How do I set up a company in Djibouti?
The one-stop shop of the National Investment Promotion Agency (ANPI) brings together company registration, the tax administration and social security. With a complete file, registration normally takes about three days.
US Department of State – Investment Climate Statement 2025 ↗What do the free zones offer?
Companies in a free zone can benefit from full exemption from direct and indirect taxes for up to 50 years. The Djibouti International Free Trade Zone, launched in 2018, is planned over 4,800 hectares and targets logistics, trade, services and processing.
US Department of State – Investment Climate Statement 2025 ↗ · The Maritime Executive (2018) ↗What is the currency, is there exchange-rate risk?
The Djiboutian franc (DJF) has been pegged to the US dollar since 1949. The fixed rate of about 177.7 DJF per USD has been unchanged since 1973.
US Department of State – Investment Climate Statement 2025 ↗Which languages are used in business?
French and Arabic are the official languages. Somali and Afar are widely spoken.
Do I need a visa for Djibouti?
Most foreign travellers need a visa. An e-visa can be requested online on the official portal. Check current requirements before you travel.
Official e-visa portal ↗Can a Swiss company take part in funded projects?
Yes. Switzerland is a member of the World Bank and the African Development Bank; Swiss companies can bid for tenders they finance, under their procurement rules.
World Bank – procurement ↗ · AfDB – procurement ↗What is the time difference?
Djibouti is on UTC+3 all year: +2 hours ahead of Switzerland in winter, +1 hour in summer.
How can the CCISD help me?
We guide you on the market and regulatory framework, identify opportunities, connect you with the right counterparts and prepare your meetings in Switzerland or Djibouti.
Another question?
contact@ccisd.ch · +41 79 855 51 80