HTLC Network | Ivory Coast



Often called the “Jewel of West Africa”, Ivory Coast has been a model of economic prosperity and political stability for its neighboring African countries since its independence in 1960. In the fifteenth century, foreign merchants in search of ivory named the region the Ivory Coast for its abundance of the natural resource.


Ivory Coast e occupies approximately 124,500 square miles (322,460 square kilometers), an area slightly larger than New Mexico. Located on the south coast of West Africa, Ivory Coast borders the North Atlantic Ocean, with Liberia and Guinea on the west; Mali and Burkina Faso on the north; and Ghana on the east. The country is made up of three distinct geographic regions: the southeast is marked by coastal lagoons; the southern region, especially the southwest, is densely forested; and the northern region, called the savannah zone.


The region, and then the country, was originally known in English as “Ivory Coast”. In October 1985, the government officially changed the name of the country to Ivory Coast in all languages. Despite the Ivorian government’s request, the English translation “Ivory Coast” is still frequently used in English.

Prior to its colonization by Europeans, Ivory Coast was home to several states, including Gyaaman, the Kong Empire, and Baoulé. There were two Anyi kingdoms, Indénié and Sanwi, which attempted to retain their separate identity through the French colonial period and after Ivory Coast’s independence. An 1843–1844 treaty made Ivory Coast a protectorate of France and in 1893, it became a French colony as part of the European scramble for Africa. Ivory Coast became independent on 7 August 1960.


Several ethnic groups make up the population: Akan 42.1%, Voltaiques or Gur 17.6%, Northern Mandes 16.5%, Krous 11%, Southern Mandes 10%, other 2.8% (includes 30,000 Lebanese and 45,000 French). 77% of the population are considered Ivoirians. They represent several different peoples and language groups with 4% of the population being of non-African ancestry. The native born population is roughly split into three groups of Muslim, Christian (primarily Roman Catholic) and animist.

Since Ivory Coast has established itself as one of the most successful West African nations, about 20% of the population (about 3.4 million) consists of workers from neighbouring Liberia, Burkina Faso and Guinea.Many are French, Lebanese, Vietnamese and Spanish citizens, as well as Protestant missionaries from the United States and Canada.

In November 2004, around 10,000 French and other foreign nationals evacuated Ivory Coast due to attacks from pro-government youth militias. Aside from French nationals, there are native-born descendants of French settlers who arrived during the country’s colonial period.It is estimated that approximately 36 percent of the population is illiterate.


French is the national language, and English is taught as a secondary language in secondary schools. An estimated 65 languages are spoken in the country. One of the most common is Dyula, which acts as a trade language as well as a language commonly spoken by the Muslim population.There are about fifty languages and dialects in total. Most people speak at least two languages.Fifty percent of the population speaks Fon; other important languages include Yoruba, Aja, Mina, Goun, Bariba, Dendi, Ditamarri, Nateni, and Fulfulde.


Despite economic hardship in the 1980s and early 1990s, Ivory Coast is still the most prosperous of the tropic African nations, primarily because of its diversified export goods, close ties to France, and foreign investment. Ivory Coast is among the world’s largest producers and exporters of coffee, cocoa beans, and palm oil. Consequently, the economy is highly sensitive to fluctuations in international prices for these products and to weather conditions. Despite attempts by the government to diversify the economy, it is still largely dependent on agriculture. The recent global crisis has hit the country as it has the rest of Africa but strong export trading has enabled the country to retain a level that its neighbors have been unable to.



During the first half of the year, the warm maritime air mass pushes northward across Ivory Coast in response to the movement of the sun. Ahead of it, a low pressure belt, or intertropical front, brings warm air, rain, and prevailing winds from the southwest. As the solar cycle reverses at midyear, the continental air mass moves southward over the nation, permitting the dry northeast harmattan to dominate. Surface winds are gentle, seldom exceeding fifteen to twenty kilometers per hour.

