Administrative Procedures for Living in Lebanon

Published on April 29, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Settling in Lebanon is not just about finding an apartment with a sea view in Jounieh or a trendy café in Gemmayzé. Behind the sunsets over Beirut Bay and the generous cuisine, there is a very administrative reality: visas, residence and work permits, mandatory health insurance, opening a bank account, rental contracts, taxes… Everything that will make the difference between a stress-free stay and a complicated relocation.

Good to know:

This article provides a comprehensive, concrete, and detailed overview of the procedures required to live in Lebanon, based on the most recent data. It is aimed at expatriates, retirees, or investors considering a stay of a few years or a more permanent resettlement project.

Understanding the General Framework: Visas, Residency, and Right of Entry

Even before thinking about work, housing, or your children’s schooling, everything starts at the border. Lebanon has a strict entry regime, marked by sensitive political rules and precise administrative conditions.

The basic principle is clear: every foreigner must meet visa requirements to enter and stay in the country, except for explicitly provided exceptions.

Passport and Minimum Entry Conditions

For most nationalities, the following conditions are essential:

– Passport valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay.

– At least two blank pages.

– No trace of travel to Israel: a passport bearing an Israeli visa, stamp, or even a simple entry stamp may result in refusal of entry, possibly arrest or detention.

Lebanese authorities also verify that the traveler has:

Warning:

For a visa application for Lebanon, it is mandatory to be able to present a non-refundable return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation (hotel or private lodging), a local phone number (often required), and travel insurance with a minimum medical coverage of 30,000 USD for many types of visa.

Visa Exemptions, Visa-on-Arrival, and Consular Visas

The system is quite fragmented: some nationals enter without a visa, others benefit from a visa on arrival, and others must go through an embassy.

Some key examples:

Visa Exemptions and Facilities for Lebanon

Summary of entry conditions without a visa or with a visa on arrival for different nationalities and situations.

Gulf Countries

Citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates can enter without a visa for stays of up to six months per year.

Jordanians

Benefit from a visa exemption for stays of up to three months per six-month period.

Persons of Lebanese Origin

Traveling with a foreign passport but holding a Lebanese identity document (ID card, expired passport, or civil registry) may, in some cases, be exempt from a visa.

Visa on Arrival

A large number of nationalities can obtain a free visa on arrival at Beirut airport, valid for one month and extendable up to three months.

The conditions for a Visa on Arrival (VoA) are generally the same: return ticket, address in Lebanon, proof of financial means, and no mention related to Israel in the passport. For some countries, the VoA is conditional on presenting 2,000 USD in cash or a credit card, as well as a hotel reservation (3 to 5 stars).

For a long-term project in Lebanon, especially if you plan to work or stay for more than a month, it is strongly recommended to obtain an appropriate visa before entering: long-stay tourist, work visa, student visa, or family visa. Applications are made at the relevant Lebanese embassy or consulate, with processing times generally ranging from one to three weeks.

Main Visa Types

The Lebanese system distinguishes several categories based on the purpose of stay.

Notably:

– Tourist visa: for short stays, family visits, business trips without local remuneration, participation in unpaid events. It does not authorize work.

– Work visa (often categorized as D): essential for any salaried activity. It is tied to a Lebanese employer and leads to a residence permit.

– Student visa: to pursue studies at a recognized university or school.

– Family reunification visa: to join a Lebanese spouse or a parent who already holds a residence permit.

– Specific visas: for religious missions, journalists, NGO members, Arab businessmen, etc.

All these visas are based on a common set of documents: application form, passport, photos, proof of resources, reservations, sometimes police clearance certificate and medical certificate. Supporting documents must be in Arabic, French, or English, and foreign documents often need to be legalized and then translated.

Obtaining a Residence Permit: From a Few Months to Several Years

Entering Lebanon with a visa is not enough to live there long-term. For any stay of more than one month with the aim of work, study, family life, or retirement, a residence permit issued by the General Security (Directorate General of General Security) is required.

Temporary Stay: Annual Residence Permit

For the majority of expatriates, the key step is the one-year renewable residence permit.

The main scenarios are as follows:

– Work-based residence (employee or employer).

– Family residence (spouse of a Lebanese, dependent parent, child).

– Student residence.

– “Rentier” or investor residence (monthly income, blocked account, investment).

– Humanitarian residence (refugees, special cases).

