Togo is a narrow West African nation sandwiched between Ghana and Benin, with a southern coastline on the Gulf of Guinea and a population of approximately nine million. Lomé, the coastal capital, has historically been one of West Africa's most vibrant commercial cities and an important regional trade and transit hub.
British expats in Togo are found principally in:
- The shipping and logistics sector (Lomé has one of West Africa's deepest natural harbours)
- Development and NGO work
- Phosphate mining (one of the world's largest phosphate deposits)
- Diplomacy (the British High Commission maintains a presence)
- Regional financial services (Togo hosts the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development, BOAD, and the regional stock exchange, BRVM)
Togo is a member of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA/WAEMU), meaning it uses the West African CFA franc (XOF) — a currency pegged to the euro, providing a degree of monetary stability unusual in the region.
Important: Tax and financial rules in Togo are subject to change. Information in this guide was accurate as of mid-2026. This guide is for general information only and does not constitute tax or financial advice. Always consult qualified advisers with current knowledge of Togolese and UK law. Investments can fall in value; rules change; professional advice is essential.
Tax Residency Rules
Under Togo's General Tax Code (Code Général des Impôts), an individual is considered tax resident in Togo if they:
- Are physically present in Togo for more than 183 days in a tax year;
- Have their principal place of abode in Togo; or
- Have their principal professional activity or main centre of economic interests in Togo.
Residents are taxed on worldwide income. Non-residents are taxed on Togo-source income only.
Togo's tax year follows the calendar year (1 January to 31 December).
Income Tax
Togo imposes a progressive personal income tax (Impôt sur le Revenu des Personnes Physiques — IRPP) with rates broadly ranging from 0% to a maximum of approximately 35–40% for the highest income bands. The applicable thresholds are set in West African CFA francs (XOF) and are periodically reviewed.
Employment income is collected under the PAYE system (retenue à la source sur salaires). Self-employment and business income is subject to annual self-assessment.
Professional allowances and deductions are available under Togolese tax law, reducing the effective rate for many employed individuals.
UK-Togo Double Taxation Agreement: There is no bilateral DTA between the United Kingdom and Togo. UK residents with Togo-source income must rely on HMRC's unilateral credit relief provisions.
Capital Gains Tax
Togo captures gains on asset disposals within the income tax or corporate tax framework rather than through a standalone CGT regime. The treatment of gains depends on the classification of the asset (business asset, investment property, portfolio investments) and the taxpayer's status.
For internationally mobile individuals with assets primarily held outside Togo, Togolese tax on capital gains is unlikely to be a primary concern unless you hold significant Togolese-located real estate or business interests.
Inheritance and Estate Tax
Togo does not impose a conventional inheritance or estate tax. Succession is governed by the Togolese Personal and Family Code (CPFT), which incorporates elements of civil law (French tradition) alongside customary law principles.
Foreign nationals with Togolese-located assets should ensure their estate planning documents clearly address these assets. Customary succession rules may apply differently to different categories of property.
Wealth Taxes
Togo does not impose an annual wealth tax.
The CFA Franc and Monetary Union
One of the most important features of financial planning in Togo — and throughout the UEMOA zone — is the West African CFA franc (XOF). Key characteristics:
- Euro peg: The XOF is pegged to the euro at XOF 655.957 = EUR 1, with France guaranteeing convertibility. This peg has been maintained continuously since 1994 (when it was devalued from 50 to 100 per French franc).
- Monetary stability: The euro peg means XOF inflation and exchange rate risk are much lower than for most African currencies. For British expats, the GBP/XOF rate fluctuates with GBP/EUR movements.
- ECO transition: There have been long-discussed plans to transition the CFA franc to a new "ECO" currency under ECOWAS, but as of 2026 this transition has not yet occurred.
Banking: The banking sector in Togo is part of the UEMOA banking system, supervised by the BCEAO (Banque Centrale des États de l'Afrique de l'Ouest). Major banks in Togo include:
- Orabank Togo
- Ecobank Togo
- BTCI (Banque Togolaise pour le Commerce et l'Industrie)
- BIA-Togo
- Société Générale Togo
Ecobank, with its pan-African network, is particularly useful for internationally mobile professionals moving between West African countries. International wire transfers via SWIFT are available.
BRVM: The Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières (BRVM) is the regional stock exchange headquartered in Abidjan but serving all eight UEMOA member states including Togo. British and international investors can invest in BRVM-listed securities through licensed brokers (SGIs — Sociétés de Gestion et d'Intermédiation).
Investment Climate
Togo's investment framework is managed by the Centre de Promotion des Investissements au Togo (CEPICI), which offers a one-stop service for investors. The Investment Code provides tax incentives for qualifying investments in priority sectors.
