Business Investor Permit

Rwanda's Business Investor Permit enables foreign nationals to reside in Rwanda on the basis of a registered investment. The primary prerequisite is obtaining an investment certificate from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) before applying for the residence permit. The program covers all major economic sectors including mining, agriculture, manufacturing, hospitality, information technology, transport and logistics, and others. The permit is administered by the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration (DGIE), while investment certificates are issued by the RDB One Stop Centre.

There is no minimum capital requirement for registering an investment project with RDB — registration is open to all investors regardless of investment size. However, investors who commit at least USD 1,000,000 to a registered project, or who own luxury property worth at least USD 500,000, qualify for permanent residence under the high net worth individual pathway.

• Valid investment certificate from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB)
• Registered investment in an eligible economic sector
• No minimum capital threshold for the standard temporary residence permit
• For permanent residence (high net worth individual): minimum USD 1,000,000 investment in a registered project, or USD 500,000 in luxury property
• Original police clearance certificate from country of previous residence (covering at least 6 months)
• For recurring permits: tax clearance certificate from Rwanda Revenue Authority

• Application letter
• Detailed curriculum vitae
• Full business registration certificate
• Investment certificate from RDB
• Original police clearance certificate from country of previous residence (covering at least 6 months)
• Copy of passport biodata page
• Passport-sized photograph (white background)
• For recurring applications: copy of trade licence and tax clearance certificate from Rwanda Revenue Authority

Before applying for the residence permit, investors must register their investment with the RDB One Stop Centre and obtain an investment certificate. Required documents for RDB registration include: application letter to the RDB CEO, business plan or feasibility study, certificate of legal personality, sector-specific business licence, and a registration fee of USD 500. RDB issues the investment certificate within two working days of a complete application. The investment certificate is valid for five years and is renewable.

Initial and first two permits are valid up to 2 years each at a fee of RWF 150,000. After holding at least two prior temporary permits, applicants qualify for the recurring category (valid up to 5 years, fee RWF 250,000). For renewal, a tax clearance certificate from the Rwanda Revenue Authority must be provided, confirming tax compliance. A 5-day grace period follows permit expiry before penalties apply.

High net worth investors (USD 1,000,000 investment or USD 500,000 luxury property) are eligible for permanent residence, and after five years of permanent residence may apply for Rwandan nationality by acquisition.

Spouse and children may apply for dependent permits through DGIE, processed separately from the main investor's application. Dependants are subject to their own requirements and fees.

Corporate income tax is levied at 30% on resident companies, with preferential rates of 0% or 15% and tax holidays of up to 7 years available for registered investors in priority sectors. Individual income tax applies on a progressive scale up to 30%. Investors committing USD 250,000 or more may recruit up to three foreign employees without labour market testing.

The process involves two stages. First, register the investment with RDB at the One Stop Centre (osc.rdb.rw) and obtain an investment certificate. Second, apply for the residence permit through the IremboGov platform (irembo.gov.rw), selecting "Application for a permit" under Immigration and Emigration services. Upload required documents and pay the application fee of RWF 150,000. DGIE processes applications in approximately 7 days. Investor applicants are advised to contact DGIE's Field Inspection and Law Enforcement Department to arrange a premises visit before submitting the application.

Foreign investors must first enter Rwanda on a business visa (Class V5 for investors or V6 for prospecting) before applying for the residence permit. First-time applicants receive a 15-day grace period upon arrival before penalties for delayed application apply.