Rwanda

Business Entrepreneur Permit

Rwanda's Business Entrepreneur Permit allows foreign nationals to live and operate a business in Rwanda without needing an investment certificate from the Rwanda Development Board. It targets entrepreneurs who own or intend to establish an enterprise across sectors including mining, agriculture, manufacturing, hospitality, information technology, transport and logistics, and others. Unlike the Business Investor Permit, it does not require meeting minimum capital thresholds or holding an RDB investment certificate. The permit is issued by the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration (DGIE) and applications are submitted through the IremboGov online platform.

Rwanda permits 100% foreign ownership of companies, has no minimum share capital requirement, and company registration is fully digital through the Rwanda Development Board — the certificate of incorporation is typically issued within six hours.

• Own or intend to establish an enterprise in Rwanda
• Not categorised as an investor under Rwanda's investment laws (i.e., no RDB investment certificate)
• Physical office space with a rental contract (co-working spaces do not qualify)
• Detailed curriculum vitae
• For self-employed professionals (Class C1): membership in a relevant professional body
• Sufficient funds to support yourself in Rwanda (no fixed minimum amount)
• Original police clearance certificate from the country of previous residence (covering at least the last 6 months)

• Detailed curriculum vitae
• Full business registration certificate from RDB
• Original police clearance certificate from country of previous residence (issued within 6 months)
• Application letter addressed to the Director General of Immigration and Emigration
• Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
• For self-employed professionals (C1): professional body membership certificate
• For renewal: trade licence (patente) copy
• For recurring applications (3rd permit onward): tax clearance certificate from the Rwanda Revenue Authority

Before applying for the permit, applicants must: (1) register a company through the RDB's Office of the Registrar General — free, fully digital, with incorporation certificate issued within 6 hours; (2) obtain a trade licence (patente) from the relevant district authority; (3) secure a physical office with a rental contract — co-working spaces are not accepted; (4) arrange a field inspection of the premises with DGIE's Field Inspection and Law Enforcement department before submitting the permit application.

Initial permits are valid up to 2 years. First and second renewals remain at up to 2 years each. After holding at least two prior temporary residence permits, applicants transition to the recurring category, which grants permits valid up to 5 years at a fee of RWF 250,000. Permanent residence is available after 10 years of aggregate legal residence, or immediately for those who deposit USD 500,000 in a Rwandan commercial bank for a minimum of 6 months.

Spouse, children, and close relatives may apply for an M2 (Dependent of Temporary Resident) permit through the same IremboGov platform or DGIE offices. The M2 permit validity matches the principal holder's permit. Fee is RWF 75,000 for new applications (50% of the principal's fee). Required documents include an application letter, marriage or birth certificate, police clearance (for dependants aged 18+), and a copy of the principal applicant's ID.

Rwanda's personal income tax applies on a progressive scale: 0% up to RWF 60,000 per month, 10% on RWF 60,001–100,000, 20% on RWF 100,001–200,000, and 30% above RWF 200,000. The standard corporate income tax rate is 28%. Small businesses with annual turnover of RWF 12–20 million pay a 3% lump sum tax on turnover; micro-enterprises below RWF 12 million pay flat tax amounts. Rwanda has double taxation treaties with several countries.

Foreign nationals may enter Rwanda on a 30-day entry visa available on arrival. A V6 Business Prospecting Visa (90 days, USD 50 single entry or USD 70 multiple entry) is available for exploring business opportunities before committing. Once ready to establish a business, applicants must apply for the permit within 15 days of arrival to avoid penalties.

Submit the permit application through the IremboGov portal (irembo.gov.rw) or in person at the DGIE office. The application fee is RWF 150,000 for new applications (approximately USD 115). Processing time is not explicitly stated; DGIE conducts a field inspection of the business premises as part of the review. A 5-day grace period after permit expiry is allowed before penalties apply.

Links

• https://www.migration.gov.rw/our-services/permit/business-entrepreneur
• https://org.rdb.rw/business-registration/
• https://support.irembo.gov.rw/en/support/solutions/articles/47001199573-how-to-apply-for-a-permit

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