Residency Pathfinder for Rwanda
Which class fits you
| Your situation | Class | New permit fee | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| You invest through a company with an RDB investment certificate | A1, B1, F1, O1, W1, X1 or Z1 (investor) | RWF 150,000 | Up to 2 years |
| You run your own business without an investment certificate | A2, B2, F2, O2, W2, X2 or Z2 (entrepreneur) | RWF 150,000 | Up to 2 years |
| You trade in goods or services | G1 (EAC and CEPGL citizens) or G2 (others) | RWF 150,000 | Up to 2 years |
| You practise a regulated profession on your own account | C1 (self-employed) | RWF 150,000 | Two years onwards |
| A Rwandan employer hires you | H2, or H1 for jobs on the occupations in demand list | RWF 150,000 | 2 years (H1: up to 3) |
| Your company transfers you to its Rwandan office | Q1 (intra-company transfer) | RWF 150,000 | 1 year |
| You retire to Rwanda or live on your own income | K (assured income) | RWF 150,000 | Up to 2 years |
| You join a spouse or parent who holds a permit | M2 (or M1 for family of a Rwandan) | Half the principal’s fee | Same as the principal |
| You have lived in Rwanda legally for ten years in total | L-1 (permanent) | RWF 300,000 | Permanent |
After two permits: the recurring class
Investors, entrepreneurs and traders who have held a temporary permit in the same class at least twice can apply for the recurring class (A3, B3, F3, G3, O3, W3, X3 or Z3). It costs RWF 250,000, lasts up to five years and needs a tax clearance certificate from the Rwanda Revenue Authority. DGIE decides on the applicant’s ability to run the business and financial capacity.
Rules that apply to everyone
- Apply for a first permit within 15 days of arrival. After a permit expires there are 5 days of grace before penalties.
- Diplomas, police clearances, marriage and birth certificates must be officially translated into English or French. The police clearance must be the original.
- Citizens of East African Community countries pay no fee for a residence permit.
- Investors and entrepreneurs should ask DGIE Field Inspection for a site visit before applying.
- Fees are not refunded if an application is refused.
If you are not sure
DGIE asks applicants who are unsure of their class to contact it before applying, at permit@migration.gov.rw. The head office is on KG 7 Avenue in Kigali, open Monday to Friday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of residence permit does Rwanda issue?
Two kinds: temporary and permanent. Temporary permits are issued by class, for investors, entrepreneurs, the self-employed, employees, retirees and family members.
How much do most temporary permits cost?
RWF 150,000 for most new temporary permits.
How long does a permit take on IremboGov?
About 7 days. A first permit must be requested within 15 days of arrival.
Sources
- Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration: Permits, general information
- Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration: Business investor and entrepreneur permits
- IremboGov: How to apply for a permit
- Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration: Employment permits
- Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration: Ministerial Order N°06/01 of 29/05/2019 relating to immigration and emigration (PDF)
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.
