Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Moving to Togo means choosing a small West African country with real economic potential, a warm culture, and the sea within easy reach. But it also means accepting a sometimes challenging environment: incomplete infrastructure, a fragile healthcare system, a very humid climate, security risks in the north, and administrative slowness. This guide provides, in a practical way, the key elements to know to prepare for a move to Togo, both in terms of administrative procedures and daily life.
Understanding the country before you leave
Before considering expatriation, it’s essential to clearly understand Togo, its economy and political context, as well as the culture shock awaiting most newcomers.
The country is a thin strip of land of about 57,000 km², wedged between Ghana, Benin, and Burkina Faso, with a coastline of a few dozen kilometers on the Gulf of Guinea. The population is around 8 to 9 million inhabitants, with a high concentration in Lomé, the capital, whose urban area far exceeds one million people.
Agriculture represents about 40% of Togo’s GDP.
Politically, the country officially functions as a multiparty democracy, but remains marked by a strong continuity of power at the top, a weakened opposition, and growing resentment among part of the population. These tensions remain to be monitored, especially as recent constitutional revisions and electoral uncertainty maintain a sometimes tense political climate.
A contrasting security environment
For an expatriate, security must be assessed on two levels. Overall, Togo is often perceived as calmer than some Sahelian neighbors, but:
The Savanes region, in the north, is under a state of emergency due to the terrorist threat. The Gulf of Guinea experiences acts of piracy, although Togolese waters are monitored. In Lomé, street crime (theft, assaults) is present, especially on beaches and near markets.
However, most expatriates live without serious incidents by adopting basic safety rules: limited movement at night, careful with valuables, vigilance in taxis and on the beach, and avoiding areas in the north of the country that are not recommended.
Culture shock and adaptation phases
As everywhere, expatriation to Togo often follows four major psychological phases:
Cultural adaptation in Togo often follows a four-phase journey. The initial “honeymoon” phase is marked by enthusiasm for the culture, human warmth, life near the ocean, lively markets, and discovering local cuisine (fufu, spicy sauces, tropical fruits). Next comes the negotiation phase, where difficulties such as the language barrier (necessity of French, rarity of English), power outages, administrative slowness, permanent humidity, and chaotic traffic generate weariness and the emergence of stereotypes. The adjustment phase, after 6 to 12 months, sees the acquisition of social codes, better mastery of French or local languages, building a network, and learning practical procedures (shopping, rent, healthcare). Finally, the acceptance phase turns Togo into “home” without erasing the country of origin, leading to juggling between two worlds with a form of permanent nostalgia, sometimes referred to as “saudade”.
Research on expatriate adaptation highlights several good practices: actively researching before leaving (history, customs, laws, healthcare and education systems), learning at least the basics of French, connecting with expatriate communities (InterNations, Expat.com, local networks), but also with Togolese people through clubs, associations, sports, or volunteering.
Entry procedures, visas, and stay
One of the common mistakes of newcomers to Togo is to assume that a visa can be obtained on arrival. This is no longer the case: the country has switched to a mandatory e-visa system to be requested before departure.
Types of visas and e‑visa
Several categories exist: tourist visa, business visa, student visa, work visa. For most salaried expatriates, coming with a business or work visa is the logical route, knowing that the work permit is in principle handled by the employer once on site.
The e‑visa is applied for online and requires:
– A passport valid for at least six months after the intended end of stay.
– A recent passport photo on a light background.
– Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation, invitation letter, lease).
– A return or onward travel ticket.
– Proof of financial means.
Visa fees depend on duration and number of entries. For example: 25,000 XOF for a single-entry tourist visa (15 days), about 45,000 XOF for a multi-entry (30 days), and up to 65,000 XOF for a multi-entry (90 days). Processing times are generally 2 to 5 business days but can sometimes take up to a week. Private paid services offer expedited (“rush”) processing for an additional fee.
Citizens of ECOWAS (Ghana, Benin, Senegal, Nigeria, etc.) can enter without a visa for short stays with just an ID card or passport, but must still fill out a travel declaration form within 72 hours before departure. Some holders of diplomatic or service passports (China, Russia, South Africa) also benefit from exemptions.
