Working in Côte d’Ivoire
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Average Salary
In Côte d’Ivoire, average local salaries are around 200,000 – 600,000 XOF per month ($340 - $1,020). However, expat professionals generally earn significantly more than the local average due to skills premiums and benefits in international firms.
Salaries vary widely depending on sector and experience. For example, energy engineers with 0 – 2 years’ experience earn about 2,146,100 XOF per month ($3,805), increasing to around 5,242,700 XOF per month ($9,297) for those with 20+ years’ experience.
General information
Currency
West African CFA franc (XOF)
Official language
French
Conversational languages
Baoulé language Dioula language Bété
Time zone
Greenwich Mean Time (UTC+00:00)
Common types of Employment or Contracting
In Côte d’Ivoire, employment relationships are regulated by the Labour Code and typically involve statutory protections, while contracting arrangements are more flexible but offer fewer legal safeguards and are governed mainly by commercial law.
Common types of employment
Common types of contracting
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Living in Côte d’Ivoire
Living in Côte d’Ivoire offers a lively, social lifestyle shaped by strong community ties, a rich food and music culture, and a high level of cultural and ethnic diversity, with dozens of ethnic groups including French, Lebanese, Vietnamese, and Canadian people. Urban life – especially in Abidjan – is fast-paced and cosmopolitan, while smaller towns are quieter and more traditional. The cost of living is moderate by regional standards.
- The average cost of a weekly grocery shop for a small family is XOF 50,000 – 100,000 ($89 - $177)
- Monthly rent for a 2 – 3 bed property in Abidjan costs on average XOF 300,000 – 1,100,000 ($532 - $1,950), higher for expat areas
- Monthly childcare costs are roughly XOF 50,000 – 150,000 ($89 - $266)
- A litre of petrol costs around XOF 800 – 900 ($1.42 - $1.60), with diesel costing similar
Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road. Expats can usually drive short-term using their original driver’s licence with an International Driving Permit (IDP). For long-term residence, a local Ivorian driver’s licence is required, typically obtained by presenting residency documents, a medical certificate, photographs, and – depending on circumstances – completing a local test or administrative conversion process.
Weather in Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire has a tropical climate with hot, humid conditions along the coast and slightly drier weather inland. The country experiences a rainy season (roughly May to July and September to November) and a dry season (December to April). Summer months can see temperatures reaching 30 – 34°C, while winter months are slightly cooler, averaging 22 - 28°C.
Language and integration support
In Côte d’Ivoire, the official language is French, used in business, government, and daily life, which makes it easier for French speakers to settle in. While there is no formal government integration programme, support is commonly available through private French language schools, international cultural centres, employers, and expat networks. Learning the basics of local languages such as Dioula and Baoulé can also be helpful for day-to-day interactions.
For any translation needs - especially those required for work permit or visa applications - our dedicated Languages team is ready to support you. They provide accurate, timely translations and can guide you through the process to ensure all necessary documents meet the required standards.
Our services in Côte d’Ivoire
Across the globe, we support energy and engineering companies with the international recruitment and global mobilisation solutions they need to extend their capability and grow their businesses.
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Global mobility
NRL Recruitment simplifies international employee relocation with seamless global mobility services. From visa assistance to cultural onboarding, we ensure your staff transitions smoothly across borders, minimising disruption and maximising productivity.
Payroll solutions
Managing payroll across multiple countries can be complex, but our payroll solutions make it simple. We handle accurate, compliant compensation for your global workforce, ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time, every time.
Global employer of record
With our global employer of record services, you can legally employ staff overseas without establishing local entities. We manage compliance, contracts, and HR administration, giving you the freedom to expand globally with confidence and ease.
International recruitment
Finding the right talent worldwide is effortless with our international recruitment solutions. We connect your business with top-tier professionals, managing the end-to-end hiring process so you can focus on growth and strategic priorities.
