Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Republic of the Congo Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our The Republic of the Congo Property Pack
If you're considering running an Airbnb in Congo-Brazzaville, you're probably wondering whether it's profitable, legal, and worth the effort in 2026.
This blog post breaks down the current Airbnb landscape in Brazzaville, from nightly rates and occupancy figures to licensing requirements and neighborhood-level demand patterns.
We update this article regularly to reflect the latest available data on short-term rentals in Congo-Brazzaville.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Congo-Brazzaville.
Insights
- The average Airbnb nightly rate in Brazzaville in 2026 sits around $75, but top hosts in Bacongo or Centre-Ville can push rates above $100 by offering reliable power backup and security.
- Occupancy rates for Airbnb listings in Congo-Brazzaville average only 26%, meaning hosts typically see just 7 to 8 booked nights per month unless they optimize aggressively.
- There are roughly 30 active Airbnb listings in Brazzaville as of early 2026, making it a small but relatively uncrowded market compared to major African capitals.
- The African Development Bank 2026 Annual Meetings in Brazzaville will create a short but intense demand spike, allowing hosts to charge premium rates during the event.
- Operating costs in Brazzaville are unusually shaped by reliability expenses like generator fuel, water tanks, and security, which can add $200 to $400 monthly for apartments.
- One and two-bedroom apartments in secure central neighborhoods like Bacongo and Moungali book fastest because Brazzaville's demand leans heavily toward business travelers.
- There is no documented nights-per-year cap for Airbnb in Congo-Brazzaville, but hosts may still need tourism authorization if authorities classify the unit as tourist accommodation.
- Well-run Airbnb listings in Brazzaville can realistically net $300 to $525 per month after expenses, while poorly operated units in outer districts often break even or lose money.
Can I legally run an Airbnb in Congo-Brazzaville in 2026?
Is short-term renting allowed in Congo-Brazzaville in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, short-term renting is allowed in Congo-Brazzaville, though hosts may face regulatory requirements if their activity is classified as tourist accommodation.
The main legal framework is Congo's tourism law (Loi n°29-2021 of May 12, 2021), which governs tourism activities and requires authorization for commercial tourist operations.
The most important condition is that if authorities view your rental as an "établissement d'hébergement touristique," you may need prior authorization or licensing from the tourism ministry.
Penalties for non-compliance are not clearly published, but operating without proper authorization could result in fines or being required to cease operations.
For a more general view, you can read our article detailing what exactly foreigners can own and buy in DR Congo.
If you are an American, you might want to read our blog article detailing the property rights of US citizens in DR Congo.
Are there minimum-stay rules and maximum nights-per-year caps for Airbnbs in Congo-Brazzaville as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, there is no publicly documented minimum-stay requirement or maximum nights-per-year cap for Airbnb rentals in Congo-Brazzaville, unlike many European or North American cities.
These rules do not vary by property type or host residency status because such restrictions simply do not exist in the current regulatory framework.
Do I have to live there, or can I Airbnb a secondary home in Congo-Brazzaville right now?
There is no documented "primary residence only" rule for operating an Airbnb in Congo-Brazzaville, so you do not need to live in the property you rent out.
Owners of secondary homes and investment properties can legally operate short-term rentals, and many Brazzaville listings appear designed for full-time STR use with amenities like generators and guards.
No additional permits specific to non-primary residences are documented, though commercial tourism activity may still trigger authorization requirements.
There is no meaningful regulatory difference between renting out a primary residence versus a secondary home in Congo-Brazzaville as of now.
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Can I run multiple Airbnbs under one name in Congo-Brazzaville right now?
There is no documented legal restriction preventing you from operating multiple Airbnb listings under one name in Congo-Brazzaville.
No maximum number of properties per person or entity is specified in the tourism law or accommodation decree.
However, running multiple units strongly pushes you toward formal business registration under the OHADA framework (RCCM) and clearer compliance with tourism authorization requirements.
Do I need a short-term rental license or a business registration to host in Congo-Brazzaville as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, you should expect some form of authorization or licensing if authorities classify your Airbnb as a tourism accommodation business, and continuous multi-unit operations typically require RCCM business registration under OHADA rules.
The process involves applying to the tourism ministry for authorization, though specific timelines and procedures are not clearly published.
Documents typically required include proof of property ownership or lease, identity documents, and evidence that your accommodation meets basic standards.
