Yemen flag

Yemen

Data updated Aug 29, 2026

Yemen

Overall Score

Holistic attractiveness score (0–100) based on cost, healthcare, safety, and quality of life.

0.0

Challenging

Avg. Rent (1BR)

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, in USD.

$240

-86% vs US Avg

Safety Index

A proprietary ranking based on crime reports, political stability, and expat-specific safety feedback.

14.8

COL Index

A relative measure of living expenses compared to our US baseline (New York City = 100). A score of 46.5 means this location is 53.5% cheaper than NYC for a standard expat lifestyle.

48.4

πŸ›‘

Level 4 β€” Do Not Travel

Please check the latest official travel advisories for Yemen before planning your trip.

Yemen is not a destination anyone should be evaluating for retirement, FIRE, or remote work. The US State Department has issued a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory, the highest possible, due to ongoing armed conflict, terrorism, and civil war that has fractured the country between multiple competing factions since 2015. There is no functioning central government, no US Embassy presence, and no evacuation option if something goes wrong. This is not a country with tradeoffs to weigh. It is a country to skip entirely.

The raw numbers from cost databases show a single person spending roughly $942 per month excluding rent, with a one-bedroom in a city center averaging around $240. On paper that looks cheap. What those figures cannot capture is that large portions of the country have no functioning supply chains, the Yemeni rial has suffered severe inflation with the currency losing more than 80% of its value since 2015, and basic goods including food and fuel are subject to blockades and severe shortages. A healthcare index of 18.5 out of 100 reflects a system that was already weak before the war and has since seen over half its medical facilities destroyed or closed. The $240 rent figure is academically interesting and practically meaningless.

The practical friction here is not bureaucratic, it is physical survival. Power grids are intermittent to nonexistent across most of the country. Internet infrastructure ranked 147th globally for fixed broadband, but connectivity is irrelevant when the infrastructure needed to power a router does not reliably exist. Cholera outbreaks have been among the largest in recorded history, with millions of cases reported since 2016. English proficiency is low, Arabic is the only operational language, and foreign nationals have been kidnapped and killed. No VPN, no expat forum, and no amount of budget planning addresses any of that.

US tax obligations follow Americans regardless of where they live, so FBAR and FATCA filing requirements apply if you hold foreign accounts exceeding the relevant thresholds, and the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion is available in principle for those meeting the bona fide residence or physical presence test. None of that is relevant here. The conversation about Yemen for US expats ends before it reaches the tax section.

Capital
Sana'a
Official Language
Arabic
Time Zone
UTC+03:00
Region
Middle East
Population
29,825,968
Healthcare Index
18.5
Internet Speed
34.2 Mbps
🌍

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πŸ™οΈ Top Cities in Yemen

Explore cost of living, walkability scores, and expat ratings for individual cities in Yemen.

Sanaa

CoL Index: 25

πŸ”₯ FIRE: 92/100πŸ–οΈ Retiree: 41/100✨ Lifestyle: 60/100

Est. Total: ~$520/mo

Aden

CoL Index: 23

πŸ”₯ FIRE: 92/100πŸ–οΈ Retiree: 41/100✨ Lifestyle: 50/100

Est. Total: ~$607/mo

Ta'izz

CoL Index: 26

πŸ”₯ FIRE: 92/100πŸ–οΈ Retiree: 41/100

Est. Total: ~$520/mo

Ibb

CoL Index: 29

πŸ”₯ FIRE: 92/100πŸ–οΈ Retiree: 38/100✨ Lifestyle: 60/100

Est. Total: ~$634/mo

Al Mukalla

CoL Index: 31

πŸ”₯ FIRE: 92/100πŸ–οΈ Retiree: 45/100✨ Lifestyle: 50/100

Est. Total: ~$750/mo

Al Mahwit

CoL Index: 48

πŸ”₯ FIRE: 78/100πŸ–οΈ Retiree: 38/100✨ Lifestyle: 70/100

Est. Total: ~$1,182/mo

View all cities in Yemen β†’

How far does $1,500 go in Yemen?

