Rwanda spouse visa: the M1 permit for family of Rwandan citizens

The DGIE issues M1 to a foreigner who is a dependant of a Rwandan citizen. The documents it lists show the two main cases: a spouse, proved by a marriage certificate, and a child, proved by a birth or adoption certificate. The permit is valid three years.

Rwanda has no separate marriage visa for entry. The spouse enters on a visitor visa, which allows a change of status, and applies for M1 inside the country.

A new M1 application needs an application letter, the marriage certificate for a spouse or the birth or adoption certificate for a child, and an original police clearance from the country of residence for the previous six months for anyone over 18. Renewal requires only an application letter.

Marriage and birth certificates and police clearances must be officially translated into English or French, and police clearances are accepted only as originals. Immigration officers certify copies of other documents when shown the originals.

Annex IV of Ministerial Order N° 06/01 lists sub-class M1 as free. The DGIE’s dependant page, however, states the fee as half of the principal’s, so check the amount shown on Irembo when you apply. The resident identity card costs FRW 5,000.

The M1 lets the spouse or child live in Rwanda for three years at a time. Renewal is simple, needing only a letter, but must be filed before expiry; the five-day grace period applies after the end date. After ten years of aggregate legal residence, the spouse may apply for the L-1 permanent residence permit; the DGIE asks applicants to contact it before applying.

Rwandan nationality by marriage is governed separately by Organic Law N° 002/2021.OL on Rwandan nationality.