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Planning your retirement in Senegal

Before making plans to retire in Senegal, though, it's best to get to grips with the relevant conditions and formalities for moving, as well as the laws, customs and lifestyle, which may be quite different to what you are used to. In short, you should find out whether:

• A familiarisation trip is needed
• You have the means to travel to and from Senegal and your home country
• You are eligible to stay in the country long-term
• You can find accommodation according to your criteria
• You can purchase a property or are compelled to rent
• Your home country has signed any tax treaties with Senegal
• You are eligible for health care services in Senegal
• There are specific health care services for foreigners
• You are allowed to bring your car / convert your driver's licence
• You can bring your pets
• Your pension will be sufficient to comfortably support you during your stay in the country.

You should also find out which regions and neighbourhoods other expats have settled in.

Procedures for retiring in Senegal

Unless you're planning on retiring for less than three months, you will have to apply for a foreign identity card from the Senegalese authorities, which lasts for five years and is renewable. The following documents are required to apply:

• Your original passport along with a certified photocopy of the pages containing the picture, the expiry date and the arrival stamp in Senegal
• A handwritten request for residence permit addressed to the Ministry of the Interior
• A birth certificate
• A criminal record check issued in your home country, less than three months old
• A medical certificate issued by a licensed doctor in Senegal
• Three passport-sized identity photos
• Documents proving your financial stability throughout the stay in Senegal
• A tax stamp worth CFA 15,000 (€23)
• The repatriation deposit receipt.

The residency card should be delivered within six months to a year. In the meantime, you will receive a receipt which will be valid for six months. This receipt can be renewed in case the resident card is not ready.

Renewing your visa costs 10,000 CFA (€15).

Repatriation deposit in Senegal

Foreigners wishing to settle in Senegal are required to pay a repatriation deposit whose amount is determined according to your home country. For example, in France, the cost is 75,000 CFA (€114). This deposit's role is to ensure your return to your home country. However, some countries have an agreement with Senegal to waive the need to pay this deposit. However, that is the exception, rather than the rule.

The deposit should be made at the Foreigners and Travel Documents Police Department. You will receive three leaflets: one intended for the police, another for the General Treasury and finally a third which will be given to you. Once you have received these, you have to call at the Public Accounting and Treasury General Directorate if you intend to make a cash payment. In case of payment by check, you will receive a declaration receipt. Once the payment has been settled, you will obtain your resident permit at the Foreigners Police Department.

Police Directorate of Foreigners and Travel Documents

Direction de la Police des étrangers et des Titres de voyage (DPETV)

Allées Serigne Ababacar Sy - Dakar

Phone: 33 869 32 10

If you are in another city, contact the nearest police station to your place of residence.

Bringing your belongings to Senegal

If you are planning to stay in Senegal for more than three months per year, you will probably wish to import some of your belongings. See the article 'Moving to Senegal' for more information.

ÌýGood to know:

You will not have to pay tax if your goods and belongings have already been used. Moreover, delivery and clearance procedures can take some time, so it's best to expect a one-two month delay.

ÌýUseful links:

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