Residence and work permit
Once on site, long stays require a residence permit. Generally, two types are distinguished:
To reside legally in Togo, two main permits exist. The temporary residence permit, valid from 6 months to 2 years, requires a valid visa, a passport, a local address, and, for employees, an employment contract or employer certificate. The permanent residence permit is reserved for those who have been legal residents for several years and can prove stable income.
The procedures are carried out with the competent services of the Ministry of the Interior (directorate in charge of national documentation). It is highly recommended to start the renewal application at least one month before the expiration of the visa or permit. Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or even expulsion.
Health entry requirements
In terms of health, one condition is non-negotiable: vaccination against yellow fever, with a valid international certificate (“yellow card”), administered at least ten days before travel. Without this document, entry to the territory may be refused.
Other vaccines are strongly recommended: DTP, polio, MMR, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, meningitis (Togo is in the African meningitis “belt”), and even rabies for rural or extended stays. Anti-malarial prophylaxis is also recommended, as malaria is endemic.
Daily life in Lomé: housing, budget, transportation
Most expatriates settle in Lomé, by the sea, sometimes in Kara in the north for specific assignments. The cost of living there remains significantly lower than in many African capitals, but it varies enormously depending on housing standard, lifestyle, and consumption of “international” services (private healthcare, foreign schools, co-working, expatriate-style leisure).
Cost of living: ballpark figures
Various studies give fairly wide ranges, but they converge. For a single expatriate in Lomé:
– Monthly budget (rent included): between 700 and 1,200 USD depending on the neighborhood and lifestyle.
– For a couple or small family: between 1,600 and 2,000 USD monthly, with the main variance coming from housing, schooling, and adequate health insurance.
Average data cited by several sources also indicate:
– Monthly cost of living for a local: around 470 to 500 USD.
– Cost for a digital nomad: from 1,100 to 1,270 USD.
– The city ranks low on the global scale in terms of expensiveness, around 6500th place out of more than 9,000 cities evaluated.
An overview of recommended monthly budgets for different expense categories, expressed in dollars.
Average monthly budget for rent or mortgage, often including basic utilities.
Planned expenses for groceries and meals, whether at home or eating out.
Costs associated with travel: fuel, vehicle maintenance, public transport or subscriptions.
Budget allocated for relaxation activities, restaurants, cinema, cultural subscriptions, and entertainment.
Part of monthly income systematically set aside for future projects or financial security.
Expenses for medical care, medications, and various insurance premiums.
| Profile | Low range (USD) | High range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Local resident | 469 | 506 |
| Single expatriate | 711 | 1,060 |
| Digital nomad | 1,117 | 1,274 |
| Family (4 people) | 1,641 | 2,017 |
These amounts usually include rent. They remain indicative: an expatriate requiring a high-end apartment, permanent air conditioning, frequent outings, and an international school for children will spend much more.
Lomé housing market
Housing is the expense that varies the budget the most. In Lomé, several options exist: renting an unfurnished or furnished apartment, villas with a garden and sometimes a pool, secure compounds, long-stay hotels, or Airbnb.
Market data gives the following ballpark figures:
| Type of housing | Location | Average monthly rent (USD) | Low range (USD) | High range (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment downtown | Lomé center | 260 – 360 | 40 – 123 | 484 – 525 |
| 1-bedroom apartment outside center | Suburbs | 100 – 225 | 32 | 324 |
| 3-bedroom apartment downtown | Lomé center | 455 – 760 | 161 – 374 | 968 – 1,070 |
| 3-bedroom apartment outside center | Suburbs | 300 – 327 | 194 – 212 | 442 – 484 |
| Airbnb (month) | Various neighborhoods | 1,224 – 1,595 | — | — |
| Hotel (month, median rate) | Lomé | 599 – 646 | — | — |
| Purchase price per m² (center) | Lomé center | 1,170 – 1,260 | 726 – 780 | 1,613 – 1,734 |
| Purchase price per m² (outside center) | Suburbs | 427 – 459 | 48 – 52 | 806 – 866 |
In practice, many expatriates target neighborhoods like Adidogomé, Agoè, Djidjolé, Baguida, Avedji, or areas near embassies or the beach, where you can find:
– Furnished villas with 3 to 4 bedrooms, garden, sometimes a pool, around 500,000 to 1,000,000 XOF per month.
– Furnished 2 or 3 bedroom apartments between 230,000 and 450,000 XOF.
– Studios or small units starting from about 115,000 XOF.
