Rwanda work permit: classes, documents and fees

Annex II of Ministerial Order N° 06/01 sorts employees into classes by employer and profile. H1 covers a skilled worker in an occupation on the Occupation in Demand List who has the qualifications and relevant experience. H2 covers a skilled worker sponsored by an employer. H3 is for accredited journalists and media representatives, H4 for semi-skilled workers or artisans from countries in the region, H5 for staff of international or regional organisations, H6 for employees under a special agreement or reciprocity, and H7 for independent professional researchers.

Other classes cover government and parastatal employees (E1), technical assistance under bilateral agreements (E2), professional players and artists (C2), NGO employees (N2) and workers holding refugee status in another country who found a job in Rwanda (J). The R special pass, valid three months for FRW 50,000, covers short jobs of up to 90 days and workers who have not yet obtained their residence permit.

A new H2 application needs certified academic certificates, an original police clearance from the country where you lived for the previous six months, a copy of the employment contract, a recommendation letter from the employer and a detailed CV. The H1 list is the same, with the contract, certificates, employer recommendation, CV and police clearance. Renewal for both needs only a copy of the contract and a new employer recommendation letter.

Diplomas and police clearances must be officially translated into English or French, and police clearances are accepted in the original only. Immigration officers certify copies of other documents when you show the originals. The DGIE may ask for any additional document it considers necessary.

Under Annex IV of Ministerial Order N° 06/01, H1, H2, H3, H5, H7, N2 and J permits cost FRW 150,000. H4 costs FRW 50,000, E2 and C2 FRW 100,000, and E1 FRW 150,000 or free depending on the agreement concerned; H6 fees follow reciprocity. Citizens of East African Community states do not pay residence permit fees.

After approval a resident identity card is issued for FRW 5,000. Fees are processing fees and are not refunded after a refusal or withdrawal.

A foreigner hired from abroad for more than 90 days must apply within 15 working days of entering Rwanda; one who signs a contract while already in Rwanda applies within 15 working days of signing. The DGIE warns that after the first 15 days penalties apply immediately. A complete application should lead to a permit within ten days.

A temporary residence permit allows the holder to live in Rwanda with family, to work, set up a business or invest within the activity authorised, and to enter and leave as often as needed. It may not exceed the length of the employment contract.

A work permit holder may change employer during the permit’s validity after informing the DGIE in writing; at renewal, a resignation or termination letter from the previous employer must be produced. A worker or self-employed person whose permit is renewable is normally granted two years; after holding a permit in the same category at least twice, a five-year permit may be issued depending on the DGIE’s assessment.