Are there neighborhood bans or restricted zones for Airbnb in Congo-Brazzaville as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, there are no formally published neighborhood bans or restricted zones for Airbnb in Brazzaville.
Practical restrictions tend to come from building-level rules, security-sensitive areas near embassies, or neighborhoods with poor infrastructure that reduce guest satisfaction.
The most bookable areas remain Centre-Ville, Bacongo, and Moungali, where infrastructure is more reliable and guests feel comfortable.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Congo-Brazzaville compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
How much can an Airbnb earn in Congo-Brazzaville in 2026?
What's the average and median nightly price on Airbnb in Congo-Brazzaville in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the average nightly price for an Airbnb listing in Brazzaville is around $75 (approximately 45,000 CFA francs or 70 euros), while the median nightly price sits closer to $65 (39,000 CFA francs or 60 euros).
The typical nightly price range covering roughly 80% of Brazzaville Airbnb listings falls between $35 and $120 (21,000 to 72,000 CFA francs, or 32 to 110 euros).
The single biggest factor affecting nightly pricing in Congo-Brazzaville is reliability, meaning properties with backup power, water tanks, and security can command significantly higher rates.
By the way, you will find much more detailed profitability rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Congo-Brazzaville.
How much do nightly prices vary by neighborhood in Congo-Brazzaville in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, nightly prices in Brazzaville vary from around $25 (15,000 CFA francs or 23 euros) in outer districts like Talangai and Djiri to $120 (72,000 CFA francs or 110 euros) in prime Centre-Ville and Bacongo Corniche locations.
The three neighborhoods with the highest average nightly prices are Centre-Ville at $70 to $120 (42,000 to 72,000 CFA francs), Bacongo near the Corniche at $60 to $110 (36,000 to 66,000 CFA francs), and prime Moungali at $45 to $85 (27,000 to 51,000 CFA francs).
The three neighborhoods with the lowest average nightly prices are Talangai, Djiri, and Madibou at $25 to $60 (15,000 to 36,000 CFA francs), and travelers do sometimes book there when they find high-end compound-style homes with reliable amenities.
What's the typical occupancy rate in Congo-Brazzaville in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the typical occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Brazzaville is around 26%, which translates to roughly 7 to 8 booked nights per month.
The realistic occupancy rate range covering most listings in Congo-Brazzaville falls between 20% and 35%, with well-operated properties reaching the higher end.
Brazzaville's occupancy rate is lower than major African tourism hubs because the city's demand leans heavily toward business and official travel rather than leisure tourism.
The single biggest factor for achieving above-average occupancy in Brazzaville is offering reliable power, water backup, fast Wi-Fi, and responsive guest communication.
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What's the average monthly revenue per listing in Congo-Brazzaville in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the average monthly revenue per Airbnb listing in Brazzaville is around $160 (96,000 CFA francs or 150 euros), though this marketwide average is pulled down by part-time and low-availability hosts.
The realistic monthly revenue range covering roughly 80% of listings in Congo-Brazzaville falls between $100 and $600 (60,000 to 360,000 CFA francs, or 90 to 550 euros).
Top-performing Airbnb listings in Brazzaville with full availability and excellent operations can realistically achieve $650 to $1,050 per month (390,000 to 630,000 CFA francs, or 600 to 970 euros), calculated as a $90 nightly rate times 45% occupancy times 30 days.
Finally, note that we give here all the information you need to buy and rent out a property in Congo-Brazzaville.
What's the typical low-season vs high-season monthly revenue in Congo-Brazzaville in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, low-season monthly revenue for Airbnb listings in Brazzaville typically ranges from $300 to $600 (180,000 to 360,000 CFA francs, or 275 to 550 euros), while high-season months can bring $650 to $1,200 (390,000 to 720,000 CFA francs, or 600 to 1,100 euros).
Low season in Congo-Brazzaville generally coincides with the heavier rainy months and softer corporate travel periods, while high season aligns with the dry season, major conferences, and diaspora travel windows like Independence Day in August.
What's a realistic Airbnb monthly expense range in Congo-Brazzaville in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, realistic monthly expenses for operating an Airbnb in Brazzaville range from $180 to $450 (108,000 to 270,000 CFA francs, or 165 to 415 euros) for apartments, and $300 to $750 (180,000 to 450,000 CFA francs, or 275 to 690 euros) for larger homes.
