Working in Libya
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Average Salary
Due to Libya’s economic volatility, average salaries can vary significantly. However, the average monthly salary across all sectors typically ranges from 1,000 – 2,500 LYD ($800 - $2,000); this varies widely by role and experience. Engineering and energy sector salaries are higher, with oil, gas, and senior energy specialists earning 3,300 – 6,250 LYD per month ($2,650 - $5,000).
Expats in technical or specialist roles often receive even higher compensation, commonly 4,000 – 10,000 LYD per month ($3,200 - $8,000), with additional benefits such as housing and transport allowances.
General information
Currency
Libyan Dinar (LYD)
Official language
Modern Standard Arabic
Conversational languages
Libyan Arabic Berber English Italian
Time zone
Eastern European Standard Time (UTC+02:00)
Common types of Employment or Contracting
In Libya, work arrangements are typically structured around formal employment or contract-based engagements, with clear differences in security, benefits, and flexibility.
Common types of employment
Common types of contracting
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Living in Libya
Life in Libya tends to be a blend of Mediterranean and North African lifestyle, with strong emphasis on family, community, and tradition. The country is primarily Arab and Amazigh and is less diverse than many international hubs. The cost of living is generally low by global standards, particularly for fuel and basic goods, but costs can be higher in major cities such as Tripoli, and for housing that meets expat expectations. Prices of goods can fluctuate due to economic conditions and availability.
- A weekly grocery shop for a small family costs, on average, 200 – 300 LYD ($40 - $60)
- Monthly rent averages between 1,000 – 2,000 LYD ($200 - $400), but this will be higher in Tripoli
- Childcare costs around 250 – 400 LYD per month ($50 - $80)
- A litre of both petrol and diesel costs roughly 0.14 – 0.30 LYD ($0.03 - $0.06)
Vehicles in Libya drive on the right-hand side of the road. Expats can usually drive using a valid foreign driving licence for short stays, and many employers also recommend carrying an International Driving Permit alongside it. For longer stays or residency, expats are expected to obtain a Libyan driver’s licence, which is typically arranged through local traffic authorities and often supported by the employer. The process usually involves submitting residency documents, a medical check, photographs, and – depending on nationality – either exchanging a foreign licence or passing a local driving test. In practice, requirements can vary by city and are often facilitated by employers.
Weather in Libya
Libya has a hot desert climate – in summer, daytime temperatures typically reach 30 - 40°C and can exceed 45°C in desert regions. In winter, daytime temperatures are generally 15 - 20°C in coastal areas, with night-time lows around 5 - 10°C, while desert areas can become much colder at night.
Language and integration support
Libya has limited formal language and integration support, and there is no structured government-run integration programme for expats. Arabic is the official language, with Libyan Arabic used in daily life, while English is common in the oil, gas, engineering and international business sectors. Language learning and cultural orientation are mainly provided through private tutors, international schools, employer-led support, and informal expat networks, rather than public services.
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 Libya
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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