Company Start-up Cost Estimator for Rwanda
The calculator
Government costs in the first year
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Figures checked November 2026. A guide only, not tax, legal or financial advice.
Sources for the calculator
- Office of the Registrar General: Business registration
- Rwanda Development Board: One Stop Centre, investment registration
- Rwanda Revenue Authority: Basic information on Rwanda taxation, 2025
- Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration: Employment permits
- Rwanda Revenue Authority: Pension scheme contribution
What the estimate includes
- Trading licence tax: by annual turnover, from RWF 100,000 for RWF 2 million to 7 million up to RWF 2 million for RWF 50 billion and above. It is due by 31 January.
- Work permits: RWF 150,000 for H1 and H2 permits and RWF 50,000 for H4 regional semi-skilled workers.
- RSSB: the employer’s 6% pension, 2% occupational hazards and 0.3% maternity contributions on each salary.
- Not included: salaries themselves, rent, and lawyers’, accountants’ and agents’ fees, which are agreed privately.
Source: Rwanda Revenue Authority: Basic information on Rwanda taxation, 2025; Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration: Employment permits; Rwanda Revenue Authority: Pension scheme contribution3,4,5
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to register a company in Rwanda?
Nothing. Registration with the Registrar General is free.
What is the trading licence tax?
A yearly tax that depends on turnover, from RWF 100,000 to RWF 2 million.
What does a work permit for foreign staff cost?
RWF 150,000 for each skilled foreign employee.
What does an investment certificate cost?
USD 500 from RDB. It is needed for incentives.
Sources
- Office of the Registrar General: Business registration
- Rwanda Development Board: One Stop Centre, investment registration
- Rwanda Revenue Authority: Basic information on Rwanda taxation, 2025
- Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration: Employment permits
- Rwanda Revenue Authority: Pension scheme contribution
Figures checked 9 November 2026. Prepared by InvestRwanda.com for general information. Not tax, legal or financial advice.
