Working in Senegal
For transparency, AI has been used during the generation of this content, with every care taken to verify its accuracy.
Average Salary
For expats moving to Senegal to work in technical or specialist roles, salaries broadly range from around 1.5 million - 8 million XOF per month ($2,500 - $13,000), depending on sector and level of seniority. Those in senior roles, particularly in energy, engineering, finance or management, can expect salaries within the 4 – 10 million XOF range ($6,700 - $17,000) when benefits are included.
General information
Currency
West African CFA franc (XOF)
Official language
French
Conversational languages
Wolof Pulaar Arabic
Time zone
Greenwich Mean Time (UTC+00:00)
Common types of Employment or Contracting
Employment and contracting in Senegal are governed by the Labour Code and commonly follow French-influenced legal structures, with work arrangements generally falling into the following categories.
Common types of employment
Common types of contracting
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Living in Senegal
Living in Senegal offers a mix of vibrant West African culture and ethnic diversity. Daily life balances lively urban centres like Dakar – which tend to be more expensive and cosmopolitan – with smaller cities and towns where the pace is slower and costs are generally lower.
- A weekly grocery shop for a small family is roughly 30,000 – 50,000 XOF ($50 - $85)
- Monthly rent for a 2 – 3-bedroom property is, on average, 250,000 – 450,000 XOF ($420 - $750) in Dakar, and significantly lower outside the capital
- The monthly cost of childcare in a private preschool is 120,000 – 180,000 XOF ($200 - $300)
- Both petrol and diesel cost roughly 950 – 1,000 XOF per litre ($1.60 - $1.70)
Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road in Senegal. Expats who plan to stay long-term can use their foreign licence for up to one year after establishing residency, after which they must convert it into a Senegalese driver’s licence. Conversion is straightforward for nationals of countries with reciprocity agreements, usually requiring no test, while others may need to submit documents and potentially pass a theory or practical exam to drive legally.
Weather in Senegal
Senegal has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season runs roughly from November to May, with average highs around 28 - 32°C and lows around 18 - 22°C. The wet season occurs from June to October, bringing heavy rains, high humidity, and warmer temperatures, with summer highs often reaching 33 - 36°C and night-time lows around 24 - 26°C.
Language and integration support
Expats can access language support through French schools, private tutors, and workplace programmes, and learning basic Wolof helps with daily interactions. Integration is further supported by active expat networks, social clubs, and online communities, as well as guidance from embassies and consulates, making it easier for newcomers to navigate life and build social connections.
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 Senegal
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