Guinea-Bissau: all programs

Guinea-Bissau at a glance

Guinea-Bissau is a small country on the Atlantic coast of West Africa between Senegal and Guinea, with about 2 million residents. The capital is Bissau, the official language is Portuguese, and Creole is spoken day to day. The currency is the West African CFA franc, pegged to the euro, about 585 francs per dollar on 6 October 2026. The country is a member of the Economic Community of West African States.

The economy rests on cashew nut exports, fishing, rice and aid from international organisations. Its main natural treasure is the Bijagós archipelago: dozens of islands with mangroves and turtles, whose coastal and marine ecosystems were added to the World Heritage list in 2025.

The situation in 2026

On 26 November 2025 the military removed the president and declared a transition period, suspending the constitutional order. New elections are scheduled for 6 December 2026. Since independence the country has had several coups, so the situation should be checked before any trip, let alone a move. For permanent living and investment Guinea-Bissau is a high-risk country in 2026.

Who it suits

• staff of international organisations and contract specialists;
• companies working in fishing, cashews and agriculture;
• travellers heading to the Bijagós archipelago.

The country does not suit an independent family move, living on passive income or a quick second passport.

Entry for Russian citizens

The visa is obtained in advance, usually electronically, and most nationals are not issued one on arrival. Entry requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Work requires a contract with a local employer or an international organisation.

Citizenship: what is legal and what is not

Guinea-Bissau has no citizenship by investment programme in law or in government decisions. The legal route is naturalisation after 6 years of legal residence with knowledge of Portuguese or Creole, or marriage to a citizen of at least 3 years. Dual citizenship has been allowed since 2010. Offers to buy a passport rely on the article of the citizenship law on special merit, and such stories have repeatedly ended in criminal cases and confiscated documents. More on the Guinea-Bissau citizenship page. For those who need a second passport, we find a legal programme in another country.

What the passport gives

A Guinea-Bissau passport opens about 51 destinations visa-free, mostly West African countries: under the Economic Community of West African States protocol, their citizens enter each other's countries visa-free for up to 90 days. The Schengen area, the UK and the US require a visa.

Cost of living

Imported goods and fuel are expensive, and payments are mostly in cash. Power cuts happen, and many people use generators.

Property and business

Under the 1998 land law all land belongs to the state and can be used under a concession or government permission, while a building on the plot can be privately owned. A purchase is therefore the acquisition of the building and the land use right, which must be checked in the registry. A company is registered in 24 hours at the Enterprise Formalisation Centre, and corporate tax is 25%. We help with property checks and a personal and business account.

Climate and health

The climate is tropical: the rainy season runs from June to October and the dry season from November to May, and it is hot all year. Malaria is widespread and protection is planned in advance. Complex treatment is in Dakar or Europe, so insurance with evacuation is needed. Boats and ferries go to the Bijagós islands, with schedules depending on the tides.