Investor Residence Permits in Rwanda
Step by step
How to apply for an investor permit in Rwanda
The residence permit for a foreigner who invests through a company with an RDB investment certificate. A new permit costs RWF 150,000 and lasts up to two years.
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Get the investment certificate
The company first obtains an investment certificate from the RDB One Stop Centre.
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Choose the class
Pick the class for your sector, for example F1 for manufacturing or W1 for information technology.
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Prepare the documents
Prepare an application letter, a detailed CV, the company registration certificate, the investment certificate and a police clearance.
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Apply on IremboGov
Apply online on IremboGov once you are in Rwanda, within 15 days of arrival, and pay the billing number.
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Collect the permit
Collect the permit from DGIE or the immigration office where you live once it is approved.
The classes
| Sector | New permit | Recurring permit |
|---|---|---|
| Minerals, mining and related activities | A1 | A3-1 |
| Agriculture, animal husbandry and related activities | B1 | B3-1 |
| Manufacturing and processing | F1 | F3-1 |
| Hospitality and related activities | O1 | O3-1 |
| Information technology and related activities | W1 | W3-1 |
| Transport and logistics | X1 | X3-1 |
| Any other sector | Z1 | Z3-1 |
Figures checked November 2026. A guide only, not tax, legal or financial advice.
Sources for the calculator
- Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration: Employment permits
- Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration: Business investor and entrepreneur permits
- Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration: Other permits
- Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration: Permanent permits
- Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration: Dependant permits
- Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration: Permits, general information
- Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration: Ministerial Order N°06/01 of 29/05/2019 relating to immigration and emigration (PDF)
Documents for a new permit
- An application letter and a detailed curriculum vitae.
- The full business registration certificate of the company.
- The investment certificate of the company.
- An original police clearance from the country where you lived for the previous six months.
To renew, DGIE asks for a copy of the trading licence (patente). For the recurring permit, it asks for a tax clearance certificate from the Rwanda Revenue Authority.
The investment certificate
The certificate comes from the RDB One Stop Centre. The fee is USD 500 and RDB sets no minimum capital. An investor of at least USD 250,000 may also recruit three foreign employees without a labour-market test.
Before you apply
DGIE advises investors to contact its Field Inspection unit for a site visit before applying. The application itself is made online on IremboGov once you are in Rwanda, within 15 days of arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an investor residence permit cost in Rwanda?
RWF 150,000 for a new permit, valid for up to 2 years.
How many investor permit classes are there?
Seven sector classes, from A1 for mining to Z1 for any other sector.
Is there a longer investor permit?
Yes. The recurring permit costs RWF 250,000 and is valid for up to five years. The RDB investment certificate, at USD 500, is among the documents asked for.
Sources
- Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration: Business investor permits
- Rwanda Development Board: One Stop Centre, investment registration
- Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration: Permits, general information
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.