The single largest expense category in Congo-Brazzaville is reliability infrastructure, including generator fuel, maintenance, and water backup systems, which can exceed cleaning and internet costs.
Hosts in Brazzaville should typically expect to spend 40% to 60% of gross revenue on operating expenses, given the higher-than-average costs of maintaining reliable utilities.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Congo-Brazzaville.
What's realistic monthly net profit and profit per available night for Airbnb in Congo-Brazzaville in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, a well-run one to two-bedroom apartment in Brazzaville can realistically net $300 to $525 per month (180,000 to 315,000 CFA francs, or 275 to 485 euros), with profit per available night around $10 to $18.
The realistic monthly net profit range covering most listings in Congo-Brazzaville falls between $0 and $600 (0 to 360,000 CFA francs), with outer-district or poorly operated units often breaking even.
Hosts in Brazzaville typically achieve net profit margins of 35% to 55% once they've optimized reliability and guest experience.
The break-even occupancy rate for a typical Airbnb listing in Brazzaville is around 15% to 20%, meaning hosts need roughly 4 to 6 booked nights per month just to cover expenses.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Congo-Brazzaville, we explain the best strategies to improve your cashflows.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Congo-Brazzaville versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
How competitive is Airbnb in Congo-Brazzaville as of 2026?
How many active Airbnb listings are in Congo-Brazzaville as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, there are approximately 30 active Airbnb listings in the Brazzaville municipality, making it a very small short-term rental market.
This number has grown slowly from even fewer listings in previous years, and the long-term trend suggests gradual expansion as business travel and diaspora visits increase.
Which neighborhoods are most saturated in Congo-Brazzaville as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the most saturated neighborhoods for Airbnb in Brazzaville are Bacongo (especially near the Corniche), Centre-Ville, Moungali, and Poto-Poto.
These neighborhoods dominate because they offer the best infrastructure reliability, security, and proximity to business districts that matter most to Brazzaville's corporate and official traveler demand.
Relatively undersaturated neighborhoods with potential for new hosts include parts of Talangai, Djiri, and Madibou, though success there requires exceptional property quality with reliable power and water.
What local events spike demand in Congo-Brazzaville in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the main events that spike Airbnb demand in Brazzaville include the African Development Bank 2026 Annual Meetings, Independence Day on August 15, and various government or NGO conferences held throughout the year.
During peak events, bookings can increase by 30% to 50%, and nightly rates can rise by 20% to 40% above baseline for well-positioned listings.
Hosts in Brazzaville should adjust pricing and block calendars at least 2 to 3 months before major events to capture the surge in demand from business delegations and official travelers.
What occupancy differences exist between top and average hosts in Congo-Brazzaville in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, top-performing Airbnb hosts in Brazzaville achieve occupancy rates of 35% to 50%, nearly double the market average.
The average host in Congo-Brazzaville sees around 26% occupancy, which means about 7 to 8 booked nights per month compared to 10 to 15 nights for top performers.
New hosts in Brazzaville typically need 3 to 6 months of consistent operations, positive reviews, and reliability investments to reach top-performer occupancy levels.
We give more details about the different Airbnb strategies to adopt in our property pack covering the real estate market in Congo-Brazzaville.
Which price points are most crowded, and where's the "white space" for new hosts in Congo-Brazzaville right now?
The nightly price range with the highest concentration of listings in Brazzaville is $35 to $70 (21,000 to 42,000 CFA francs, or 32 to 65 euros), where many studios and one-bedrooms compete on price and basic amenities.
White space opportunities for new hosts exist in the $85 to $130 range (51,000 to 78,000 CFA francs, or 78 to 120 euros), where business-ready, high-reliability units are underserved.
To succeed in this underserved price segment, new hosts in Congo-Brazzaville need properties with backup power, reliable water, strong security, fast Wi-Fi, and professional marketing toward business travelers and delegations.
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What property works best for Airbnb demand in Congo-Brazzaville right now?
What bedroom count gets the most bookings in Congo-Brazzaville as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, one and two-bedroom apartments get the most bookings for Airbnb listings in Brazzaville, as they match the city's dominant business traveler and small-group demand.
The estimated booking rate breakdown in Congo-Brazzaville is roughly 25% for studios, 35% for one-bedrooms, 30% for two-bedrooms, and 10% for three-bedrooms and larger.