Platforms like Airbnb, Flatio, or African Land allow filtering by neighborhood, budget, and amenities, while many properties are offered through local agencies, Facebook groups, or word of mouth.
Hunting for housing advice
Utilities, internet, and phone
On top of rent come utilities, often not included:
– Electricity, water, trash for an 85 m² apartment: around 70,000 to 125,000 XOF per month, i.e., 100 to 175 USD on average.
– Unlimited fixed internet (50–60 Mbps advertised): between 15,000 and 30,000 XOF, i.e., 45 to 65 USD per month.
– Mobile plan including calls and at least 10 GB of data: about 12,500 XOF (20 to 22 USD).
In reality, actual speeds are often low (2 to 4 Mbps measured) and power outages are frequent. An inverter or a small generator are common investments among expatriates who work remotely.
Eating in Lomé
Eating in Togo can cost very little if you consume local, or approach Western prices as soon as you favor “international” restaurants and imported products.
Some benchmarks in the city:
| Product / Service | Average price in XOF | Average price in USD (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Simple meal at a local restaurant | 1,200 XOF | 2 – 2.5 |
| Meal for 2 at a mid-range restaurant | 18,000 XOF | 29 – 31 |
| Fast-food type combo meal | 3,000 XOF | 5 – 6 |
| Local draft beer (0.5 L) | 500 – 1,000 XOF | 0.8 – 1.6 |
| Cappuccino | ≈ 3,300 XOF | 3.5 – 5.5 |
| Bottle of water 1.5 L (grocery) | ≈ 500 XOF | 0.8 – 0.9 |
At the market:
| Product (1 kg unless specified) | Average price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Rice | 1.5 – 1.8 |
| Bread (500 g) | 0.9 – 1.3 |
| Eggs (12) | 1.7 – 2 |
| Chicken | 6.5 – 8.6 |
| Beef | 6 – 9 |
| Apples | 2.6 – 2.7 |
| Bananas | 1.4 – 2 |
| Oranges | ≈ 2.6 – 3 |
| Milk (1 L) | 2 – 2.4 |
| Local beer (bottle 0.5 L) | 1 – 1.4 |
| Mid-range bottle of wine | ≈ 4.5 |
Tap water is not drinkable: budget for bottled water or a filtration system is needed. Food hygiene issues (storage conditions, cold chain) are a point of attention, especially in the hot season.
Getting around: taxis, moto-taxis, and personal car
In Lomé, organized and punctual public transport doesn’t really exist. Mobility relies mainly on:
– Shared taxis (cars, sometimes aging) that follow more or less fixed routes. A simple trip costs around 200 XOF (0.3–0.5 USD), but you must clarify the price before getting in.
– Moto-taxis, ubiquitous, often fast but risky, especially without a helmet and at night.
– A personal or company car, recommended for expatriates who need to travel often, especially outside Lomé.
Some useful figures:
| Element | Average price |
|---|---|
| Local transport ticket | 200 XOF (≈ 0.3–0.6 USD) |
| Monthly pass (rare) | 30,000 XOF (≈ 48–52 USD) |
| Gasoline (1 L) | ≈ 1.05 – 1.20 USD |
| New Toyota Corolla | ≈ 23,600 – 25,900 USD |
| New VW Golf | ≈ 12,900 – 13,900 USD |
The main roads around Lomé and on the north-south axis are paved, but driving is sporty: risky overtaking, sometimes ignored traffic lights, presence of pedestrians and animals on the road. At night, intercity travel should be avoided due to risks of banditry, poorly lit vehicles, and degraded roadways.
Police checkpoints are frequent. You’ll manage better by staying calm, turning on the interior light, and spontaneously presenting ID, driver’s license, and vehicle documents.
Working, entrepreneurship, and managing your money
Lomé is both a logistics hub for the entire region and a relatively small market. Opportunities for expatriates exist mainly in structured sectors (banking, telecoms, energy, logistics, NGOs, international cooperation) and in entrepreneurial niches.
Business climate and key sectors
International financial institutions highlight that Togo is among Africa’s best reformers for ease of starting a business. The government’s roadmap 2021‑2025 focuses on three areas: transforming the economy, developing infrastructure, and making the country a financial, logistics, and tourism hub.
Prominent sectors:
– Agriculture and agro-industry: cotton, cocoa, coffee, cashew, palm oil, food processing, inputs (fertilizers, bio-inputs).