In all cases, the procedure is done in two stages:

1. Legally enter Lebanon with an appropriate visa.
2. Submit a residence permit application to the regional offices of General Security with a complete file.

The basic documents generally include: contracts, invoices, financial reports, and tax returns.

Tip:

To compile a complete file, you must provide: a duly completed application form, your valid passport (with at least six to twelve months validity depending on the type of permit), and a copy of your entry visa. Also include recent biometric photos, a police clearance certificate, and a medical certificate. Proof of residence (rental contract or property deed) is required. Finally, do not forget the documents corresponding to the purpose of your stay, such as an employment contract, university enrollment certificate, marriage certificate, or proof of income.

Depending on the category, the duration of validity obtained ranges from one to three years, with the obligation to renew before expiry. Failure to meet deadlines may result in fines, denial of exit from the country, and sometimes a ban on return.

The Special Case of Residence by Income or Capital

For retirees, rentiers, or individuals wishing to live in Lebanon without working, a specific mechanism exists: residence based on regular income or a blocked account.

In this scheme, the applicant undertakes not to engage in professional activity in Lebanon and must formalize this with a notarized statement of non-activity. Two main variants coexist in recent regulations:

Type of Financial Proof	Indicative Minimum Requirement	Main Effect
Blocked account in a Lebanese bank	At least 1,000,000,000 LBP (or equivalent) blocked for ≥ 3 months (up to 4.5 billion LBP depending on category)	One to three-year permit, renewable
Recurring external monthly income	At least 50,000,000 LBP per month (or equivalent) transferred from abroad	One to three-year permit, renewable

Exact amounts vary according to the texts and mechanisms (annual residence, so-called “permanent” three-year residence, category reserved for Arabs, etc.), but the logic remains the same: demonstrate a stable and sufficiently high financial capacity to live without working.

Good to know:

This type of residence generally allows family reunification for the spouse and minor children. For adult sons, the situation is examined on a case-by-case basis.

So-Called “Permanent” Three-Year Residence

We often hear about “permanent residence” in Lebanon, even though in practice, the permit is valid for three years, renewable.

Three main profiles have access to it:

– Holders of a blocked account or significant monthly income, with a commitment not to work.

– Arab businessmen or investors with concrete projects in Lebanon.

– Foreign employees holding a three-year work permit.

Administrative fees are significant, running into tens of millions of Lebanese pounds for each three-year period. The application is submitted in person to General Security (in Beirut or a regional center), with security checks and verification of the source of funds.

This status facilitates many daily procedures: opening bank accounts, obtaining a Lebanese driver’s license, enrolling in certain social funds or schools, purchasing real estate, etc. However, it does not automatically lead to citizenship.

Working in Lebanon: Work Permit and Professional Residence

Any foreigner wishing to engage in salaried activity in Lebanon must necessarily obtain a work permit issued by the Ministry of Labor, in parallel with the residence permit.

A Process Driven by the Employer

Lebanon operates on a classic sponsorship model: without a local employer, no standard work permit.

The typical process is as follows:

Example:

To hire a foreign worker in Lebanon, the employer must first define the position, salary, and qualifications. They then prepare the company documents (commercial register, tax registration, social security registration) and those of the future employee (passport, CV, diplomas, police clearance, medical certificate). A “pre-approval” request must be filed with the Ministry of Labor to justify that no Lebanese candidate can fill the position. After approval, the employee applies for a work visa at the embassy. Once in Lebanon, they have ten days to finalize the work permit at the ministry, then apply for a residence permit at General Security. Finally, the employer registers them with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).

Cumulative processing times generally range between one and three months. Any delay or failure to renew may result in financial penalties for the employer and deportation of the foreign employee.

Duration, Renewal, and Change of Employer

The work permit is usually valid for one year, renewable annually, with a maximum of two years from the first issuance for certain categories. The renewal application must be filed at least one month before expiry.

Some key rules:

Warning:

The work permit is tied to a specific employer and position; a change of employment requires a new application. Working without a valid permit risks deportation for the employee and fines for the employer. Regulated professions require registration with a professional order. Certain foreign executives of holding companies may be exempt from the permit under certain conditions.

Work Permit and Family

A foreign worker holding a work permit and a residence permit can, in principle, sponsor their spouse and minor children for family residence permits. However:

– The spouse’s permit does not automatically confer the right to work: they will need to apply for their own work permit.