Key investment opportunities:
- Logistics and port services (Lomé port — one of the deepest natural harbours in West Africa; the Port de Lomé is being expanded significantly)
- Agribusiness (cocoa, coffee, cotton, phosphates)
- Manufacturing (Lomé Free Zone — Zone Franche)
- Financial services and fintech
- Telecommunications
The Lomé Free Zone offers significant tax incentives for export-oriented manufacturing, including income tax exemptions for the first several years of operation.
Land: Togolese land law distinguishes between customary land (held by communities under traditional tenure) and formally registered land. Foreign nationals can generally acquire leasehold rights to urban land with proper registration. Freehold acquisition by foreigners is restricted and requires special authorisation.
UK Pension Implications
For British nationals in Togo:
UK registered pensions: Contributions can continue from overseas earnings within UK annual allowance limits. No DTA means no treaty-based shelter for UK pension income received in Togo by residents.
State Pension: Maintain UK NI contributions via voluntary Class 2 or Class 3 payments throughout your Togolese assignment. Togo has no reciprocal social security agreement with the UK.
QROPS: There are no Togolese pension arrangements qualifying as QROPS.
Social Security
Togo's social security system (CNSS — Caisse Nationale de Sécurité Sociale) provides retirement, disability, work accident, and family benefit coverage for formal sector employees. Contributions are:
- Employee: approximately 4% of gross salary
- Employer: approximately 17.5% of gross salary
Foreign nationals are generally subject to CNSS contributions unless an exemption applies under a bilateral agreement. There is no UK-Togo social security totalization agreement, so CNSS contributions do not aggregate with UK NI for benefit entitlement purposes.
OHADA Legal Framework
Togo, as a member of OHADA (Organisation pour l'Harmonisation en Afrique du Droit des Affaires), benefits from harmonised business law across 17 African nations. OHADA's Uniform Acts cover company law, accounting, commercial contracts, and insolvency — providing a more consistent and predictable legal framework for business investment than purely domestic law in many African countries. This is a significant advantage for investors comparing Togo with non-OHADA jurisdictions.
Key Compliance Issues for Expats
- UK residence and worldwide income: If you remain UK tax resident during your Togo assignment, all Togolese income must be disclosed to HMRC.
- No DTA: Careful structuring is needed to minimise double taxation. Unilateral HMRC relief may be available for Togolese tax paid.
- CRS: Togo and other BCEAO member states are engaging with international tax transparency frameworks. FATCA/CRS-compliant reporting is expected from regulated financial institutions.
- Anti-money laundering: Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) monitors the region. UK banks may apply enhanced due diligence to Togo-related transactions.
- BRVM investment: UK residents investing in BRVM securities should report dividends and disposals on UK Self Assessment returns.
Cost of Living
Lomé offers a relatively affordable cost of living by West African expat standards. Local food, domestic services, and utilities are inexpensive. Imported goods (vehicles, electronics, wine, international brands) are priced at a significant premium due to import duties. Expat housing in the Tokoin, Adidogomé, and Bè areas is available at reasonable rentals. Beach properties along the Lomé coast are a popular choice.
Healthcare in Lomé includes several private clinics at a reasonable standard. For serious treatment, evacuation to Accra (Ghana) or Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire) is standard. International health insurance including evacuation cover is essential.
Practical Financial Planning Tips
- Euro-pegged stability: The XOF/EUR peg removes much of the exchange rate volatility typical in Africa. This is a meaningful advantage for financial planning compared to most sub-Saharan countries.
- Ecobank network: For those moving across West Africa, Ecobank's regional network simplifies banking.
- BRVM exposure: Regional stock market investment through BRVM-listed companies gives exposure to West African growth with the CFA franc's monetary stability.
- UK NI maintenance: Never let NI records lapse.
- OHADA structures: If establishing a business, OHADA's harmonised company law provides a solid legal framework. Use a qualified OHADA-trained local counsel.
- Medical cover: Confirm evacuation cover to Accra or Abidjan as a minimum.
How Global Investments Can Help
Global Investments has over 32 years of experience advising internationally mobile professionals and HNW investors across West Africa and the francophone world. For clients connected to Togo or the broader UEMOA zone, our advisers can assist with:
- UK tax residency analysis and HMRC reporting
- Offshore portfolio structuring
- UK pension and State Pension strategies
- BRVM investment access and regional financial planning
- Cross-border estate planning across multiple jurisdictions
Contact our international advisory team for a confidential consultation.
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice or a personal recommendation. The value of investments can fall as well as rise and you may get back less than you invest. Tax rules, pension legislation, and investment regulations change — always verify current rules and seek advice from a qualified independent financial adviser before making any financial decisions.