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You’re moving to Senegal alone.

Here’s everything you need — a step-by-step checklist, the right guides for your situation, and a concierge if you want a human to handle the complexity.

Great opportunity

Allow 2-3 weeks for long-stay visa processing before your departure date.

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At a glance
Visa required
Tourist (free, up to 90 days) / Long-stay (90+ days)
Average setup time
4-6 weeks
Bank account opening
7-14 days
Housing in Dakar
From 300 EUR/month
Checklist items
18 steps

Your profile checklist

Tick items as you complete them

0 / 20 completed
Phase 1: Before departure

Weeks -4 to 0

Apply for long-stay visa
Allow 2-3 weeks processing time
Get international health insurance
Required for visa application
Gather required documents
Passport, birth certificate, proof of income
Book short-term accommodation
First 2 weeks while you search long-term
Research neighborhoods in Dakar
Almadies, Plateau, Les Mamelles, Mermoz
Set up mobile money account
Wave or Orange Money (can do from abroad)
Phase 2: First two weeks

Days 1 – 14

Get a local SIM card
Orange or Free Senegal recommended
Open a local bank account
CBAO, Ecobank, or BHS
Find your long-term apartment
Use verified agencies from our directory
Register with your embassy
Optional but strongly recommended
Locate nearest clinic or hospital
Clinique du Cap, Pasteur, Hopital Principal
Learn basic Wolof phrases
Nanga def (How are you), Jerejeef (Thank you)
Phase 3: First month

Days 15 – 30

Apply for residence permit (CIE)
Must be done within 90 days of arrival
Set up internet at home
Sonatel fiber or 4G router
Explore local markets & transport
Marche Sandaga, DDD buses, taxis
Join the International residents community
Visene forum, Facebook groups, local meetups
Review your monthly budget
Rent, food, transport, leisure
You’re settled
Welcome to Senegal.

Curated guides

View all guides
Essential Guide
Visa & Residence in Senegal (2026)
Read guide →
Guide
Where to Live in Dakar as a Solo
Read guide →
Guide
Opening a Bank Account in Senegal
Read guide →
Expert support

You don’t have to do it alone.

Our concierge team is here to save you time, avoid costly mistakes and make your move smooth and stress-free.

“Starter pack: ‘One call saved me weeks of confusion. I knew exactly where to live, what to bring, and which admin steps to handle first. Arrived confident.”

Thomas & Marie
Sophie R

Italy, 8 months in Dakar

Recommended for you

Starter Package

Perfect for solo planning their first move to Senegal.

€150 one-time
Orientation & Q&A call (45 min)
Personalized relocation checklist
Vetted contacts in Dakar
Priority email follow-up