Luanda: what to see and whether to move there

What the city lives on and who it suits

Luanda is the capital of Angola on the Atlantic coast, one of Africa's largest metro areas with about 9 million people. The economy rests on oil, which provides most exports and budget revenue. In 2024 Angola left OPEC and is trying to develop agriculture, mining and the transport corridor from the port of Lobito into the continent.

The national currency, the kwanza, has weakened sharply in recent years, prices rose fast, and in summer 2025 fuel price increases sparked protests in the city. Luanda is a city of contrasts: the Marginal seafront, beach clubs on the island and guarded residential compounds sit next to vast poor neighbourhoods.

It suits specialists in oil and gas, construction, telecoms and international organisations with a contract, and entrepreneurs working with the Portuguese-speaking world. It does not suit those seeking affordable living or a move without an employer.

Neighbourhoods: where newcomers settle

Luanda's traffic is among the worst in Africa, so housing is chosen close to the office and school.

Cost of living

After the kwanza's devaluation, local prices fell for those earning in dollars, but housing and imports for foreigners remain expensive. A single person lives comfortably on about $3,500-5,000 a month, a family in a compound with a car and school from $7,000.

Practicalities: climate, health, travel

• Climate. A dry cool season from May to September; from October to April it is hot, humid, with heavy downpours that flood streets.
• Health. Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry, and malaria risk is high. Complex treatment is obtained in South Africa or Portugal.
• Language. Portuguese; English is used in oil companies and organisations.
• Travel. The new international airport opened in 2023, 40 kilometres from the city, with direct flights to Lisbon, Johannesburg, Dubai and Addis Ababa.
• Safety. Street crime is high; walking in the evening is uncommon, and people travel by car with windows closed.

Family: schools and healthcare

Luanda has Portuguese, American, British and French schools, mostly in Talatona, costing about $15,000-35,000 a year. Private clinics exist, but medicines and advanced equipment are limited, so companies include insurance with evacuation and medical trips in contracts.

Work and business

The largest employers of foreigners are oil and gas companies and service contractors, construction, telecoms, banks and international organisations. Contracts usually include housing in a guarded compound, a car, school for children and insurance with evacuation. Independent business needs a local partner: registration, licences and repatriating profit take time and experience, and currency rules change. Portuguese gives a clear advantage in negotiations.

Moving and legal status

Short tourist trips have become visa-free for nationals of many countries, but living and working without a visa is not allowed. Residence is usually tied to an employer or project. There are no programmes for remote workers or retirees. For life in a Portuguese-speaking country under clear rules many choose Portugal or Brazil.

First steps after the move

• obtain the work visa and residence through your employer before entry;
• get a tax number and open a local bank account;
• arrange housing in a guarded compound and a car with driver in advance;
• start malaria prevention and choose a clinic;
• book a school place: popular schools have waiting lists.

Is the city worth considering for living

Yes, if you have a contract with an employer package in oil and gas, construction or an international organisation. No, if you want an independent move or affordable living: without a package, housing, security and schools are very expensive. We match countries in the Portuguese-speaking world and elsewhere to your situation; we fix our fee after a free consultation.