Ways to live in Uganda
These are the residence routes in Bordr's guide that we have checked against official sources. Each one links to the government page.
Programme details are shown in English.
Work permit Work permits →
Entry Permit Class G2 (employment)
Work and residence permit for foreigners employed in Uganda, including paid staff of non-governmental organisations (NGOs). It is sponsored by the employer.
- What you need
- An appointment letter and covering letter from the employer, proof that no qualified Ugandan was found for the job, certified qualifications, a staff list by nationality, the employer's tax clearance and a police clearance.
- How long
- 6, 12, 24 or 36 months
- Renewable
- Yes
- Cost
- USD 1,250 for 6 months, USD 2,500 for 12 months, USD 5,000 for 24 months, USD 7,500 for 36 months
- How to apply
- Online via the immigration portal visas.immigration.go.ug, then biometrics at an immigration office
- Family
- Family members can come with you
Student visa Student visas →
Student Pass
Pass for foreigners enrolled at a school, college or university in Uganda.
- What you need
- Admission letter and support letter from the school, a student ID card, proof of paid tuition, a passport valid for at least 6 months and proof of current immigration status. Under-18s also need a parent's or guardian's documents.
- How long
- 3, 6 or 12 months
- Renewable
- Yes
- Cost
- USD 100
- How to apply
- Online via the immigration portal, then biometrics at an immigration office or border post
Passive income visa Passive income visas →
Entry Permit Class H (ordinary resident with foreign income)
Residence for people with a steady income from outside Uganda who agree not to work or earn money locally. Suits retirees and people living on investments.
- What you need
- Documented income from abroad of at least $36,000 a year, a signed promise not to take a job or run any income-earning activity, a police clearance issued within the last 6 months, a passport and proof of current immigration status.
- Income
- from about $3,000 a month
- How long
- 6, 12, 24 or 36 months
- Renewable
- Yes
- Cost
- USD 750 for 6 months, USD 1,500 for 12 months, USD 3,000 for 24 months, USD 4,500 for 36 months
- How to apply
- Online via the immigration portal visas.immigration.go.ug, then biometrics at an immigration office
Investment and golden visa Investment and golden visas →
Entry Permit Class D (business owners in trade)
Permit for foreign shareholders of companies doing general trade in Uganda. Other classes cover shareholders in farming (B), mining (C), manufacturing (E) and licensed professions (F).
- What you need
- A valid trading licence, the company's certified bank statement for the last 3 months, a tax clearance certificate, a covering letter and a police clearance.
- How long
- 6, 12, 24 or 36 months
- Renewable
- Yes
- Cost
- USD 1,250 for 6 months, USD 2,500 for 12 months, USD 5,000 for 24 months, USD 7,500 for 36 months
- How to apply
- Online via the immigration portal visas.immigration.go.ug, then biometrics at an immigration office
- Family
- Family members can come with you
Cost of living
Monthly amounts in US dollars.
| Room in a shared flat | $150 |
|---|---|
| One-bedroom flat | $400 |
| Two-bedroom flat | $650 |
| Bills | $60 |
| Typical local salary | $190 |
Some of these figures are estimates; treat them as a rough guide.
Cities to consider
Climate by month, neighbourhoods and costs for each city are in the Bordr guide.
What life is like
Programme details are shown in English.
Why people move
Kampala is a lively, hilly city with a strong social scene. Jinja offers rafting at the source of the Nile, and Bwindi's gorillas and Lake Victoria's shores are within reach. The climate is mild and green all year.
Day to day
Boda-bodas (motorbike taxis) and minibuses are the main transport; a car is useful. Private clinics in Kampala handle routine care. Mobile money dominates payments. English is official and widely spoken.
Trade-offs
Kampala's traffic jams are severe and boda-bodas are risky. Serious medical cases often require evacuation, and conservative social laws affect some groups.
Before you move: visa-free entry
Most people arrive as visitors first, then apply from inside the country or come back with the right visa. How long you can stay as a visitor depends on your passport:
United Statese-Visa · 90 d
United Kingdome-Visa · 90 d
Australiae-Visa · 90 d
Canadae-Visa · 90 d
New Zealande-Visa · 90 d
Switzerlande-Visa · 90 d
Norwaye-Visa · 90 d
Singapore90 days
Japane-Visa · 90 d
South Koreae-Visa · 90 d
Israele-Visa · 90 d
United Arab Emirates90 days
Hong Kong90 days
South Africae-Visa · 90 d
Mexicoe-Visa · 90 d
Brazile-Visa · 90 d
Questions
Does Uganda have a digital nomad visa?
Not among the routes we have checked. Remote workers usually come as visitors within the visa-free limit or use one of the other routes on this page.
How can I move to Uganda?
The routes we have checked are: Work permit, Student visa, Passive income visa, Investment and golden visa.
Sources and last check
This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change; confirm with the official government page or a licensed adviser before you apply.