Two climatic zones are created by the alternating wind patterns. In the north, tropical conditions delineate two major seasons. Heavy rains fall between June and October, averaging 110 centimeters annually. Along the coast, equatorial conditions prevail. Some rain falls in most months, with an average of 200 centimeters annually, but four seasons are generally distinguishable. Heavy rains fall between May and July in most years, and shorter rains during August and September. The minor dry season still brings sparse rainfall during October and November, followed by the major dry season from December to April.



The capital:

In March 1983, President Félix Houphouët-Boigny made Yamoussoukro the political and administrative capital of Côte d’Ivoire, as the city was his birthplace. This marked the fourth movement of the country’s capital city in a century. Côte d’Ivoire’s previous capital cities were Grand-Bassam (1893), Bingerville (1900), and Abidjan (1933).

Yamoussoukro is also the site of what is claimed to be the largest Christian place of worship on Earth: The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro, consecrated by Pope John Paul II on 10 September 1990. Also noteworthy are the Kossou Dam, the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Foundation, the PDCI-RDA House, the various schools of the Polytechnic Institute, the Town Hall, the Protestant Temple, the Mosque, and the Palace of Hosts.


Abidjan is the economic and former official capital of Côte d’Ivoire. As of 2011 it was the largest city in the nation and the third-largest French-speaking city in the world, after Paris, and Kinshasa but before Montreal. Abidjan lies on the south-east coast of the country in the Gulf of Guinea, near the Ébrié Lagoon. The business district Le Plateau is the centre of the city, along with Cocody’, Deux Plateaux (the wealthiest neighborhood and a hubbub for diplomats), and the slum of Adjamé on the north shore of the lagoon. Treichville and Marcory lie to the south, Commune d’ Attecoube by its extension to Locodjro and Abobo Doume and Yopougon to the west, and Gbagba and N’Gbotroya (Locodjro) called today Boulay Island in the middle of the lagoon.

Main expatriate destination cities:

Bouaké (or Bwake) is the second largest city in Côte d’Ivoire and It is the main urban settlement of the Bouaké Department with a population exceeding 1.2 million, in the Vallée du Bandama Region. The city is located in the central part of Côte d’Ivoire about 50 kilometres (31 mi) northeast of Lake Kossou, the country’s largest lake, some 350 kilometres (220 mi) north of Abidjan on the Abidjan-Niger Railway and about 100 kilometres (62 mi) northeast of Yamoussoukro, the capital of Côte d’Ivoire.


Bouaké is a centre for the Baoulé people and is known for its crafts. The economy is based on the coton industry. The city largely grew from the 1970s after the construction of the power station at Kossou Lake flooded land to the west of the city. Bouaké is known for its large carnival and market and for the St Michael’s Cathedral. The city has a large airport located north-west of the city with a 3,300 metres runway. Manchester City F.C defender Kolo Touré and his brothers Yaya Touré and Ibrahim Touré were born in Bouaké.

Main foreign investors:



Historically, Côte d’Ivoire has had strong economic ties with France. During the 1990s, Côte d’Ivoire’s principal markets for exports were France and the Netherlands, which purchased approximately one-third of its total exports, a trend that continues today. The United States is the third largest export market, with Italy following. Current statistics indicate that Côte d’Ivoire exports $3.9 billion worth of goods annually, primarily cocoa, coffee, tropical woods, petroleum, cotton, bananas, pineapples, palm oil, cotton, and fish. France, which provides one-third of Côte d’Ivoire’s imports, is the country’s largest supplier.


The United States, Italy, and Germany each supply about 5 percent of the country’s imports, which include food, consumer goods, capital goods, fuel, and transport equipment. Due to the 1999 coup, Côte d’Ivoire received only limited assistance from international financial institutions during that year, and the European Union stopped its assistance programs altogether.

Expatriate living:

As with all countries within Africa, Ivory presents a unique set of challenges for expatriates : heavy traffic in the capital city, uncollected rubbish, poor telephone service, as well as the country’s social institutions and infrastructure can prove frustrating for an expatriate.


Credit card use in Cote d’Ivoire is limited, particularly outside Abidjan and Yamoussoukro, but credit card fraud is an increasing problem. Business fraud is rampant and the perpetrators often target foreigners.


