Banking, Money and Taxes in Angola

Expats are likely to find that banking, money and taxes in Angola can be a little disorientating. While working in the country, expats will probably have to get used to new ways of receiving payment, conducting their banking affairs and paying taxes.

Money in Angola

Angola’s currency is the Kwanza (Kz or AOA), which is divided into 100 centimos.

The following denominations are available:

• Notes: 5 AOA, 10 AOA, 50 AOA, 100 AOA, 200 AOA, 500 AOA, 2,000 AOA and 5,000 AOA
• Coins: 1 AOA, 2 AOA and 5 AOA

Banking in Angola

In the past, most expats preferred to maintain foreign accounts only and have their salary paid into that account. As of late 2020, all foreign workers living in Angola are obliged to have a local bank account for their earnings to be paid into. Account holders may then transfer the money to another account, such as their foreign bank account, or they can convert the currency if they wish.

Opening a bank account as a foreign worker requires extensive documentation including the account holder's passport, work permit, employment contract and residence card or visa.

ATMs

Not all ATMs in Angola allow access to foreign accounts – and when they do, fraud concerns are present and the charges are exorbitant. Expats are probably better off using their local account.

Credit and debit cards

A few hotels and restaurants accept foreign credit cards in Angola, but most places don’t. Expats should reconsider using credit or debit cards in Angola, since safeguards against identity theft aren’t always sufficient. If having to use cards, expats should be vigilant in checking balances online and making sure all debits reflected in statements are accounted for.

Taxes in Angola

Income tax in Angola is calculated on a progressive scale from zero to 17 percent. Only locally earned income is subject to tax, regardless of whether one is considered resident for tax purposes or not. This means that expats do not have to pay tax on money earned outside of Angola, even if they live there permanently.

Nevertheless, tax can be a complicated issue, especially when there is more than one country involved, so we recommend hiring a tax advisor, preferably one familiar with expat taxes.