One and two-bedroom units perform best in Brazzaville because business travelers and colleagues traveling together need practical space without paying for oversized villas.
What property type performs best in Congo-Brazzaville in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, well-located apartments in secure central neighborhoods are the best-performing property type for Airbnb in Brazzaville, offering the best balance of maintenance costs and booking frequency.
Apartments in Brazzaville typically achieve 25% to 35% occupancy, while standalone houses see 20% to 30% and villas can range from 15% to 35% depending heavily on location and reliability.
Apartments outperform in Congo-Brazzaville because they are easier to secure with controlled access and guarded residences, have lower maintenance costs than villas, and fit the city's dominant business traveler profile.
What location traits boost bookings in Congo-Brazzaville right now?
Properties near the Congo River and Corniche in Bacongo, with fast access to Centre-Ville and major avenues, get the most bookings in Brazzaville.
Proximity to embassies and secure zones, along with reliable neighborhood infrastructure like stable power and water, matters more than just being close to the airport.
The top neighborhoods for Airbnb bookings in Brazzaville are Bacongo, Centre-Ville, Moungali, and Poto-Poto, while outer districts like Talangai, Djiri, and Madibou can work only if the property has exceptional reliability.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Congo-Brazzaville, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Journal Officiel / Liziba - Tourism Law | It's the official published text of Congo's tourism law from the government. | We used it to determine whether short-term accommodation counts as regulated tourism activity. We also grounded statements about authorizations and licensing in actual legal language. |
| UNEP LEAP Legal Database | It's a curated international legal database that points to official legislation and metadata. | We used it to cross-check the tourism law's identity and scope. We also used it as a second verification source for readers. |
| Accommodation Classification Decree 2022-241 | It's an official decree setting norms for tourist accommodation establishments in Congo. | We used it to understand how Congo defines tourist accommodation. We also inferred what Airbnb-style units may need to comply with. |
| OHADA RCCM Portal | OHADA is the binding business-law framework used across 17 African member states including Congo. | We used it to ground what business registration means in the OHADA context. We also framed when hosting becomes a commercial activity requiring formal registration. |
| ACPCE Congo Technical Note | It's from Congo's official enterprise-creation support structure explaining local RCCM procedures. | We used it to localize OHADA concepts to Congo's administrative reality. We confirmed that registration is actively administered in the country. |
| BEAC Inflation Note CEMAC | BEAC is the regional central bank for the CFA franc zone in Central Africa. | We used it to frame cost pressure on utilities, repairs, and staffing. We avoided guessing macro conditions that affect hosting expenses. |
| BEAC Monetary Policy Press Release | It's an official monetary policy communication from the central bank. | We used it to anchor interest-rate context affecting financing costs. We avoided relying on secondary commentary for macro data. |
| IMF Republic of Congo Staff Report 2025 | The IMF is a top-tier source for macroeconomic conditions and country risk assessments. | We used it to contextualize demand drivers like business travel and oil-linked economic cycles. We framed risk sections in a verifiable way. |
| World Bank Tourism Arrivals Data | World Bank datasets are standardized and traceable, often sourced from UN Tourism. | We used it to anchor baseline tourism demand at the country level. We avoided overstating market depth for a niche STR city. |
| UN Tourism Data Dashboard | It's the UN specialized agency for tourism statistics and methodology. | We used it to triangulate tourism recovery narratives and seasonality patterns. We referenced it as the upstream source behind arrivals datasets. |
| African Development Bank 2026 Annual Meetings | It's the official institution announcing and covering its own events. | We used it to identify a credible Brazzaville-relevant demand spike. We justified why some weeks can price differently than baseline. |
| Airbnb Brazzaville Listings | It's the primary marketplace where listings, amenities, and location descriptors are visible. | We used it to confirm which neighborhoods Airbnb highlights as popular. We sanity-checked common amenities and listing types in Brazzaville. |
| AirROI Brazzaville STR Metrics | It's a structured STR analytics dataset with explicit KPIs like ADR, occupancy, and listing count. | We used it as the quantitative spine for ADR, occupancy, and revenue figures. We triangulated it against Airbnb listings and macro context. |
| Time and Date Congo Holidays 2026 | It's a standardized calendar source for public holidays worldwide. | We used it to identify diaspora travel windows like Independence Day. We avoided unverifiable event claims. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Congo-Brazzaville. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.