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Residency

Living and Working in Rwanda

Every permit route issued by the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration, and the practical guides for moving.

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Residency

Living and Working in Rwanda

  • Residency pathfinder

    Match your plans to the right visa or permit class, with the fee and the validity.

    2 Kinds of residence permit: temporary and permanent

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  • Investor permits

    For foreigners who invest through a company with an RDB investment certificate.

    RWF 150,000 Fee for a new investor permit

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  • Entrepreneur permits

    For foreigners who run their own business in Rwanda, and for traders.

    RWF 150,000 Fee for a new entrepreneur or trader permit

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  • Self-employed permits

    Class C1, for professionals who work on their own account.

    RWF 150,000 Fee for a C1 permit

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  • Work permits

    The employment classes, from H2 employer-sponsored staff to Q1 transfers.

    RWF 150,000 Fee for H1, H2 and most employment classes

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  • Dependants

    Classes M1 to M3, for spouses, children and close relatives.

    50 % Of the principal’s fee, for M2 and M3

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  • Permanent residence

    The L classes, from ten years of residence to senior multinational staff.

    10 years Legal residence in total for class L-1

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  • Visas on arrival

    Every nationality can get a visa at the border. Many pay nothing.

    USD 50 Single-entry visitor visa, 30 days

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  • Moving to Rwanda

    What to do before you leave, and in your first weeks and months.

    15 days To apply for a first residence permit after arrival

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  • Cost of living

    Inflation, household prices and what drives them, from the national statistics office.

    17.2 % Urban inflation, September 2026 on a year earlier

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  • Healthcare and insurance

    The RSSB medical scheme, Mutuelle de Santé and the cover permits ask for.

    15 % RSSB medical contribution, 7.5 % employer and 7.5 % employee

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  • International schools

    How NESA accredits international schools and what parents should check.

    76 Schools with international programmes inspected by NESA in 2024/25

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  • Driving licence

    Twelve months on a foreign licence, then the police exchange.

    12 months Time a resident may drive on a foreign licence

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  • Citizenship rules

    Residence, marriage and investment routes, with fees on Irembo.

    15 years Consecutive residence for the residence route

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  • Embassies

    Rwanda's missions abroad and the foreign missions in Kigali.

    49 Rwandan diplomatic missions abroad, plus one consulate-general

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  • Irembo applications

    The online permit application, from upload to collection.

    7 days Processing time for a permit application

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a residence permit cost in Rwanda?

Most new temporary residence permits, including investor, entrepreneur and most work permits, cost RWF 150,000. Permanent residence in classes L-1 and L-3 costs RWF 300,000, and dependant permits cost half of the principal’s fee.

When must a newcomer apply for a residence permit?

A foreigner who arrives to live in Rwanda has a 15-day grace period to apply for a first residence permit. Applications are made on IremboGov and take about 7 days to process.

Can I get a visa on arrival in Rwanda?

Yes. Every nationality can get a visa on arrival: USD 50 for a 30-day single entry or USD 70 for a 90-day multiple entry. Citizens of the African Union, the Commonwealth and the Francophonie get a free 30-day visa.

After how long can a foreigner get permanent residence in Rwanda?

Class L-1 permanent residence is for foreigners with ten years of legal residence in total. Other L classes cover an exceptional contribution to Rwanda and senior staff of multinationals, among others.

Business directory

Advisers for Permits and Relocation

Companies listed in the InvestRwanda.com directory, featured members first. Choose a type of company, or search by city and keyword.

Ishema Bridge Consults

Company Registration

Gasabo

Ishema Bridge Consults is a Kigali-based business services company supporting foreign investors, entrepreneurs and companies entering Rwanda and Kenya. Its serv...

Kigali Business Setup

Company Registration

Kicukiro

Kigali Business Setup helps entrepreneurs, investors and expatriates establish businesses in Rwanda and manage ongoing compliance. Its services include RDB comp...

Adili Group

Company Secretarial Services

Gasabo

Adili Group provides corporate advisory and business support services, with an office in Kigali at KG 501 ST, 8, Kabare, Kamatamu, Kacyiru. Its services include...

Worldwide Movers Africa

Relocation Services

Kicukiro

Worldwide Movers Africa provides international relocations by air, sea and road, local household and office moves, packing and crating, storage, customs clearan...

All 5 Immigration Consultants Add Your Company

Next step

Get the Paperwork Right First Time

Immigration consultants, lawyers and relocation companies, in the InvestRwanda.com directory.

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