Entrepreneur Residence Permits in Rwanda
The classes
| Activity | New permit | Recurring permit |
|---|---|---|
| Prospecting, mining and related activities | A2 | A3-2 |
| Agriculture, animal husbandry and related activities | B2 | B3-2 |
| Manufacturing and processing | F2 | F3-2 |
| Hospitality and related activities | O2 | O3-2 |
| Information technology and related activities | W2 | W3-2 |
| Transport and logistics | X2 | X3-2 |
| Any other sector | Z2 | Z3-2 |
| Trade in goods or services, EAC and CEPGL citizens | G1 | G3-1 |
| Trade in goods or services, citizens of other countries | G2 | G3-2 |
CEPGL is the Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries: Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda.
Documents for a new permit
- An application letter and a detailed curriculum vitae.
- The full business registration certificate.
- An original police clearance from the country where you lived for the previous six months.
- For G2 traders, a recognised travel document valid for at least six more months.
To renew, DGIE asks for a copy of the trading licence (patente).
The recurring permit
After holding a permit in the same class at least twice, you can apply for the recurring class. It costs RWF 250,000, lasts up to five years and needs a tax clearance certificate from the Rwanda Revenue Authority. Under the 2019 Ministerial Order, DGIE grants it after assessing your ability to run the business and your financial capacity.
Investor or entrepreneur?
The difference is the RDB investment certificate. If your company holds one, apply as an investor (A1 to Z1). The certificate costs USD 500 and opens tax incentives, so it is worth weighing before you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which classes cover entrepreneurs and traders?
Classes A2 to Z2 for entrepreneurs by sector, and G1 and G2 for traders.
What does an entrepreneur permit cost?
RWF 150,000 for a new permit, valid for up to 2 years.
How is an entrepreneur permit renewed?
DGIE asks for a copy of the trading licence (patente). After that, a recurring permit for RWF 250,000 is valid for 5 years.
Sources
- Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration: Business investor and entrepreneur permits
- Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration: Ministerial Order N°06/01 of 29/05/2019 relating to immigration and emigration (PDF)
- Rwanda Development Board: One Stop Centre, investment registration
Figures checked 8 November 2026. Prepared by InvestRwanda.com for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.
