Democratic Republic of the Congo
Profiled in Kinshasa · Central Africa
Kinshasa is a roaring riverside megacity where Congolese rumba spills from every corner and daily life runs at full volume.
Cost of living
What a month costs
Kinshasa is deceptively pricey. Local food and transport are cheap, but imported goods, expat housing in Gombe and running your own power and water push a Western lifestyle high.
The scores
How it rates for a moving family
See and do
Top 10 in Kinshasa
- Boulevard du 30 JuinThe grand central artery through Gombe, lined with ministries, banks and shops.
- Musée National de la République Démocratique du CongoModern national museum that opened in 2019, strong on Congolese masks and art.
- Académie des Beaux-Arts de KinshasaThe country's top art school, with sculpture gardens open to visitors.
- Marché Central (Grand Marché)Sprawling central market, known locally as Zando, in the heart of the city.
- Cathédrale Notre-Dame du CongoThe main Catholic cathedral and a calm break from the traffic.
- Stade des MartyrsHuge national stadium hosting football and blockbuster rumba concerts.
- Palais de la NationRiverside seat of government and the presidency.
- Parc de la Vallée de la N'SeleLandscaped riverside park on the eastern edge of the city.
- Beach NgobilaThe Congo River ferry port for crossings to Brazzaville.
- Texaf BilemboCultural centre and gallery inside the old Utexafrica textile compound.
Where to go
Weekend escapes
- Lola ya BonoboBonobo sanctuary at Les Petites Chutes de la Lukaya, about an hour south of the city.
- Chutes de ZongoDramatic waterfall on the Inkisi River with a lodge, a favourite weekend escape.
- Jardin Botanique de KisantuHistoric botanical gardens in Kongo Central, roughly two hours out.
- BrazzavilleThe Republic of Congo capital, a short ferry crossing over the river.
- Lac de Ma ValléeCalm forest lake retreat south of Kinshasa for swimming and picnics.
Coffee
Best cafes
- Pain VictoirePopular local bakery chain with several Gombe outlets, good coffee and viennoiserie.
- Maison Eric KayserFrench artisan bakery-cafe in Gombe for pastries and proper espresso.
Restaurants
Where to eat
- Pullman Kinshasa Grand HotelLandmark hotel with several restaurants overlooking the river.
- Hotel MemlingHistoric Gombe hotel with a long-running restaurant and bar.
- Fleuve Congo HotelRiverside hotel with international dining and city views.
- Sultani HotelUpscale Gombe hotel known for its restaurant.
- Kin Plaza Arjaan by RotanaCentral hotel with well-regarded dining.
Morning
Best breakfast
- Pain VictoireGo-to bakery for morning bread, croissants and coffee.
- Maison Eric KayserPastries and espresso to start the day.
- Pullman Kinshasa Grand HotelGenerous buffet breakfast for a treat.
- Hotel MemlingClassic sit-down breakfast in the heart of Gombe.
Residency
The DRC has no investment-migration or golden visa scheme. Most foreigners arrive on employer-sponsored work permits, with long-stay visas handled by the DGM immigration service.
Tax
Residents are taxed on income with a top personal rate effectively capped near 30 percent, plus payroll charges. There is no special expat regime, so plan around local employment tax and import duties.
Curious what you would actually pay? See the Democratic Republic of the Congo tax profile: income, corporate, VAT and exit rules →
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