Whilein Cote d’Ivoire, individuals with disabilities should be advised that there are almost no accommodations made for individuals with disabilities in Cote d’Ivoire.


Abidjan has a poor public transportation system; if you choose to travel by bus despite the risks, the “Express” line is believed to be the safest and most reliable. In Abidjan, taxis are readily available, inexpensive (metered), but poorly maintained and notorious for not respecting the rules of the road. There have been reports of robberies in Orange taxis, widely thought to be the most secure form of public transportation. Communal taxis (“woro-woros”), used only within the limits of each commune, are not metered and are dangerous. Don’t use local vans (“Gbaka”) because they are frequently involved in accidents.

5865921_origCultural Awareness

In Côte d’Ivoire, children are highly valued and play a very special role in perpetuating the family and culture and providing care for other family members. Girls are taught by their mothers, and boys learn from their fathers and other male figures. Overall, children are the responsibility of the community, and when primary caregivers are not available the community creates a system for caring for children. Parental and community goals for children are centered around social and human values, including respect, self-reliance, helpfulness, cooperation, and obedience, and often folktales or stories are used to reinforce these values.
The more modern the culture, the more likely there is to be a shift to more materialistic values. Many rural ethnic cultures engage in rituals and initiation ceremonies: for example, the Senufo is a ritual in which every seven years a new group of boys pass through three stages of initiation that are completed when they are in their thirties.


Ivoirians experience a number of health issues, including a large incidence of HIV-AIDS, female genital mutilation (FGM), unsanitary living conditions, unsafe drinking water, and a host of infectious diseases, including malaria, gastrointestinal ailments, respiratory infections, measles, and tetanus.


Leisure activities and opportunities
In Côte d’Ivoire performance art embodies music, dance, and festivals. Music exists almost everywhere—in everyday activities and religious ceremonies—and most singing is done in groups, usually accompanied by traditional instruments. Along with the native melodies of the indigenous groups, Ivoirians participate in more contemporary music from Europe and America. Dichotomies—from the Abidjan Orchestral Ensemble that performs classical music to street rock and roll—can be found in the cities. Traditional dance is alive in ceremonies and festivals, and is usually linked to history or ethnic beliefs. The Senufo N’Goron dance, for example, is a colorful initiation dance where young girls wearing a fan of feathers and imitate birds. Malinke women perform the Koutouba and Kouroubissi dances before Ramadan. The various traditions have unified the masquerade, music, and dance as an expression of the continuation of creation and life, and during these events the mask takes on deep cultural-spiritual significance.

Prepare and Plan Visit




Destination Country and City Information


auto-europe-driving-informationCity by Zone Tour


















Local Registration









Passport immigration stamp











For more info about our immigration services in Ivory Coast please contact our marketing department at:


Properties will have no furniture whatsoever.
A semi-furnished property is basically nonexistent in Côte d’Ivoire.
Fully furnished properties can include anything from the basics such as kitchen cupboards and basic furniture such as dining table and chairs, armchairs, beds, and bathroom furniture to everything you could possibly require in a property.

Note: that the standard of furnishings varies and may not always be of the level that expatriates are used to.



How many properties will I be shown?

This depends on the Relocation Package you have; Our Basic Package includes 8 properties and our Extended Package includes 15 properties. You will be told at the outset how many properties you will be shown or how much time you have available to do the house hunting. The properties provided will be as close to your ‘Needs Analysis’ description as possible according to what is available on the market at the time.

How can I secure a property that I choose?

It is not common practice to make a pre-contractual agreement, therefore once a suitable property has been identified, negotiation takes place and contract is drawn up.

What costs are involved in renting a property?

Real estate fee: 10 % of the total fee to be paid by the landlord to the agency.
Rent is usually paid 3 months up front.
A security deposit is usually equal to 2-3 months rent.

What other expenses should I expect to pay?

The rental contract must be registered – the cost of registration is borne by the landlord when the renter is a foreigner. If the contract is not registered by the landlord and penalties are requested, the penalty should be paid by the landlord.

What is the process flow to rent a property?