– Mining: phosphate (4th largest global reserve), cement, construction materials.
– Logistics and port services: Lomé’s deep-water port is a major strategic advantage.
– Energy and environment: mini solar grids, production modernization, low-carbon cement (a major group like Heidelberg is investing heavily here).
– Tourism and hospitality: beach, ecotourism, coffee/cocoa tours, lakes and lagoons, although the sector remains underdeveloped.
– Technology: a small but growing startup ecosystem (agritech, digital services, digital health, solar…).
Number of years of corporate tax exemption for approved companies in the industrial free zone.
Small business and freelancing ideas
For independent expatriates, the Togolese market may seem limited, but it’s possible to combine local and international clientele. Among viable activities:
– Services for the expat community (coaching, relocation consulting, property management, translation).
– Online services for foreign clients: web and software development, video editing, digital marketing, writing, SEO, virtual assistance.
– Small-scale retail and food: food truck, “fusion” snack (local-international), niche imported products shop.
– High-value-added services for local businesses: training, compliance, digital communication, process optimization.
Lists of profitable ideas compiled from international experiences notably mention hair salons, travel agencies, mobile photography, dropshipping, freelance platforms, loyalty apps, or small repair workshops.
Banking system and financial management
To live in Togo, it is highly recommended to open a local bank account, if only to receive a local salary, pay rent, settle with suppliers. Foreigners are allowed to do so, provided they present:
The initial deposit required to open a bank account can be up to 100,000 XOF, depending on the bank and client status.
Key players include: Ecobank Togo, Union Togolaise de Banque, Coris Bank International Togo, Banque Atlantique, IB Bank, but also pan-African networks like Bank of Africa. Current accounts, savings accounts, interest-bearing “hybrid” accounts, as well as products for youth or associations are offered.
Some practical points:
– ATMs are mainly concentrated in Lomé and a few large cities, with a predominance of Visa cards, though Mastercard is progressing.
– Society remains very cash-based, especially outside hotels, supermarkets, and major stores. Always having cash on hand is essential.
– The CFA franc (XOF) is pegged to the euro, with an indicative rate of about 1,000 XOF for 1.65 to 1.78 USD depending on sources and timing.
– International transfers can be done via SWIFT, but services like Wise are often less costly and faster.
For foreign entrepreneurs, the requirements for opening a company account are heavier (articles of association, commercial register, Tax ID, list of authorized signatories, minimum capital, etc.) and may justify the assistance of a specialized firm or consultancy service.
Healthcare and medical coverage
The Togolese healthcare system remains one of the most sensitive points for an expatriate. Relying solely on the local public offering would be imprudent for anyone used to European or North American standards.
Organization of the healthcare system
The sector combines:
– Public structures: university hospitals (like CHU Sylvanus Olympio in Lomé), regional hospitals, district hospitals, health centers, and dispensaries.
– A private sector: clinics and polyclinics often better equipped, with shorter wait times, but more expensive.
– Faith-based or NGO structures, especially in rural areas.
In total, there are more than 200 medical facilities, but the density of beds (about 7 beds per 10,000 inhabitants) and healthcare workers (3 health professionals per 10,000 inhabitants) remains very insufficient. Gaps between city and countryside are considerable: Lomé concentrates the majority of specialists and advanced services.
For expatriates in Abidjan, several private clinics are references for general medicine, maternity, basic surgery, and tests. These include the Clinique Biasa, Clinique du Golfe, Polyclinique Saint Joseph, CNSS Hospital, and Polyclinique de l’Atlantique.
Health coverage: local and international insurance
Only a small minority of the population is covered by health insurance. Public schemes (CNSS for formal sector employees, INAM, and now a universal coverage scheme being rolled out) do not automatically include expatriates, unless they are locally employed.
Healthcare expenses are, for more than half the population, paid directly out of pocket. For an expatriate, the logic is different: it is highly recommended to subscribe, before departure, to an international health insurance or, failing that, a good local mutual insurance supplemented by an evacuation contract.
International contracts (MSH, AXA Global, April International, GeoBlue, etc., via specialized brokers) can cover:
– Consultations and hospitalizations in the private sector.
– Surgical procedures.
– Medications.
– Maternity (under conditions).
– Medical evacuation to a better-equipped country (Ghana, Europe, etc.).