With a monthly budget of $1,500, you can live comfortably in Yemen. After accounting for an average rent of $$240, you have approximately $1,260remaining for daily expenses.

Calculate your FIRE timeline with these costs β†’

πŸ’° Cost of Living in Yemen

Single Person Monthly Cost (no rent):
$943
Rent 1BR Apartment (City Center):
$240
Cost of Living Index (vs NYC):

Relative to New York City (NYC = 100). A lower number means it's cheaper.

48.4
Rent Index (vs NYC):

Relative to New York City (NYC = 100). A lower number means rent is cheaper.

5.9
Groceries Index (vs NYC):

Relative to New York City (NYC = 100). A lower number means groceries are cheaper.

61.5
Restaurant Price Index (vs NYC):

Relative to New York City (NYC = 100). A lower number means eating out is cheaper.

33.9

Cost Comparison Notes:

Summary of cost of living in Yemen: The estimated monthly costs for a family of four are $3,488.1 (832,438.0ο·Ό), excluding rent. The estimated monthly costs for a single person are $942.6 (224,961.0ο·Ό), excluding rent.

πŸ›’ Grocery & Family Costs

Milk (1L)
$2.58
Eggs (12)
$4.93
Rice (1kg)
$3.45
Chicken (1kg)
$11.94

Family Costs

Preschool (Monthly)
$62
International Primary School (Yearly)
$1,624
Family Monthly (No Rent)
$3,488

Can I afford to live in Yemen?

$

Comfortable (1.0Γ—): balanced baseline lifestyle. Adjusts day-to-day costs only β€” rent is unaffected.

Yemen

You could save

1,818/mo

Savings Rate61%

Monthly Costs

Rent (Country Average)$240
Living (Country Average)$943

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
52/100
Retiree Score
(i)
24/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
28/100
πŸ’»Nomad Score
(i)
29/100

Based on national averages. City-level costs may vary. Browse cities in Yemen β†’

βš•οΈ Healthcare System

Our Top Pick for Nomads: SafetyWing

Flexible, subscription-based health cover for remote workers in Yemen.

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Healthcare Index

An estimation of the overall quality of the health care system. Higher is better.

18.5
Life Expectancy:
69.4years
English-Speaking Doctors:
limited

Quality & Affordability:

Yemen's healthcare system has been severely impacted by ongoing conflict, resulting in damaged infrastructure and shortages of medical supplies. Access to quality care is extremely limited.

Insurance Insights:

Health insurance is virtually nonexistent; most healthcare expenses are paid out-of-pocket.

πŸ›‚ Visa & Residency Pathways

πŸ›‚ Visa Services

Ready to apply for a Yemen visa?

Get help with your application β€” tourist, long-stay, and residency visas processed online.

❌ Visa-Free Entry❌ VOA❌ e-Visa❌ Leads to PR

General Overview

Ease of Access Score (1-10):
2
Pathway to Residency:
difficult
Pathway to Citizenship:
difficult

Process & Requirements:

Due to the ongoing civil war, political fragmentation, and severe humanitarian crisis, Yemen does not have a functioning, safe, or predictable immigration system. The 'difficult' score reflects the reality that the country is an active conflict zone and is not a viable destination for expats or travelers. Government institutions are fractured, and control of the country is divided. There is no reliable process for obtaining a long-term visa or residence permit. Any attempt to enter or reside in the country carries extreme personal risk.

Prior to the conflict, residency was tied to work or business, but this framework is no longer relevant. Consular services are largely suspended, and official information is outdated and unreliable. The security situation is the overriding factor governing any presence in the country.

