Porto-Novo: what to see and whether to move there

What the city lives on and who it suits

Porto-Novo is Benin's official capital, but the government and most agencies work in Cotonou, 30 kilometres to the west, where the port and international airport are. Porto-Novo itself is a quiet lagoon town with a royal palace, museums, mosques and Afro-Brazilian houses. The country's economy rests on cotton, port trade with neighbouring countries and services.

The city suits people who value a calm life in a French-speaking environment at modest prices, and professionals and entrepreneurs working in Cotonou who are ready to commute. It is harder for those who need a large job market and European-standard healthcare.

Cost of living

The CFA franc is pegged to the euro at 655.957 francs per euro, about 585 francs per dollar on 6 October 2026.

Practicalities: transport, climate, health

Transport. Motorbike taxis are the main urban transport; minibuses and taxis run between Porto-Novo and Cotonou, a trip of about an hour depending on traffic. Climate. Hot and humid all year, with two rainy seasons: the main one from April to July and a short one in autumn. Health. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for all arrivals, with the vaccination at least 10 days before travel. Plan malaria protection in advance.

Moving and legal status

• Russian citizens need an electronic visa, applied for online: $57 (50 euros) for 30 days single entry, $85 (75 euros) for 30 days multiple entry and $120 (100 euros) for 90 days multiple entry;
• work requires a contract with a local employer, who arranges the work permit and residence card;
• for business you register a local company, with documents in French.

Exchange rate: $1.12 per euro on 6 October 2026: the 90-day visa is about $120. We help with the visa and documents for work or business.

Porto-Novo or Cotonou

Cotonou is the business centre with the port, airport, banks, international schools and most agencies, but it is noisy and rents are higher. Porto-Novo is calmer, cheaper and closer to traditional culture, but many errands mean trips to Cotonou. Many foreigners live in Cotonou and come to Porto-Novo at weekends and for dealings with local authorities.

Language, business and getting there

The official language is French, and Gun, Fon and Yoruba are spoken daily in Porto-Novo. Benin belongs to the common business law system of French-speaking Africa, so company rules resemble those of neighbouring countries. VAT is 18%. Cotonou International Airport has flights to Paris, Brussels, Casablanca, Addis Ababa and Istanbul, with no direct flights from Russia.

History and culture

The city was named by Portuguese traders, and before the French arrived it was the capital of a local kingdom whose palace is now a museum. From 1863 Porto-Novo was under French protectorate. The city is known for Afro-Brazilian houses built by former slaves and their descendants who returned from Brazil. On 10 January Benin marks a national holiday of traditional religions.

Money and safety

Benin uses the West African CFA franc: it is pegged to the euro at the same rate as the Central African franc, but they are different currencies. Cash is needed almost everywhere, and cards are accepted in hotels and large shops in Cotonou. The south with Porto-Novo and Cotonou is calm, while many countries' authorities advise against visiting the northern border areas.

Moving with a family

International and French schools are mostly in Cotonou and charge fees. Healthcare in the country is limited, so families take insurance with medical evacuation. Before moving, all family members are vaccinated against yellow fever, and malaria protection for children is discussed with a doctor.

Climate by month

The hottest months are February to April, and the heaviest rain falls in June. From December to February a dry wind from the Sahara brings dust and cool nights.

Phones and internet

A SIM card is issued against a passport at a shop, and mobile internet is available in Porto-Novo and Cotonou. Remote workers install home internet and a backup power source, as power cuts happen. Many make small payments and transfers through mobile wallets, especially at markets and in taxis.

Is the city worth considering

The pluses are calm, history and culture, modest prices and a simple electronic visa. The minuses are heat and humidity, malaria, limited healthcare and the need to travel to Cotonou for business. Porto-Novo suits a quiet life near business-focused Cotonou or long trips around West Africa.