Uganda retirement and independent means permit (Class H)

Class H is the entry permit for 'ordinary residents': foreign nationals who want to live in Uganda on an income earned elsewhere, such as a pension, annuity, rental income or investment returns abroad, and who will not work. It suits retirees, people living on family wealth and spouses who do not qualify as dependants. NCIC does not set an age limit.

The key condition is a formal undertaking: you sign a letter promising not to accept employment of any kind or engage in any income-generating activity in Uganda. Anyone who wants to run a business or take a job needs a different entry permit class.

Besides the income proof and the undertaking, NCIC asks for the passport bio-data page, a recent photo, a covering or application letter written by you, a police clearance from Interpol or your home country issued within the last six months, and your current immigration status in Uganda. Unlike employment classes, there is no employer sponsor and no organisation code: you apply in your own name.

You must give documentary proof of an assured income of not less than USD 36,000 per year, which works out at USD 3,000 a month. NCIC does not list specific document types, so use evidence that shows both the amount and that it is regular and continuing: pension award letters, annuity statements, rental agreements with bank records or investment income statements, together with bank statements showing the payments arriving. Documents must be in English.

NCIC charges USD 750 for 6 months, USD 1,500 for 12 months, USD 3,000 for 24 months and USD 4,500 for 36 months, stating that the 24 and 36-month fees include a non-refundable USD 1,500. Online payments carry a 3% surcharge. Dependant passes for family members are charged separately: USD 350 for a spouse and USD 200 for a child.

Most applicants first come to Uganda on a single-entry visa, since an entry permit approval alone does not allow you to enter the country. Apply for class H on visas.immigration.go.ug under Permit, upload the documents, pay, and after approval report to the immigration office for biometrics with your passport, receipts and approval letter. Renew online before expiry. A long stay on class H can count towards the 10 years of continuous legal residence required for a certificate of residence.