About the City

Niamey is of international importance as it is one of the world’s foremost producers of uranium. Business and administration are also significant sources of employment for both locals and the expatriate population. Other local industries include pearl millet and the manufacture of bricks and ceramic items. The majority of people living in Niamey are Muslim, though there is a significant population of Roman Catholic inhabitants.

Visas for Niger

For those who are moving to Niamey via their current employer, a business visa is required. You can fill out a business visa application form online at Niger Visas .

In order to be eligible, you need to supply your completed business visa application form, your passport, three passport photographs, a copy of plans for the duration of your stay, a certificate confirming that you have been vaccinated against Yellow Fever and a letter from your employer detailing the purpose of your time in Niger. The business visa can be used for up to 90 days (but can be extended), and you should allow up to 12 working days for your details to be processed. It costs around 300 USD , depending on the urgency of your application. You are also required to provide evidence that you have sufficient funding for the duration of your time living in Niamey. 

For foreigners wishing to move permanently to Niamey, a diplomatic visa or entry permit is available. Expatriates should provide their passport, a letter confirming employment, details of their work history via a resume and expatriate quota approval.

Finding Accommodation

Due to safety concerns, particularly with regard to theft and kidnapping, people who are considering relocation to Niamey should stay within the city. Most expats live in apartments, which can vary in cost depending on the facilities offered. One potential means of finding places to rent is Expatads. Foreigners should take advice on prices and the best properties from within the local expatriate community, which is a friendly hub of international movers that generally speaks English and has a good knowledge of the area. 

Whether you’re renting or buying an apartment in Niamey, you should be aware that accommodation can be particularly expensive for expatriates, so be sure to consider this before committing to move there. The best source of information for people moving to Niamey is word of mouth. If you don’t know any expatriates within the city, you should consider reading online blogs and recommendations for advice that you can trust. 

The housing available today for foreigners is comfortable and completed to a high standard, including the furnished options that can ease the transition, particularly for those relocating as a family.