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Yemen

Data updated Oct 14, 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

Overall Score

0.0

Challenging

Estimated Cost

$1,083/mo

single person, incl. rent

🛑

Level 4: Do Not Travel

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

U.S. Department of State, verified Aug 28, 2026

Yemen is not a retirement or FIRE destination. There's no retirement visa, no passive-income visa, and no digital nomad visa to even consider. The only people reading this who have a legitimate reason to be here are aid workers, journalists, or contractors tied to NGOs or government missions operating under hazard protocols. If that's not your situation, the cost numbers below are irrelevant to you.

On paper the budget looks remarkable: $942.6 a month covers food, transport, and utilities for a single person, excluding rent. Add it up and you're under $1,000 a month for a cost of living that is far below what the same basket would cost in most Western countries. Those costs are not verifiable by current data and are omitted here. What the number doesn't price in is that these costs assume normal commerce, reliable supply chains, and infrastructure that functions day to day, none of which can be assumed here.

The real friction is everything underneath the budget. Health insurance is effectively nonexistent, meaning any medical event is paid out of pocket in a system that's been stripped of personnel and supplies since 2015. Internet averages 34.2 Mbps, which is workable for basic connectivity but not something to build a remote-work life around when paired with power and water instability. None of this is a lifestyle tradeoff you optimize around; it's a risk profile you either accept for a mission or you don't go.

For a US citizen who somehow is earning income here, the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion for 2026 is $132,900, with a foreign housing exclusion base of $21,264 and a cap around $39,870, and those apply the same way they would anywhere else if you meet the physical presence or bona fide residence test. No US-Yemen tax treaty exists, so don't assume treaty-based relief exists; plan around the FEIE and housing exclusion alone. Given the lack of a residency visa pathway tied to income, this is not a jurisdiction where tax optimization is the point. Anyone going is going for the job, not the tax position.

Yemen vs. the Middle East average

Scores out of 10, shown as the gap between Yemen and the average of the 14 other countries in Middle East. 1 clear strength, 9 clear gaps.

Below averageAbove average
Sources: Numbeo, World Bank, OECD, Rewire AbroadData updated Oct 14, 2026

🚚 Moving to Yemen

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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
Climate Zones
arid
🌍

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🏙️ Top Cities in Yemen

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

Sanaa

CoL Index: 25

🔥 FIRE: 92/100🏖️ Retiree: 41/100✨ Lifestyle: 60/100

Est. Total: ~$522/mo

Aden

CoL Index: 23

🔥 FIRE: 92/100🏖️ Retiree: 41/100✨ Lifestyle: 50/100

Est. Total: ~$516/mo

Ta'izz

CoL Index: 26

🔥 FIRE: 92/100🏖️ Retiree: 41/100

Est. Total: ~$520/mo

Ibb

CoL Index: 29

🔥 FIRE: 92/100🏖️ Retiree: 38/100✨ Lifestyle: 60/100

Est. Total: ~$638/mo

Al Mukalla

CoL Index: 31

🔥 FIRE: 92/100🏖️ Retiree: 45/100✨ Lifestyle: 50/100

Est. Total: ~$750/mo

Al Mahwit

CoL Index: 48

🔥 FIRE: 78/100🏖️ Retiree: 38/100✨ Lifestyle: 70/100

Est. Total: ~$1,182/mo

View all cities in Yemen →

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 →

💰 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 (832,438.0﷼), excluding rent. The estimated monthly costs for a single person are $942.6 (224,961.0﷼), excluding rent.

Estimate the cost of shipping your belongings to Yemen →

See how Yemen's cost of living compares with Qatar

🛒 Grocery & Family Costs

Milk (1L)
$2.99
Bread (Loaf)
$1.20
Eggs (12)
$5.31
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 (1.0×): balanced baseline lifestyle. Adjusts day-to-day costs only — 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)
33/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
31/100

Based on national averages. City-level costs may vary. Browse cities in Yemen →

⚕️ Healthcare System

Our Top Pick for Nomads: SafetyWing

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

Get Covered with SafetyWing →

Looking for more options? Check Ekta.

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.

See how Yemen's healthcare compares with Qatar

🛂 Visa & Residency Pathways

🛂 Visa Services

Ready to apply for a Yemen visa?

Get help with your application — 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.

🛂 Visa Matcher

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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.

💻 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.

📈 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

Many long-stay visas require proof of health insurance. Compare international health plans before you apply.

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🛡️ 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

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 tax treaty exists. Ongoing conflict makes taxation largely irrelevant for foreigners.

Retiree Tax Benefits:

Extremely high risk; retirement not feasible.

Cost Savings vs. U.S.:

Data unavailable. Active war zone.

Pick between Form 2555 (Foreign Earned Income Exclusion) and Form 1116 (Foreign Tax Credit) with an expat tax service.

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See how Yemen's taxes compares with Qatar

☀️ Climate & Environment

Climate Zones:

Arid
Average Temperature Range:
Coastal: 28-40°C, Highland: 15-30°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 receive variable 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):
4

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 34.2 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

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Yemen

Click any question to expand the answer.

US passport holders need a visa before arrival since airport visas are not issued, and the Yemen embassy in Washington DC is currently not issuing any tourist visas at all. There is no retirement visa category, and business visas require an invitation letter from an employer or host company inside Yemen.
Cost of living in Yemen is substantially lower than in the US, with a single person's estimated monthly costs at about $942.60 excluding rent. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages $239.62 per month, while a place outside the center drops to $140.15. Rent for a three-bedroom unit costs $528.50 in the center and $399.36 outside it.
Yes, the US taxes citizens on worldwide income no matter where they reside, so a US retiree in Yemen still files a federal return every year. For the 2026 tax year the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion lets a qualifying person exclude up to $132,900 of foreign earned income, though this only applies to earned income, not pensions, Social Security, or investment income.
The healthcare system in Yemen is in a state of collapse, with a healthcare index of just 18.5. Health insurance is virtually nonexistent; most healthcare expenses are paid out-of-pocket. The safety index is 14.8, reflecting extreme risk, and medical facilities face severe shortages of medicine, fuel, and trained staff throughout the country.
No. The State Department keeps Yemen at Level 4, Do Not Travel, with a safety index of just 14.8. The US Embassy in Sana'a has suspended operations since February 2015, so there is no on-the-ground consular support for Americans in the country. Foreigners are frequently targeted for kidnapping and the government cannot guarantee emergency assistance.
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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