Cost in dollars for heart surgery in North America, compared to over 100,000 USD in the United States.
Main health risks
Togo combines classic tropical risks with those of a resource-limited country:
– Endemic malaria: prophylaxis, mosquito nets, repellents (DEET), covering clothing in the evening are essential.
– Enteric diseases: typhoid, cholera, infectious diarrhea, linked to contaminated water or food. Avoid tap water that is not boiled or filtered, ice cubes, certain raw foods.
– Arboviruses: dengue, chikungunya.
– Yellow fever: mandatory vaccine but viral circulation exists.
– Respiratory infections and tuberculosis (very high incidence, many undiagnosed cases).
– HIV/AIDS affecting about 3% of adults.
– Rabies, meningitis, various parasitic diseases (onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis…).
The hot and humid climate, with feels-like temperatures that can reach 40°C and a humidity level often above 80%, is tiring. Hydration, sun protection (UVI often very high), and air conditioning (when available) are things to watch.
Schooling your children
For families, the question of education is decisive. The Togolese public system is inspired by the French model, but resources are limited.
Local education
Primary schooling is officially free and compulsory since the elimination of fees in 2008 with UNICEF support. The gross primary enrollment rate is around 90%, but access to secondary school collapses (rate of 23% in the early 2000s, and only a small fraction of adolescents effectively enrolled).
The obstacles are multiple: real cost (additional fees, supplies), sometimes insufficient quality, geographic inequalities, child labor, early marriage for girls. Barely 4% of youth of secondary school age were enrolled according to some recent estimates.
For an expatriate, except in special cases, public school is generally not the preferred option. It may, however, suit for a voluntary French immersion at low cost.
International schools in Lomé
Lomé hosts several international establishments, which allow for educational continuity close to Anglo-Saxon or French systems, often with IB (International Baccalaureate) curricula. The main ones:
Presentation of the main international schools in the Togolese capital, offering American, British, bilingual, and French curricula.
Non-profit private school founded in 1967. American program from nursery (age 2) to high school. Accredited by MSA. About 70 students.
Cambridge curriculum (IGCSE) then International Baccalaureate (ages 16-19). Over 270 students and 40 nationalities. Boarding possible. Strong academic results for access to foreign universities.
Bilingual French/English school from nursery to high school. International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Boarding available. Annual fees: ~1.725M to 4M+ XOF.
AEFE network. Follows strict official French programs, from nursery to baccalaureate. Many extracurricular activities in French and English.
Alongside these major players, bilingual schools like Sares International Bilingual School offer curricula up to 8th grade, with an emphasis on extracurricular activities (sports, arts, dance, etc.).
Tuition fees at these institutions represent a major budget item for an expatriate family. It is prudent to negotiate, when possible, full or partial coverage by the employer in the expatriation package.
Social integration, culture, and networks
One of Togo’s strengths is the warmth of its people. Greetings are essential: not saying hello is perceived as very impolite, and certain traditional politeness rules (avoiding the left hand for giving or eating, respect for elders) remain important.
Language and communication
French is the official and working language. In the south, Ewe and Mina are omnipresent in daily life, while the north uses more Kabiye or Dagomba. Operational mastery of French is practically indispensable for procedures, negotiations, and social life. English is rarely spoken (estimates around 1% of speakers).
Communication codes are marked by: clarity, conciseness, context, culture, and conventions.
Professional communication in Japan is characterized by a mix of frankness and avoidance of direct confrontation, especially towards superiors. Great importance is placed on non-verbal communication, including gestures, facial expressions, and tone of voice. For serious business, face-to-face is preferred; emails and phone calls are considered useful but rarely sufficient without prior physical meetings.
Social life and expatriate networks
Expatriate networks can greatly facilitate settling in and access to good contacts (doctors, housing, schools, reliable artisans). Among useful resources:
– InterNations Togo (Lomé community): offers meetings, events (themed dinners, beach outings, etc.), forums for exchange on visas, health, housing.
– Expat.com: expatriate profiles, Q&A forums, classifieds.
– Wooh App: app designed to create real-life encounters in Lomé, based on interests more than appearance, with the goal of meeting one new person per week.
– Paguro, Expatriate Connection, various expat blogs: testimonials, practical advice, emotional support.
