Permanent Residence in Rwanda
The seven classes
| Class | For | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| L-1 | A foreigner who has lived in Rwanda legally for ten years in total | RWF 300,000 |
| L-2 | A foreigner who made an exceptional contribution to Rwanda, or is of particular interest to it | Free |
| L-3 | Senior staff of a multinational of special interest, working in Rwanda | RWF 300,000 |
| L-4 | A member of the Rwandan community abroad whose new nationality bars dual nationality | RWF 150,000 |
| L-5 | The spouse of a permanent resident | Half of the principal’s fee |
| L-6 | The child of a permanent resident, at 25 | Half of the principal’s fee |
| L-7 | A foreigner in need of protection, on humanitarian grounds | RWF 50,000 |
Rights and loss of the permit
The holder and his or her family may stay in Rwanda under the Order. A permit may be cancelled if the holder is convicted of a felony, stays outside Rwanda for more than three consecutive years (unless abroad in the service of the State), or for reasons of national security.
How to apply
DGIE does not publish a document list for permanent permits. It asks applicants to contact it first, at permit@migration.gov.rw. Applications go through IremboGov, like temporary permits. Keep copies of every temporary permit you hold: they are the evidence of your years of residence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for permanent residence in Rwanda?
Class L-1 requires 10 years of legal residence in total. L-2 is for exceptional contribution and L-3 for senior multinational staff, among 7 classes.
What does permanent residence cost?
RWF 300,000 for classes L-1 and L-3.
Can a permanent residence permit be cancelled?
Yes, after 3 years of absence abroad.
Sources
- Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration: Ministerial Order N°06/01 of 29/05/2019 relating to immigration and emigration (PDF)
- Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration: Permanent permits
- IremboGov: How to apply for a permit
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.
