Our quick reference guides have vital information on pay, benefits, tax and visas - everything you need to work and live in Gabon:
The minimum salary in Gabon varies. In Libreville, middle managers (with a master's degree) are paid between 500,000 and 2,500,000 XAF, while executives can earn 6,000,000 XAF. A normal workweek is 40 hours.
Anyone living and/or getting income from sources inside or outside Gabon must pay income tax. It is a direct tax that employers deduct from monthly wages. A tax declaration should also be completed every year. The tax rate varies from 5 to 50% depending on the income group, e.g. incomes above 7,500,000 XAF are subject to a 35% tax.
There are various possibilities for entering Gabon: a temporary visitor visa, business visa, employment visa or resident visa. General visa requirements include a completed visa application form, two passport photographs, a valid passport, a confirmation letter of health insurance stating coverage, a proof of airline reservation for Gabon travel, a current bank record and a reference letter from an employer.
There are not many people here (just over a million) and lots of oil, making Gabon one of Africa's wealthier countries. The temperature is hot and humid.
Libreville, the capital, is a beautiful town with a seafront facing the Atlantic Ocean. The city centre is smart with big hotels, offices, air-conditioned shopping malls, wide highways and elegant shops. Not surprisingly, Libreville is one of the most expensive cities in the world.
Around 10% of the population are French or other expatriate Europeans.
State hospitals are not up to international standards and medical facilities are limited, so it is advisable to go to private clinics. There are many doctors, dentists and specialists in Libreville. Health insurance is required to ensure proper reimbursement. If treated prior to departure, you should bring your medications and prescription drugs with you (in their original containers) even though pharmacies in the country are well supplied.
Vaccination against yellow fever, tuberculosis, diphtheria, cholera, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, meningococcus and tetanus is needed. In addition, you should take anti-malarial drugs and measures to avoid insect bites.
Banks and financial institutions operating in Gabon include BGFI Bank, BICIG Gabon (BNP Paribas group), UGB and Citibank. To open a bank account you need a valid passport, two ID pictures, a completed and signed application and a minimum deposit of 2,000,000 CFA francs (XAF). It is also compulsory to prove a monthly salary of at least 800,000 XAF.
You can check the Visa or MasterCard ATM locator page for the location of any ATMs in Gabon.
Depending on the neighbourhood, accommodation prices vary widely. When renting a villa, it is also important to consider the security charges (around 150,000 XAF per month for a doorman).
By road: Roads are not usually paved and are impassable during the rainy season. The Libreville-Lambaréné road is paved for two-thirds of the distance. There are several major car rental agencies in Libreville, but prices are high. For instance, renting a four-wheel drive for a day will cost around 140,000 XAF (213.5 euros). An International Driving Permit is required. You can also use minibuses or bush taxis, but both are expensive.
By air: Many airlines use Libreville International Airport including British Airways, Emirates Airlines, Lufthansa Airlines as well as domestic Gabonese airlines. For the location of the major airports in Gabon, check the Gabon embassy website. The fastest way to get around is via Air Gabon International, which flies between Libreville and Lambaréné, Port-Gentil, Franceville and other major towns.
By train: One railway called the Trans-Gabon Railway connects the bigger cities four times a week. Most stations are out of town, and taxis may charge expensive fares to get to the city centre.
The CFA franc (XAF) is the official currency of Gabon. For the currency exchange rate: www.xe.com.
Although the Gabonese would say that the cost of living in Gabon is quite expensive, expatriates will find it fairly reasonable. Imported products and telecommunications are more expensive, however.
