RwandaBusiness and self-employment

Rwanda business visa: meetings, conferences and frequent business trips

Business survey visa (V6), conference and meetings visa (V5) and itinerant business visa (V9)

In short

Business travel to Rwanda uses three visitor classes: the V6 business survey visa for prospective investors, entrepreneurs and traders (USD 50 single or USD 70 multiple entry, 90 days), the V5 conference visa (USD 50, 30 days) and the V9 itinerant business visa for non-resident investors and board members (USD 200, valid two to ten years). None of them allows employment.

Apply on Irembo - Rwanda government services portal (DGIE visas and permits) checked 24 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
V6: 90 days; V5: 30 days; V9: multiple visits over its validity
Validity
V6 90 days (renewable once), V5 30 days, V9 two to ten years
Fee
US$50V6 single entry and V5; V6 multiple entry USD 70; V9 USD 200. V5 is free for AU, Commonwealth and Francophonie nationals.
Work
No employment on V5 or V6
Family
Dependants are not covered by V6 or V9
Where to apply
V6: Rwandan mission or DGIE; V5: also on arrival and online; V9: DGIE headquarters

Choosing the right business class

The V6 business survey visa is issued to a prospective investor, entrepreneur or trader who visits Rwanda to explore business opportunities. It is single or multiple entry, valid 90 days and renewable once. Work is not allowed, dependants are not covered and a change of status is not allowed on this class.

The V5 visa is for a foreigner entering for a conference, meeting, workshop or related activity. It is single entry, valid 30 days and allows a change of status. The V9 itinerant business visa is for a foreign investor, board member or representative of a multinational company who does not live in Rwanda but has significant business there and visits regularly. It is multiple entry, valid two to ten years, renewable and allows a change of status.

Fees

Under Annex IV of Ministerial Order N° 06/01 and the DGIE visa pages, the V6 costs USD 50 for a single entry and USD 70 for multiple entries. The V5 costs USD 50 and is free for nationals of AU, Commonwealth and Francophonie states. The V9 costs USD 200.

Visa fees are processing fees and are not refunded if the application is refused or withdrawn.

Where each visa is issued

The V6 is issued at a Rwandan diplomatic mission in your country of residence, at the DGIE or at another place the DGIE determines; it is requested online on Irembo. The V5 can also be obtained on arrival at the border and online. The V9 is issued only at DGIE headquarters in Kigali.

Rwandan embassy guidance notes that no invitation letter is required for a business visa. Carry a passport valid at least six months on entry and be ready to show you can fund your stay.

  1. Pick the class: V6 to explore opportunities, V5 for a conference, V9 for regular trips by a non-resident investor or board member.
  2. Apply on Irembo or at the Rwandan mission; for a V9 apply at DGIE headquarters in Kigali.
  3. Pay the fee online, at the mission by bank transfer, or at the border for a V5.
  4. Enter Rwanda with your passport and approval.
  5. If you will stay to run a business, prepare the residence permit file and contact DGIE about a field inspection.

Forms

From business visit to residence

If you decide to set up or invest in a company, you need a temporary residence permit in an investor or entrepreneur class. Because the V6 does not allow a change of status, investors who arrived on it should check with DGIE whether they must leave and re-enter or can apply directly; the V5 and V9 allow a change of status while the visa is valid.

The DGIE advises investors and entrepreneurs to contact its Field Inspection and Law Enforcement department to arrange a site visit before applying for a residence permit.

Documents

Required documents

Travel

  • Passport valid at least six months on entry

Money

  • Visa fee (USD 50, USD 70 or USD 200 depending on the class)

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Money

  • Proof of funds if requested

Work

  • Conference or meeting details for a V5
  • Evidence of significant business activity in Rwanda for a V9

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an invitation letter for a Rwandan business visa?

Rwandan embassy guidance states that no invitation letter is required.

Can I work in Rwanda on a business survey visa?

No. The V6 does not permit work. Employment needs a residence permit.

What is the V9 itinerant business visa?

A multiple-entry visa costing USD 200, valid two to ten years, for investors, board members and representatives of multinationals who do not live in Rwanda but visit regularly. It is issued at DGIE headquarters.

Can I get a conference visa on arrival?

Yes. The V5 is issued on arrival, online, at DGIE or at a Rwandan mission and is valid 30 days.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Rwanda

Visits and short stays

Business and self-employment

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: Length of studies, renewed yearly

Work

Family

Residence

Online travel permits

  • Visa on arrival Maximum stay: 30 days; 90 days on a multiple-entry visa or for listed visa-waiver countries; six months for EAC citizens
  • e-Visa Maximum stay: Depends on the class: 30 or 90 days for visitors, 72 hours for transit

Protection

Rwanda visa guide