Once a suitable property is identified, the contract is negotiated and is signed by both parties. Payment is made. The contract must thereafter be registered at the relevant office by the landlord.


The chances of getting the deposit back when vacating the property are minimal unless a check in form has been signed, HTLC Network always ensure that a thorough check in is taken upon entry.


Tenant is responsible for general maintenance as specified in rental contract.

What if I need to terminate the lease early?

HTLC Network will ensure a diplomatic break clause is inserted into the contract for the protection of the tenant. The landlord will have the final say as to what is acceptable.

What additional expenses are involved in order to purchase a property?

It is usually possible to include a break clause, rent paid in advance will be forfeited, and there is sometimes a penalty on top of any rent paid in advance.

What utility expenses will I have to pay?

Standard utilities to pay are electricity, water, bottled gas, telephone and garbage tax. There is also an estate television tax but it is included in the electricity bill.

How are these accounts charged?

Most landlords prefer the utility contracts to be transferred into the tenants name. For electricity and telephone it is also possible to buy a pre-paid card. The bills arrive directly to the property address.

Will I be able to get Satellite TV?

Yes, Satellite and Cable TV are available.

How long will I have to wait for my telephone?

A telephone is usually installed within three working days.

What documents do I need to install a Telephone Line?

– ID card (photocopy)
– Proof of address (contract)
– one bill of the payment of either water or electricity.

How will i be billed?

The bills are sent individually to the tenants address on a bi-monthly basis and can be paid either through a bank transfer, by check or paid directly in the providers’ office. When paid by bank transfer it is advisable to present the receipt at the provider’s office.

Is my licence valid in Ivory Coast?

Foreign licences are valid. But it is preferable to have International licence.

For how long can I drive my own car in Ivory Coast?

After 3 months from entry, the foreigner has to register the car at the office “Guiche Unique”. After this procedure the expat has to get new plates from SICTA (importation/exportation association) and then finalize the procedure by obtaining a car insurance from a local insurance company.

Can i buy a car?

Yes, a foreigner can purchase a vehicle, provided he/she has regular immigration status.

How can I ensure the security of my family?

It is advisable for professional foreigners to have 24 hour guard service at their properties. In Ivory Coast it is common for foreigners to take guardians for 24 hours in order to assure their security.

Are there any precautions a foreigner must take?

Not in particular.

IVORY COAST FAQ - Health facilities
Do i have to be vaccinated before arriving in Ivory Coast?

Required vaccinations: yellow fever, meningitis A CW135 and hepatitis A and typhoid.

Are there any particular risks in Ivory Coast?

Yellow fever , hepatitis, meningitis and typhoid.

Why should I choose HTLC Network?

– Extensive rapidly growing client list.
– Exclusive partner/representative of many Global Relocation Service Providers.
– Exclusive representative of many International Law and Immigration Firms.
– Comprehensive FAQs for each country serviced.
– Complimentary 3-month Helpline.

IVORY COAST FAQ - For Corporate
How does HTLC Network assist with Immigration?

HTLC Network will prepare all the necessary paperwork, email it to the Company and direct as to how the various documents are to be printed out and signed. We will send one of our Local Counsellors with Power of Attorney (Delega) to act on behalf of the individual and company.



How can we determine a realistic Housing Budget for Transferees?



HTLC Network will prepare the contract in the name of a legal representative of the Company. We require full data of the individual, a photocopy of his/her passport ID pages and a photocopy of the Company’ s ‘Camera di Commercio’ demonstrating position within the Company.





For the presentation of document application, it varies from city to city. Wherever possible HTLC Network will prepare power of attorney (Delega) in order for a Local Counsellor to act on behalf of the Transferee and family.









How does HTLC Network handle Group Moves?


In main centres we have several Local Counsellors.

What ongoing support is provided for Transferees and families?





Area: 2322,463 sq km
Time Zone: GMT +0 hour
Capital city: Yamoussoukro


Stateform: Republic of the Ivory Coast
Legislative Branch: Unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale
National Holiday: Independence Day, 7 August
Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XOF)

