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Rwanda intra-company transfer permit (Q1)

Residence permit for intra-company transfer and multinational staff (class Q1)

In short

The Q1 permit covers a foreigner sent by a company or organisation to its affiliate registered in Rwanda for a defined assignment, and a foreigner working for a multinational or regional company with its international or regional office in Rwanda. It costs FRW 150,000, is valid one year and is renewable only in exceptional circumstances.

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

Key facts

Maximum stay
One year; the permit cannot exceed the employment contract
Validity
One year, renewable in exceptional circumstances
Fee
RWF 150,000Annex IV of Ministerial Order N° 06/01. Q2 (recurring short assignments while living abroad) costs FRW 250,000.
Processing time
Within ten days of a complete application
Work
Yes, for the host company or organisation named in the file
Family
Dependants can apply for M2 permits with the same validity
Where to apply
In Rwanda via Irembo, within 15 working days of entry

Who qualifies for Q1

Q1 has two groups. The first is a foreigner assigned by a home company or organisation to its affiliated company or organisation registered in Rwanda to carry out a specific assignment for a defined period. The second is a foreigner who works for a multinational or regional company that has its international or regional office in Rwanda.

Article 19 of Ministerial Order N° 06/01 adds specific requirements for this sub-class, separate from those of ordinary employment permits.

Required documents

The Order requires proof of affiliation between the foreign or international company transferring the employee and the Rwandan company or organisation where the employee is placed; an employment contract with the foreign company that is not shorter than the expected stay in Rwanda; a criminal record certificate; a recommendation letter from the Rwandan company accepting the transfer and stating the occupation and duration of employment; and proof of payment of the fee.

The DGIE’s checklist also asks for a detailed CV and an original police clearance from the country of residence for the previous six months. Renewal requires the proof of affiliation and the employment contract again. Police clearances must be originals, officially translated into English or French where needed.

Required documents

Identity

  • Original police clearance for the previous six months

Money

  • Proof of payment of FRW 150,000

Work

  • Proof of affiliation between the sending company and the Rwandan host company or organisation
  • Employment contract with the foreign company, not shorter than the planned stay
  • Recommendation letter from the Rwandan host stating occupation and duration
  • Detailed curriculum vitae

Fee and validity

The Q1 costs FRW 150,000 and is valid for one year, renewable only in exceptional circumstances. Like every temporary residence permit, it may not run longer than the employment contract. A related class, Q2, covers a foreigner who lives abroad but travels to Rwanda regularly for short periods to carry out a continued fixed assignment; it costs FRW 250,000, is valid one year and needs a mission order and a recommendation letter from the hosting company.

Timing and procedure

A transferee hired abroad for more than 90 days applies within 15 working days of entering Rwanda. The application is lodged on Irembo, and the DGIE aims to issue a permit within ten days of a complete file. After approval the holder obtains a resident identity card for FRW 5,000.

  1. Have the sending company and the Rwandan affiliate document their corporate link.
  2. Prepare the assignment contract and the host company’s recommendation letter.
  3. Obtain an original police clearance and arrange translations.
  4. Enter Rwanda and apply on Irembo within 15 working days.
  5. Pay FRW 150,000 and attach the proof of payment.
  6. Collect the permit and apply for the resident ID card.

Forms

Frequently asked questions

How long is a Q1 permit valid?

One year, renewable only in exceptional circumstances.

Does the contract have to be with the Rwandan company?

No. The Order requires a contract with the foreign company that is at least as long as the planned stay, plus a recommendation letter from the Rwandan host.

What if I only visit Rwanda for short repeated assignments?

The Q2 class covers foreigners living abroad who come regularly for a continued fixed assignment; it costs FRW 250,000 for one year.

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

  • Business visa Maximum stay: V6: 90 days; V5: 30 days; V9: multiple visits over its validity
  • Investor visa Maximum stay: Up to two years per first permit; five years for recurring applicants
  • Entrepreneur and start-up visa Maximum stay: Up to two years per permit; five years for recurring applicants

Study and training

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

Work

  • Job seeker visa Maximum stay: 90 days, renewable
  • Work visa Maximum stay: Duration of the permit; never longer than the employment contract

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