Land of Upright People — Africa's Film Capital & Craft Heart
Burkina Faso mainly applies a territorial, source-based system: income arising within the country is taxed. It does not operate a broad global-income regime like some Western countries, though residency status affects the treatment of certain income. Confirm your specific situation with the DGI.
The standard VAT (TVA) rate is 18%. Some essential goods and exports are exempt or zero-rated.
Salaries are taxed under the IUTS, a progressive tax withheld monthly by your employer, with marginal rates from 0% up to 25%. Social security (CNSS) contributions are deducted separately.
Yes. Individuals and businesses register with the DGI to obtain an IFU (Identifiant Financier Unique), which is needed for employment, banking, invoicing and customs.
Burkina Faso has a limited treaty network, including arrangements within the WAEMU zone and with France. Check whether your home country has an agreement to avoid being taxed twice.
Yes. Comprehensive international health insurance that includes medical evacuation is strongly recommended, because complex or emergency care often requires transfer abroad.
Very much so. Burkina Faso has intense, year-round malaria transmission. Use prophylaxis, sleep under treated nets, and treat any fever as a possible malaria case until tested.
City pharmacies stock many common medicines, and there are on-duty night pharmacies. However, specific brands or specialist drugs may be unavailable, so carry an adequate personal supply.
Private clinics in Ouagadougou handle many needs, but serious conditions are frequently evacuated to better-equipped hospitals in the region or in Europe under an evacuation insurance plan.
French is the official language and essential for administration, work and most daily interactions. Learning greetings in Mooré (central plateau) or Dioula (west) is warmly received.
No. Drink bottled or properly filtered/treated water. Waterborne illnesses such as typhoid are a real risk.
Mostly in cash and via mobile money (Orange Money, Moov Money). Card acceptance is limited to some hotels, larger shops and ATMs in the main cities.
The cool dry season from November to February is the most comfortable, though the Harmattan brings dust. March to May is very hot, and June to October is the rainy season.