Rwanda family reunification: dependant permits M2 and M3

Ministerial Order N° 06/01 states that a temporary residence permit enables a foreigner to reside in Rwanda with his or her family. The family members obtain their own permit in class M. M2 is for the dependant of a temporary residence permit holder and has the same validity as the principal’s permit. M3 is for a close relative, or any other person who may be considered a family member, of a permanent residence permit holder.

Spouses of permanent residence holders and their children aged 25 or over have their own permanent classes (L-5 and L-6), and the dependant of a Rwandan citizen uses M1.

A new M2 application needs an application letter, a marriage certificate for a spouse, a birth or adoption certificate for a child, an original police clearance for anyone over 18 from the country of residence for the previous six months, and a copy of the principal’s identity card. Renewal needs only the application letter and a copy of the principal’s identity card.

An M3 application needs an application letter, a police clearance for anyone over 18 and a detailed CV for those over 18. Marriage and birth certificates and police clearances must be officially translated into English or French; police clearances must be originals.

Annex IV of Ministerial Order N° 06/01 sets the M2 and M3 fee at half of what the principal applicant paid. For the family of an H2 worker or an investor on a FRW 150,000 permit, each dependant therefore pays FRW 75,000. M2 runs as long as the principal’s permit, M3 for three years. EAC citizens pay no permit fees, and a resident identity card costs FRW 5,000.

Family members enter on visitor visas and the application is filed on Irembo once the principal’s permit is approved or together with it. The 15-day grace period for first-time applicants applies after arrival. Because M2 expires with the principal’s permit, renew both together.