– Adult children are not systematically covered and their case is reviewed individually.

– Civil status documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates) must be legalized and translated.

Health Insurance and Healthcare System: A Critical Aspect

Health insurance is not just a comfort for a foresighted expatriate: it has become an administrative obligation and an absolute necessity in the current Lebanese context.

A Healthcare System Dominated by the Private Sector

Lebanon has a hybrid model, combining underfunded public hospitals and a highly developed private sector:

– Over 80% of hospital beds are in private clinics.

– About 90% of healthcare providers operate in the private sector.

– Beirut concentrates the most modern facilities, with staff fluent in English and French, and an excellent regional reputation in surgery, cardiology, or cosmetic care.

In theory, the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) covers formal employees and their dependents, reimbursing consultations, medications, and hospitalizations. In practice, with the devaluation of the Lebanese pound, the NSSF now covers only about 10% of the real cost of care, leaving 90% to be paid by the patient.

80

Percentage of total health expenditure directly paid by Lebanese households from 2022 onwards, according to some studies.

Mandatory Health Insurance for Foreigners

In this crisis context, the authorities require foreign residents to have valid medical coverage to obtain or renew a residence permit. Specifically:

– Expatriates are generally not covered by the NSSF.

– Employers often arrange private insurance for their foreign employees as part of the work visa process.

– For long-term residences (beyond two months), authorities accept policies from local insurers as well as international health insurance.

Premiums for comprehensive international coverage typically range between 80 and 150 USD per month for a healthy adult. It is highly advisable to check:

Good to know:

Coverage for care in private clinics and reimbursement for imported medications are important guarantees to verify. It is also crucial to inquire about coverage in case of medical evacuation or repatriation. Beware of common exclusions, such as war or terrorism risks, which often require a specific policy in Lebanon. Finally, waiting periods applicable to pre-existing conditions should be carefully examined.

International providers like Allianz Care, Cigna Global, Now Health, or APRIL International offer plans that include Lebanon in their coverage area.

Public Centers, NGOs, and Supplementary Solutions

For residents with modest incomes, the Ministry of Public Health has developed a network of primary healthcare centers, with nearly 245 centers recorded in 2021, offering consultations at reduced rates, vaccines, and medications for chronic diseases.

NGOs such as the Lebanese Red Cross or Caritas Lebanon also play a major role, particularly with the elderly or vulnerable, providing thousands of free consultations and distributing tens of thousands of boxes of medication.

For an expatriate, these structures can be a useful supplement, but they do not replace solid health insurance, which is essential for timely access to the private sector, especially in case of a serious emergency.

Driver’s License, Car Rental, and License Conversion

Driving in Lebanon can be confusing at first, with heavy traffic in Beirut, relaxed driving rules, and sometimes approximate signage. But from an administrative standpoint, the framework is fairly structured.

Driving with a Foreign License

Tourists can, in principle, drive with their national license for a period generally corresponding to the tourist stay (often up to three months). Beyond that, the logic is as follows:

– If the license is in Latin script, Arabic, French, or English, it is generally accepted for short stays.

– If not, it is mandatory to also have an International Driving Permit (IDP), which is simply an official translation of the national license.

Good to know:

Holders of licenses issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, as well as certain nationalities (such as Jordanians), can exchange their license for a Lebanese one. This exchange can sometimes be done without an exam, for a fee of around 40 USD.

Nationals of Gulf countries can drive in Lebanon with their local license as if it were a Lebanese license, under specific agreements.

Obtaining a Lebanese Driver’s License

For long-term residents, obtaining a Lebanese driver’s license is recommended, and becomes mandatory beyond a certain length of stay (practically one year for non-residents holding an IDP).

The Lebanese system distinguishes several categories:

– Category 1: Light vehicles, cars, small utility vehicles, quads, tractors.

– Category 6: Motorcycles.

– Categories 2 to 5: Trucks, buses, and professional vehicles.

The main steps are:

Example:

Obtaining a driver’s license in France follows a structured process. It starts with enrollment in a driving school, followed by 45 hours of mandatory theoretical classes. The student then takes a computerized theory test of 30 questions, requiring at least 24 correct answers to pass. The practical phase includes between 10 and 15 hours of driving (or more depending on the student’s level), before a practical exam. This exam assesses vehicle control, parking, traffic law compliance, observation, and use of turn signals and mirrors. After passing, a provisional license is issued first, then replaced by the definitive driving license card.

