Rwanda

Assured Income Permit (Category K)

Rwanda's Assured Income Permit (Category K) is a temporary residence permit for foreign nationals who have guaranteed passive income and do not intend to work in Rwanda. It is designed for retirees and others who live on pensions, investment returns, social security, or similar assured monthly income. Applicants must be at least 55 years of age and demonstrate a minimum monthly income of USD 5,000. The permit is administered by the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration (DGIE) under the Ministry of Internal Security, with applications submitted through the IremboGov online platform.

• Minimum age of 55 years
• Minimum monthly income of USD 5,000 from passive sources (pension, social security, investment returns, or other guaranteed payments)
• Must not intend to be employed or conduct business in Rwanda
• Valid Rwanda-based medical insurance
• Original police clearance certificate issued within the previous 6 months
• Bank statement from a Rwandan bank demonstrating income deposits

• Detailed curriculum vitae
• Original police clearance certificate from home country (issued within previous 6 months)
• Retirement or pension certificate
• Bank statement from a Rwandan bank
• Application letter addressed to the Director General of Immigration
• Valid local (Rwanda-based) medical insurance
• Passport copy (valid at least 6 months)
• Passport-sized photograph (white background)

The permit is valid for up to 2 years and is renewable. For renewal, applicants must submit a retirement certificate, application letter, 6-month Rwandan bank statement, and valid local health insurance. The same fee of 150,000 RWF (approximately USD 115) applies. A 5-day grace period after permit expiry is allowed before penalties apply. After an aggregate of 10 years of legal residence in Rwanda, permanent residence becomes available.

Spouse and children of Category K holders may apply for a Category M (Dependent Pass) permit. Dependent permits are tied to the principal holder's validity and cannot exceed its expiry date. Applications are submitted through the same IremboGov platform or DGIE offices.

Foreign nationals who reside in Rwanda for 183 or more days in a year are considered tax residents and are subject to tax on worldwide income. Non-residents are taxed only on Rwanda-sourced income. Personal income tax rates are progressive: 0% on the first RWF 720,000 per year, 10% on RWF 720,001–1,200,000, 20% on RWF 1,200,001–2,400,000, and 30% above RWF 2,400,000. Category K holders may not work, so income tax would typically apply only to foreign passive income received while tax resident.

Applicants must first enter Rwanda on an appropriate entry or tourist visa obtained through IremboGov or a Rwandan embassy. Once in Rwanda, apply through the IremboGov platform (irembo.gov.rw) or in person at the DGIE head office in Kigali or a local immigration office. Upload scanned documents including a photo (JPG, max 500KB), passport biodata page (PDF, max 500KB), and application letter with supporting certificates (PDF, max 500KB). Processing takes approximately 7 to 10 days. Once approved, the permit must be collected from the DGIE office or local immigration office. The application fee is 150,000 RWF.

First-time applicants have a 15-day grace period upon arrival in Rwanda to complete their permit application. Importantly, applicants must open a Rwandan bank account before applying, as a local bank statement is required to demonstrate income.

Links

• https://www.migration.gov.rw/our-services/permit/other-permits
• https://businessprocedures.rdb.rw/procedure/112/138?l=en
• https://support.irembo.gov.rw/en/support/solutions/articles/47001199573-how-to-apply-for-a-permit

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