SEZ User Licences in Rwanda

The steps

• Land: book a visit with the zone developer, choose the plot and sign the lease.
• Environment: open an account on the RDB portal, apply for the environmental and social impact assessment, have the study done and get the certificate.
• Construction permit: pay the RWF 60,000 fee at the National Bank of Rwanda and apply to RDB.
• Occupation permit: apply once the building is ready, after a site inspection.
• User licence: apply to the SEZ Authority, online or at RDB.

RDB’s service charter commits to issue the user licence within 24 hours, and a developer or operator licence within 15 days.³

Documents for the licence

• The application form.
• The certificate of domestic company registration from RDB.
• The memorandum of association and the list of shareholders.
• A board resolution to apply, and a resolution naming who signs.
• A resolution approving the investment in the zone.
• A business plan.

The published procedure does not give a fee for the user licence itself. Ask the SEZ Authority when you apply.

What the law requires of users

• A user must hold a Rwandan business registration certificate.
• A user gives three months’ notice before it leaves the zone.
• A licence can be transferred only with the SEZ Authority’s approval.
• Users pay the ordinary Rwandan taxes and follow the labour law.

Where to apply

The Special Economic Zones Authority Department of RDB is on KN 69 Street in Kigali. It is open Monday to Thursday from 9:00 to 17:00 and on Friday from 9:00 to 15:00. Under the 2026 Ministerial Instructions, the request to set up a factory in a zone first goes to the zone operator.