The entire process usually takes four to six weeks. For foreigners, additional documents are required: passport, residence permit, proof of address, medical certificate, and ID photos.

Car Rental

To rent a vehicle, rental companies generally require:

– A valid driver’s license held for at least one year (and an IDP if needed).

– A valid passport.

– A credit card for the deposit.

– Sometimes a minimum age (often 21) and maximum age (often 75), with surcharges for younger or older drivers.

Some companies require an IDP even when the law does not, for clarity of the license and insurance coverage.

Opening a Bank Account: Between Dollarization and Constraints

Since the financial crisis of 2019, the Lebanese banking system has been deeply weakened. Yet, opening an account remains a nearly unavoidable step for living in Lebanon: salary, rent, bills, currency management.

Accounts in Pounds, Dollars, and Multi-Currency

Lebanese banks generally allow foreigners, residents or non-residents, to open accounts:

– In Lebanese pounds (LBP).

– In foreign currencies (primarily USD, EUR).

– Multi-currency accounts, sometimes with sub-accounts in GBP or other currencies.

In practice, a massive share of daily transactions is now done in US dollars in cash, a direct consequence of the dollarization of the economy. Foreign currency accounts, even accounts abroad or international payment services, thus become an important tool for expatriates paid in hard currency.

Procedures and Required Documents

Opening an account follows strict Know Your Customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering rules. Banks generally require:

Good to know:

To open a bank account, you need to provide: a valid passport or ID card; proof of local address (electricity bill, rental contract, or certificate from the mukhtar); proof of income or professional status (employment contract, employer’s letter, pension, or university enrollment). Sometimes, a letter explaining the purpose of the account, as well as a bank reference letter or a stamped bank statement from the last six months, may also be requested.

Physical presence at a branch is often required, although some banks accept remote openings via power of attorney or intermediaries, subject to more flexible internal policies. Processing times range from a few days to two weeks for a personal account.

Good to know:

Some banks, such as First National Bank or the Lebanese subsidiary of the National Bank of Kuwait, require a minimum deposit (e.g., 1,500 USD) and maintaining average balances to avoid fees. Online banking services remain limited in Lebanon, despite gradual development of digital services.

Offshore Accounts and International Services

In a context of monetary volatility and local banking restrictions, many expatriates combine:

– A local account for on-the-ground expenses.

– Foreign or offshore accounts to protect savings, receive income, and have international cards.

Services like Wise are often highlighted by expatriates, as they allow:

– Holding over 40 currencies.

– Receiving salaries or pensions via local bank details in several currencies (EUR, GBP, AUD…).

– Converting and sending money to 140 countries with limited fees and transparent exchange rates.

– Using an international debit card without hidden margins on the exchange rate.

For those earning a salary in foreign currency, this significantly simplifies daily life in a country where cash payments in USD dominate.

Finding Housing: Contracts, Deposits, and Rental Market Practices

Access to housing is a central part of settling in Lebanon. The rental market has transformed since the crisis: rents expressed in dollars have fallen in absolute value, making many properties accessible to expatriates paid in foreign currency, but the practice remains highly informal and largely “cash” based.

Legal Framework for Leases

The standard rental contract is for a duration of one year, but Lebanese law provides special protection:

– The contract is initially concluded for one year, but the law protects the tenant for three years.

– During these three years, if the tenant fulfills their obligations, the landlord cannot increase the rent or evict them.

– At the end of the three years, the lease can be renegotiated and the rent adjusted. A new contract is then signed.

– The tenant can leave the property after one year, with reasonable notice, even though the protection lasts three years.

Good to know:

A significant stock of housing, under contracts signed before 1992, is still subject to the old regime of rent control, paid in Lebanese pounds at very low amounts. A 2014 law, amended in 2017, provides for a gradual phase-out of this system by 2026, but implementation is slow, creating uncertainty for many tenants.

Market Practices and Informality

In practice, especially for expatriates:

– Most landlords require rent payment in US dollars, even though the law in principle mandates acceptance of payments in pounds.

– Contracts are frequently informal: simple written agreements, sometimes unregistered, or even just exchanges of messages.

– The security deposit is typically two to three months’ rent, paid in cash.

– It is common for the tenant to be asked to pay six months or even a year’s rent in advance, especially in sought-after areas.

– Agency fees generally correspond to one month’s rent, payable by the tenant or shared with the landlord.