Residency & Citizenship Notes:

There is no viable pathway to permanent residency or citizenship for a foreign national under the current circumstances. The state institutions required to manage such processes are not functioning effectively across the country. The pre-war citizenship law required 10 years of residence and renunciation of other citizenships, but this is a moot point. Long-term settlement in Yemen is not a feasible or safe option.

πŸ›‚ Visa Matcher

See which Yemen visas you qualify for

Answer 10 quick questions and get matched to the right visa for your situation.

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Detailed Visa Options

🧳 Tourist & Short-Stay Information
Visa-Free Entry
No
Visa on Arrival (VOA)
No
e-Visa Available
No
Can Extend Stay
No

Extension Notes

Due to the ongoing civil war, regular immigration services are not functioning. Source: N/A

General Visa Notes

US citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to Yemen. However, due to the severe political instability and conflict, all Yemeni diplomatic missions in the US have suspended consular services. The U.S. Department of State advises against all travel. Source: U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory.

🌴 Retirement / Passive Income Visa

This country does not have a dedicated retirement visa, but the following notes provide guidance on pathways for retirees.

Income Notes

Yemen does not have a functional retirement visa program due to the ongoing civil war and severe humanitarian crisis. Visa and immigration services are not operating normally for such purposes. Source: General knowledge based on current global travel advisories.

Health Insurance Notes

Yemen does not have a functional retirement visa program due to the ongoing civil war. No standard health insurance requirements for long-term foreign residents are in effect. Source: General knowledge based on current global travel advisories.

πŸ’» Digital Nomad Visa

Income Notes

Due to the ongoing civil war and severe instability, Yemen's consular and immigration services are not functioning normally. There is no digital nomad program, and travel to the country is strongly advised against. Source: Most government travel advisories.

πŸ“ˆ Investor Visa

Investment Details

Investment Options & Notes

Due to the ongoing civil war, there is no functioning investor visa program. Source: N/A

Path to Citizenship

Offers Path to Citizenship
No

πŸ›‘οΈ Safety & Stability

Safety Index:

An estimation of overall safety level. Higher is better.

14.8
Crime Index:

An estimation of the overall level of crime. Lower is better.

63.7
Political Stability Index:

World Bank political stability estimate, rescaled to 0-100. Higher is better.

0
Expat Safety Rating:
low

🏦 Taxation & Finance

🏦 Tax Snapshot

FEIE Interaction

FTC Utility: low

Yemen's income tax is rarely collected in practice due to the collapse of government institutions. Little to no creditable foreign tax is actually paid by most expats, making the Foreign Tax Credit of minimal use. FEIE is generally the more practical exclusion mechanism.

Typical Qualifying Method
either

Presence Day Count Notes

The standard 330-day physical presence test applies. Yemen has been under active conflict since 2015 and the US State Department has maintained a Level 4 Do Not Travel advisory. Most Americans present in Yemen are humanitarian or security contractors. Day counting follows standard IRS rules regardless of conflict conditions.

Housing Exclusion Available
Yes
Estimated Housing Exclusion
$18,000

FBAR Trigger Notes

FBAR filing is required if aggregate foreign financial account balances exceed $10,000 at any point during the calendar year. Yemen has no functioning banking system in large parts of the country. Accounts held at Yemeni banks - if accessible - still trigger FBAR. Accounts held in third countries by Yemen-based expats are also reportable.

401k/IRA Treatment

Pension Income

Pension income is technically subject to progressive income tax under domestic law. Practical collection is absent due to the collapse of tax administration infrastructure during the civil conflict.

Not Taxed Locally

Social Security

No US-Yemen totalization or tax treaty. US Social Security benefits received by a resident could theoretically be taxed as income, but effective enforcement does not exist.

Not Taxed Locally

Roth Distributions

No treaty exists and no specific provision addresses Roth accounts. Enforcement is absent. No practical local tax risk on Roth distributions for US expats in Yemen.

