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Residence Permit and Residence Card in Togo: Guide for Foreigners and Expats

Obtaining a Residence Permit in Togo: DGDN Procedures for Foreigners

Any foreign national residing in Togo for a period exceeding 3 months (for employment, business investment, university studies, or family reunification) must apply for an official Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour) issued by the Emigration and Immigration Department of the General Directorate of National Documentation (DGDN - Direction Générale de la Documentation Nationale).

Holding a valid residence permit ensures legal stay, enables the issuance of local administrative documents, and simplifies banking and business operations in Lomé.

1. Eligibility Conditions and Categories of Permits

Residence permits are categorized according to status and reason for living in Togo:

  • Temporary Residence Card (Valid 1 to 3 Years): Issued to expatriate employees, investors, business owners, university students, and authorized family dependents.
  • Privileged or Permanent Residence Card: Accessible to foreign nationals who have resided in Togo for more than 5 consecutive years and can demonstrate stable economic integration.
  • ECOWAS Citizens: Benefit from free movement protocols and preferential establishment conditions under West African regional community treaties.

2. Required Paperwork for DGDN Application

Application files must be submitted in person at the DGDN headquarters in Lomé:

  1. Valid passport (including entry visa or valid visa extension stamp).
  2. Official residence permit application form provided by DGDN.
  3. Police record / Criminal background check from country of origin less than 3 months old (plus Togolese criminal record if already residing).
  4. Certificate of residence issued by the neighborhood chief (Chef de quartier) and certified at Lomé City Hall.
  5. Proof of economic activity or financial means:
    • Salaried employees: Employment contract endorsed by the Labor Directorate + employer certificate.
    • Investors / Business owners: Copy of RCCM business registry, CUI/CFE tax card, and tax clearance certificate.
    • Students: University enrollment certificate (e.g., University of Lomé).
  6. 4 recent passport-sized photos on a white background.
  7. Medical certificate of fitness issued by a licensed doctor in Togo.

3. Application Process and Administrative Fees

  1. Submission: At DGDN headquarters located in the GTA / Agoè-Nyivé neighborhood in Lomé.
  2. Biometric Enrollment: Digital photo recording and fingerprint scanning.
  3. Filing Receipt: A provisional receipt is issued, authorizing legal stay in Togo while the card is processed.
  4. Administrative Fees: Processing costs vary depending on nationality and permit type (inquire directly at DGDN counters upon submission).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take to obtain a residence card in Lomé?

The average processing and printing timeframe for a laminated biometric residence card is 2 to 4 weeks after biometric enrollment.

Can a residence permit in Togo be renewed?

Yes, renewal applications must be submitted at least 1 month prior to the card's expiration date along with updated proof of employment or residency.

Where are the DGDN offices located in Lomé?

The main DGDN headquarters (Visas and Residence Cards Department) is located in the GTA district (opposite the Gendarmerie Camp / Agoè road), Lomé.

Last verified: September 12, 2026
Official sources: General Directorate of National Documentation (DGDN Togo), Ministry of Security of Togo