20 to 30

Premium applied to rents of furnished apartments compared to unfurnished ones in expatriate neighborhoods in Lebanon.

Some Rental Benchmarks

Figures vary by year, property quality, and neighborhood, but the following estimates are useful for an expatriate earning in foreign currency:

Type of Housing (Indicative)	Area	Monthly Rent Range (USD)
Studio / 1-bedroom furnished	Downtown Beirut	600 – 900
1-bedroom unfurnished	Beirut suburbs	350 – 600
2–3 bedrooms in old building without parking	“Less upscale” Beirut neighborhoods	~800
1-bedroom furnished	Jounieh / Byblos	400 – 600
Simple 1-bedroom in less popular Beirut area	Various	350 – 450
Large apartment (3 bedrooms)	Upscale neighborhoods / sea view	> 1,000, depending on standard

Note: Before the crisis, some apartments in Beirut rented for over 2,000 USD per month. Many are now around 600–900 USD, which explains why Lebanon has become very attractive for foreigners paid in foreign currency, even though the cost of living can remain high for the local population.

Utilities, Services, and Hidden Costs

Utilities are generally not included in the rent and consist of several items:

Good to know:

Public electricity (EDL) is billed monthly but subject to frequent outages, making a subscription to a private generator (flat fee per ampere, e.g., ~60 USD/month for 5A) almost indispensable. Water involves an annual fee and, in summer, additional paid water tanker deliveries (~70 USD/month). Building maintenance fees (common areas) are added. A municipal tax of about 5.5% of the annual rent may be due if the lease is registered. Internet, telephone, and TV are the tenant’s responsibility. Home insurance is strongly recommended.

Before signing, it is crucial to:

– Test water pressure and hot water availability.

– Check the property’s connection to a reliable generator and the subscription terms (operating hours, power).

– Check the speed and stability of the internet connection in the neighborhood.

– Clarify, in writing, who is responsible for repairs to the elevator, boiler, or air conditioning.

Taxation: When Do You Become a Taxpayer in Lebanon?

Living in Lebanon long-term eventually raises the issue of local taxation. The country applies a territorial taxation system, but the concept of tax residence plays a fundamental role.

Tax Residence and Scope of Taxation

An individual is considered a tax resident in Lebanon if:

– They spend more than 183 days in Lebanon over a twelve-month period, or

– They have a permanent home or habitual residence in Lebanon, or

– They have a permanent establishment or professional office in the country.

Tax residents are, in principle, taxed on their Lebanese-source income and, according to some interpretations, on certain worldwide income, particularly regarding declared and repatriated investment income. Non-residents are only taxed on their Lebanese-source income.

Personal Income Tax

Income tax is progressive, with several brackets that have been modified by recent budget laws. There is a scale ranging from about 2% to 25%, with brackets denominated in Lebanese pounds. The schedule includes:

– A personal allowance (about 6 million LBP).

– Deductions for certain expenses (retirement contributions, end-of-service indemnities, family events…).

Good to know:

Pension income is generally taxed at a specific rate, which is half of the standard tax scale applicable to other income.

Professional income (self-employed, traders, liberal professions) is subject to similar scales, while investment income (dividends, interest, certain capital gains) is subject to withholding tax, around 7% to 10% depending on the type of asset (interest, dividends, capital gains on shares of local companies, etc.).

Taxation of Non-Residents

A non-resident expatriate who invoices services or sells goods in Lebanon is subject to withholding tax on their Lebanese-source income. The rate, recently revised, is around:

– 3.4% for sales of goods.

– 8.5% for services.

Good to know:

The withholding tax is paid quarterly by the Lebanese payer, and must be made in the same currency as the initial payment to the non-resident beneficiary.

Other Taxes to Know

For a settled expatriate, the most common taxes are:

– VAT at 11%: on most goods and services, with mandatory registration once turnover exceeds 500 million LBP over four rolling quarters for an economic activity.

– Tax on built property: on rental income, with a progressive scale between 4% and 14%.

– Registration fees: around 6% of the property value upon purchase.

– Stamp duty: 0.4% on contracts and capital increases, and fixed duties on administrative documents.

The absence of a tax treaty with certain countries (such as the United States) can lead to situations of double taxation, which should be anticipated with a tax advisor, especially for self-employed individuals or retirees.