Not Taxed Locally

US 401k/IRA Distributions

Yemen has no tax treaty with the United States. In principle, distributions received by a Yemen-resident individual could be subject to income tax under domestic law, but the tax authority is non-functional across most of the country. Practical taxation of US retirement distributions is not occurring.

Not Taxed Locally
Capital Gains Tax
Rate
20.0%

Yemen does not have a separate capital gains tax regime. Gains on asset disposals are generally folded into business income and taxed under the corporate or individual income tax. The top individual rate of 20% applies. Enforcement is severely limited due to ongoing civil conflict.

No standalone capital gains tax exists in Yemen. Gains are treated as ordinary income under the Income Tax Law. The top marginal rate of 20% applies to individuals. Corporate gains are subject to the 20% corporate income tax rate.

Dividend Tax Rate

Dividends paid to non-residents are subject to a 10% withholding tax under Yemen's Income Tax Law. Dividends received by resident individuals may be subject to income tax at progressive rates. Tax administration has been severely disrupted since 2015 and actual collection is inconsistent.

withholding

Rate: 10.0%

Standard withholding rate on dividends paid to non-resident recipients.

progressive

Rate: 20.0%

Dividends received by resident individuals are potentially taxable under the progressive income tax schedule, with a top rate of 20%.

Income Tax Rate:
Progressive up to 20%
Property Tax Rate:
Not available
Consumption Tax (VAT/GST):
5%

Tax Treaties Notes:

No US-Yemen relations. Ongoing conflict makes taxation irrelevant for foreigners.

Retiree Tax Benefits:

Extremely high risk; retirement not feasible.

Cost Savings vs. U.S.:

Data unavailable. Active war zone.

Recommended services for Yemen

Recommended Partner

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bordr β†’

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β˜€οΈ Climate & Environment

Average Temperature Range:
Coastal: 28-40Β°C, Highland: 15-30Β°C
Average Humidity Range:
Varies; high along the coast, low inland
Water Quality Index:

Our proprietary index for drinking water quality and sanitation. Higher is better.

39.8

Seasonal Variations:

Yemen has a diverse climate, ranging from arid coastal plains to wetter highland areas. Coastal regions like Tihama experience extreme heat and very low annual precipitation. Highland areas, such as Asir, receive 400-800 mm of rainfall annually. The climate is characterized by high temperatures and seasonal rainfall variability, particularly in winter, which affects agriculture and water resources.

😊 Quality of Life

Expat Community Size:
small
English Proficiency:
low
Expat Friendliness Score (1-10):
2

Cultural Amenities:

Museums & Cultural Institutions

  • Yemen has an ancient cultural history, with distinctive traditions influenced by its unique geographic location.

  • The National Museum in Sanaa houses important treasures from the pre-Islamic period.

Performing Arts

  • Yemen's culture includes traditional music and dance, often performed during cultural celebrations and gatherings.

  • The General Organization of Antiquities and Museums administers major cultural institutions, including folk museums in Aden.

Cultural Festivals

  • Yemen celebrates various cultural festivals, reflecting its rich heritage and traditions.

  • The country hosts events showcasing traditional music, dance, and crafts.

Culinary Culture

  • Yemeni cuisine includes dishes like mandi (rice and meat), salta (stew), and mutabbak (stuffed bread).

  • The country's food reflects its ancient culinary traditions and regional influences.

🌐 Infrastructure & Connectivity

Average Internet Speed:
34.2Mbps
International Air Travel Access:
poor
Public Transit Quality:

Our proprietary ranking of public transit accessibility and reliability.

poor

Internet Reliability:

Yemen faces significant internet infrastructure challenges due to ongoing conflict and economic instability.

Speed & Quality: Fixed broadband averages only 5-10 Mbps with frequent service disruptions and limited infrastructure.

Availability: Severely limited coverage, concentrated in major cities with frequent outages and service interruptions.

Cost: Variable and often expensive relative to income levels, when services are available.

Reliability for Remote Work: Not suitable for reliable remote work due to frequent outages, slow speeds, and infrastructure damage from conflict.