Togo has implemented several initiatives to strengthen ties with its citizens abroad, including a Maison de la Diaspora, a High Council for Togolese Abroad, a dedicated service desk, as well as incubator projects and specific investment funds. These initiatives may be of particular interest to binary or binational persons.
Integration and value differences
Studies on expatriate integration distinguish several levels: economic (employment, income), social (local network), cultural (understanding of codes), and emotional (deep attachment to the host country). Togo, with its tradition of hospitality, often facilitates the first levels, but some aspects can be delicate:
– Place of religion and traditional beliefs.
– Relationship with time and punctuality.
– Role of hierarchies and elders.
– Gender and sexuality norms (homosexuality criminalized, complex situation for women).
LGBTQ+ individuals face a hostile legal and social framework, which makes expatriation complicated and potentially dangerous. Women may find the country not very “friendly” in terms of personal safety, particularly at night or in certain contexts.
Legal aspects and personal safety
Understanding local rules is crucial to avoid trouble.
Legal points to know
– Homosexual relations: criminalized by law, with possible prison sentences. Total discretion is required if you belong to the LGBTQ+ community.
– Drugs: possession, use, or trafficking of narcotics (marijuana, cocaine, etc.) are severely punished.
– Pornography: possession, production, or distribution is illegal.
– Photos: forbidden to photograph military installations, certain official buildings, and sensitive infrastructure (including airports).
– Land ownership: very regulated for foreigners. In principle reserved for Togolese, French citizens (inheritance of old conventions), foreign states, or those with special status. For others, authorization from the Prime Minister is required, in practice mostly accessible to investors.
Violent clashes between protesters and security forces have already occurred in some inland cities (Sokodé, Bafilo, Mango). In Lomé, it is recommended to follow political news and systematically avoid any gathering.
Common crime
Common incidents highlight: social issues and contemporary challenges.
– Snatch thefts, nighttime assaults, especially on the beach and in certain neighborhoods.
– Break-ins at homes and businesses.
– Car-jackings sometimes staged via fake accidents.
– Scams (distress emails, fake business opportunities, romance scams, “advance fee” fraud like 419).
The best protection remains a combination of simple measures: well-secured housing, use of identified taxis, limiting nighttime travel, copies of important documents, caution with overly enticing offers.
Climate, environment, and quality of life
Living in Togo means living in the heat all year round. In Lomé, daytime temperatures generally vary between 27 and 32°C, but the feels-like temperature can climb above 40°C due to humidity. The air is often described as “sticky,” with constant sweating being nothing exceptional.
Rain is concentrated from April to November, with peak rainfall that can exceed 150 mm per month. Flooding episodes occur regularly, affecting roads and poorly drained neighborhoods.
Although air quality is generally rated ‘moderate’, it deteriorates significantly during the harmattan season, from December to March. This deterioration is caused by the arrival of dust from the Sahara and smoke from bush fires, which saturate the atmosphere.
Life in Lomé is nonetheless perceived as relatively pleasant for those who appreciate the tropical climate: accessible beach, a rather spread-out city less congested than other West African capitals, less tobacco smoke and excessive alcohol consumption compared to other contexts. On the other hand, the offer of cultural or nightlife activities is limited, and co-working spaces or cafes “to work in” remain rare and sometimes expensive.
Should you expatriate to Togo?
Moving to Togo as an expatriate is neither a tropical paradise nor an impossible mission. The country combines:
– Real economic assets (stable growth, strategic port, pro-business reforms).
– An often welcoming population, a moderate cost of living, a permanently warm climate.
– But also serious challenges: degraded security in the north, fragile healthcare system, limited local education, sometimes failing infrastructure, extremely humid climate, weak LGBTQ+ rights, cash-based society and administrative slowness.
For the experience to be successful, it is decisive to:
For a successful expatriation to Togo, it is crucial to properly prepare the administrative procedures (visa, residence permit, work permit, yellow fever vaccination). It is recommended to negotiate a departure package including housing, international health insurance and, for families, coverage of school fees. On site, you must accept a certain amount of improvisation and a sometimes slower pace. Investing in learning French and understanding Togolese cultural codes facilitates integration. Finally, relying on networks (expatriates, colleagues, neighbors, community associations) is essential to break isolation.
For those coming with a clear project – professional, entrepreneurial, or solidarity-based – and good preparation, Togo can offer an intense, sometimes tough, but deeply enriching expatriation.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