Starting a Project: Creating a Company or Investing

For those who wish not only to live but also to undertake in Lebanon, the legal framework offers a range of corporate forms suitable for foreigners, with relatively open investment rights.

Legal Forms Suitable for Foreigners

The structures most used by international investors are:

– Limited Liability Company (SARL / LLC).

– Lebanese Anonymous Company (S.A.L.).

– Holding Company.

– Offshore Company.

– Branch or Representative Office of a Foreign Company.

The SARL is often preferred for SMEs: minimum capital of about 5,000,000 LBP, 1 to 20 partners, limited liability. However, it cannot engage in certain financial, banking, or insurance activities.

Good to know:

The Lebanese Anonymous Company (S.A.L.) is suitable for large projects. It requires a minimum capital of about 30 million LBP, at least three shareholders, and a board of directors of 3 to 12 members (two-thirds of whom must be Lebanese nationals). The company must also appoint an auditor. Shareholders’ financial liability is limited to their contributions.

Offshore and holding companies benefit from favorable tax regimes, with a modest annual flat tax, exemption from profit and dividend tax, and the possibility for the foreign president to work without a permit in some cases. However, they are strictly limited in their scope of activity within Lebanese territory (no local trade).

Registration Procedure

Any company, whether owned by Lebanese or foreigners, must be registered in the Commercial Register within two months of starting activity or acquiring a registered office. The main steps include:

Example:

Creating a company in Lebanon, such as an S.A.L., involves several key steps: reserving the trade name at the Commercial Register (Ministry of Justice), usually processed within 24 hours; drafting and notarizing the articles of association; depositing the capital into a blocked account (for S.A.L., at least one-quarter of the capital must be paid up at incorporation); legalizing foreign documents (articles, extracts from registers, assembly decisions) by the authorities of the country of origin and by the Lebanese embassy or consulate; registering with the Commercial Register and publishing in the Official Gazette; and finally, obtaining a tax number, registering for VAT if necessary, and registering with the Social Security Fund.

A Lebanese lawyer must formally accompany each company, as the law requires the presence of legal counsel. The usual timeframe is 10 to 15 days from the moment all documents are in order, with variations depending on the legal form.

For an expatriate wishing to combine residence and investment, the investor status, supported by company creation and the employment of Lebanese staff, can be a lever for obtaining a multi-year residence permit.

Preparing Your Move: Coordinating Steps and Budget

Beyond the rules, living in Lebanon requires assembling several pieces of the administrative puzzle in parallel: visa, residence, work, housing, health, bank. Their chronological order is crucial.

A typical settlement scenario for a salaried expatriate might look like this:

1. Before departure
Job offer, pre-approval from the Ministry of Labor, work visa application, subscription to international health insurance, collection and legalization of documents (diplomas, police clearance, civil status documents).

2. Upon arrival
Temporary accommodation (hotel, Airbnb), getting a mobile line, scouting neighborhoods, apartment visits, opening a local bank account (if possible), signing a lease, possible school enrollment for children.

3. Within the first few weeks
Finalizing the work permit, submitting the residence permit application, registering with the NSSF if the employer is required, activating subscriptions (electricity, generator, internet).

4. In the medium term
Obtaining a Lebanese driver’s license (or converting the license), banking optimization (multi-currency accounts, tools like Wise), structuring long-term health coverage.

For a retiree or rentier, the order changes slightly: priority on the visa and proof of income or blocked account, then housing search, insurance, and possibly structuring banking and asset arrangements.

Conclusion: Demanding Bureaucracy, Yet a Livable Daily Life

The administrative procedures for living in Lebanon may seem dense: overlapping visas, work permits and residence permits, mandatory health insurance, banking peculiarities, informality in real estate, sometimes unclear taxation. But the framework, though complex, becomes relatively clear once the main principles are understood:

Good to know:

To live in Lebanon, a work permit and a formal residence permit are mandatory, as is health insurance to obtain long-term residency. The economy is heavily dollarized: it is essential to think in both foreign currencies and Lebanese pounds. The rental market is very flexible, based on negotiation and often cash-based. Finally, despite the weaknesses of the financial system, foreigners have access to a range of banking and investment solutions.

For those with an income in foreign currency who are willing to deal with this bureaucracy, the country offers in return a relatively affordable cost of living for expatriates, a vibrant cultural scene, diverse landscapes, and a social life renowned for its warmth. The administrative procedures are the gateway – sometimes narrow – to this life experience.