Transportation Network:

Yemen's transportation infrastructure has been severely damaged by ongoing conflict, with limited operational services.

Roads: Road network exists but many routes are unsafe or impassable due to conflict.

Rail: No functioning rail system in the country.

Domestic Travel: Very limited air travel due to conflict; most airports are closed or have restricted operations.

Recommended services for Yemen

Recommended Partner

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Recommended Partner

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Recommended Partner

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Yemen

Click any question to expand the answer.

No. Yemen has a safety index of 14.8 and crime index of 63.7, among the lowest globally. The country has experienced ongoing conflict, political instability, and humanitarian challenges. The U.S. State Department maintains a Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory. There is effectively no established expat community, and expat safety ratings are unknown because few foreigners currently reside there.
Excluding rent, a single person can live on approximately $943/month, while a family of four needs around $3,488/month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages $240/month, or $140/month outside the center. However, these figures reflect pre-conflict pricing and may not reflect current market conditions or availability.
Yemen's healthcare index is 18.5, critically low. The healthcare system has been severely damaged by conflict, with limited access to quality medical care, medications, and facilities. English-speaking doctors are rare. Americans requiring serious medical treatment would likely need to travel to neighboring countries like the UAE or Saudi Arabia.
No. Yemen does not offer a retirement visa program. There is no minimum income requirement because the visa category does not exist. Given the current security situation and lack of infrastructure for expat residents, retirement relocation to Yemen is not a viable option.
No. Yemen does not offer a digital nomad visa or any specialized visa for remote workers. Americans would need to navigate standard tourist or business visa processes, which are complicated by the country's political situation and lack of formal expat immigration infrastructure.
Average internet speed is now approximately 34.2 Mbps, which is sufficient for basic remote work and streaming, though infrastructure reliability may still vary. The U.S. State Department advisory level is 4 (Do Not Travel), so connectivity is not the primary concern for potential visitors.
Arabic is the official language, and English proficiency is low. You would need functional Arabic to navigate daily life, conduct business, and access services. Language barriers are significant for English-speaking expats without prior Arabic knowledge.
Yemen has a progressive income tax up to 20%. Americans abroad may qualify for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) if they meet IRS requirements, but you must still file U.S. taxes and report foreign accounts. Consult a tax professional familiar with expat taxation before relocating.
No. There is effectively no established expat community in Yemen. The combination of security concerns, lack of infrastructure, limited English proficiency, and ongoing instability means very few foreigners choose to live there. You would be isolated without peer support networks.
Yemen has two main climate zones: coastal areas experience hot temperatures of 28–40Β°C (82–104Β°F), while highland regions are cooler at 15–30Β°C (59–86Β°F). The coastal areas are extremely hot and humid, while highlands offer more moderate conditions. Extreme heat in coastal cities can be challenging for those unaccustomed to desert climates.
The pathway to permanent residency and citizenship in Yemen is difficult and not clearly defined. Yemen does not actively promote immigration or offer straightforward PR pathways. Citizenship is generally restricted to those with Yemeni heritage or through marriage, and the process is lengthy and uncertain.
Yes. Americans are not visa-free for Yemen and must obtain a visa in advance. However, given the U.S. State Department's Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory, the U.S. Embassy in Yemen has limited operations, and visa processing is extremely difficult or unavailable. Travel to Yemen is effectively not recommended for American citizens.
No. Yemen is not a viable destination for American expats, retirees, or remote workers. The combination of severe safety concerns, weak healthcare, no expat infrastructure, low internet speeds, language barriers, and lack of immigration pathways makes it unsuitable. Consider alternative destinations in the Middle East or Asia with better security, healthcare, and expat support systems.
The average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center is $240.
Yes. A single person can live in Yemen on roughly $1,500 a month. Average rent outside the city center runs $140/month, with living expenses around $943/month.

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VISA QUIZ

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