Rwanda entrepreneur visa: permits for business owners and the self-employed

The DGIE’s business entrepreneur page covers foreigners who engage in business on their own account or in partnership. The sector classes mirror the investor classes: A2 for mining prospecting, B2 for agriculture and animal husbandry, F2 for manufacturing and processing, O2 for hospitality, W2 for information technology, X2 for transport and logistics and Z2 for any other sector. Each has a recurring class (A3-2 to Z3-2) for those who have held a permit at least twice.

Traders of goods or services use G1 if they are nationals of the region (EAC, CEPGL or another country designated by the relevant organs) and G2 if they come from outside the region; G3 classes are the recurring versions. A self-employed foreigner practising a prescribed profession, such as a regulated professional, uses C1, which additionally requires membership of a registered professional body. Unlike investors, entrepreneurs do not need a company investment certificate.

A first application needs a detailed CV, the full business registration certificate, an original police clearance from the country of residence for the previous six months and an application letter; G2 applicants also show a travel document valid at least six months, and C1 applicants a certificate of membership of a registered professional body. Renewal needs a copy of the trade licence (patente). A recurring five-year application needs a tax clearance certificate from the Rwanda Revenue Authority and an application letter.

First and renewal permits in the entrepreneur, trader and C1 classes cost FRW 150,000 and are valid up to two years (C1: two years onwards). Recurring permits cost FRW 250,000 and are valid five years; Ministerial Order N° 06/01 makes the five-year permit subject to the DGIE’s assessment of the applicant’s ability to run the business and financial capacity. EAC citizens pay no permit fee, and fees are not refunded.

If the business was registered before you entered Rwanda, apply within 15 working days of arrival. If you register after entering and decide to stay, apply within 15 working days of registration. The DGIE recommends arranging a field visit with its Field Inspection and Law Enforcement department before applying.

While the business is being set up, the R special pass (FRW 50,000, three months) is available to a self-employed person who has not yet obtained a residence permit.