Rwanda retirement visa: the class K assured income permit

Annex II of Ministerial Order N° 06/01 defines class K as a person with assured income, including a retired person, who does not intend to be employed in Rwanda. The DGIE lists it among its other permits. It suits pensioners and people living on investment, rental or other passive income who want to live in Rwanda.

The DGIE does not publish a minimum income or minimum account balance for this permit. The financial test is made through the documents: a retirement certificate and a bank statement from a bank in Rwanda.

A first application needs a detailed CV, an original police clearance from the country of residence for the previous six months, a retirement certificate, a bank statement from a bank in Rwanda, an application letter and local medical insurance from Rwanda. Renewal needs the retirement certificate, an application letter, a Rwandan bank statement covering the six preceding months and Rwandan medical insurance.

Because both the bank statement and the insurance must be Rwandan, the practical order is to open a local bank account and buy local insurance after arrival, then file the application. Police clearances must be originals, and foreign documents must be officially translated into English or French.

The permit costs FRW 150,000 and is valid up to two years, renewable on application. Once approved, the holder applies for a resident identity card for FRW 5,000. EAC citizens pay no permit fee, and fees are not refunded after a refusal.

Enter on a visitor visa, which allows a change of status. The DGIE allows first-time applicants 15 days after arrival before penalties apply, so prepare the Rwandan bank account and insurance promptly; if more time is needed, the visitor visa must be extended or a new status obtained before it expires.

After ten years of aggregate legal residence, a class K holder may apply for the L-1 permanent residence permit (FRW 300,000). The DGIE asks applicants for permanent permits to contact it before applying.