Residence Permits

Residential Permit

Overview

Section 5 of the Immigration Act Cap: 16:02 Vol. 4 Laws of The Gambia 2009, provides that:

“Subject to the provisions of this Act, a person shall not enter or reside in the Gambia unless he or she is in possession of a pass or permit issued under the provisions of this Act.”

By virtue of the above provision, all persons who wish to reside and/or work in The Gambia shall obtain the residential permit by applying for the same from the Director General of Immigration.

Types of Permits

Resident Permit A

This type of permit is issued upon prescribed application to the Director General by an applicant declaring that he or she intends to reside in The Gambia but without venturing into any forms of gainful employment. This permit type is usually issued to foreign students residing in The Gambia and retirees.

Resident Permit B

This type of permit is issued to persons who intend, upon admission, to live, reside, and work in The Gambia. As such, it is issued, upon application and approval, to businesspersons, expatriates, unskilled workers, and other professionals who get paid for livelihood.