rainy season from April to November when many roads wash out and a dry season from December to March. The official language is English, and local Arabic and the languages of the country's peoples are widely spoken. Malaria is widespread, outbreaks of other diseases occur, and medical care is weak, so insurance with evacuation is needed. Power cuts are common, and internet is slow and expensive. International flights go mainly via Nairobi, Addis Ababa and Entebbe.

Pitfalls

• Difficult security situation: several countries advise against travel to South Sudan.
• Housing for foreigners starts from $1,100 a month, and many live in hotels.
• The pound is losing value fast, and foreigners pay in US dollars cash.
• Land disputes and hard-to-verify documents.
• Malaria and weak medical care.
• Few flights and bad roads in the rainy season.

Murblz specialists help with the visa, work permit, residence and company registration in South Sudan. A consultant in the chat will calculate the cost of support.