Visiting or Working in Rwanda? Here’s How Easy It Is To Acquire a Visa or Work Permit

The Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration is the governing body responsible for handling immigration and Emigration matters in Rwanda. This office is tasked with issuing visas, passports, and other immigration documents, as well as regulating immigration procedures. The primary categories of visas include the Entry Visa, the Resident Visa or Work Permit, and the Visitor’s Visa.

Entry into Rwanda and Entry Visa

As part of Rwanda’s significant efforts to promote investment, since January 2018, nationals from all countries have been eligible to receive visas on arrival at Kigali International Airport and all land borders. Citizens of Member States of the African Union, Commonwealth, and Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie are entitled to a visa free of charge for a period of thirty (30) days. Citizens of East African Community Member States (Uganda, South Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, and Burundi) are issued a pass/entry visa free of charge upon arrival for a period of six (6) months. Additionally, citizens of Uganda and Kenya can use their National Identity Cards to gain entry into Rwanda with an interstate pass.

For foreigners wishing to drive their vehicles into Rwanda, the following documents are required at the border post: vehicle logbook, letter of authorization from the vehicle owner (if applicable), a copy of the passport or national ID (for East Africans), COMESA insurance, and a valid driving license.

Work/Resident Permits

Work permits, also referred to as resident permits, are categorized based on the type of work an individual will engage in, either independently or under an employment contract. Individuals employed by a specific employer in Rwanda are required to obtain a visa categorized under Class H. Business owners qualify for the permit categorized under Class G. Business owners who are nationals of East African Community (EAC) or Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries (CEPGL) qualify for Permit sub-class G1, which is free of charge. Business owners who are not nationals of EAC or CEPGL qualify for Permit sub-class G2, which requires a fee. The main requirements for the application of Permit G include:

• A genuine acceptable travel document valid for at least six months
• Passport photo with a white background
• Visa/Permit application form
• Application letter addressed to the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration
• Company Registration Certificate
• Criminal Record Certificate from the country of residence for the past six months
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Application fees for foreigners applying for Visa sub-class G2

This work permit is valid for two years and is renewable upon application.

Dependent Pass

Dependents (such as children or a spouse) of individuals with a temporary resident permit will be issued a Dependent Pass sub-class M2. The requirements for this permit include:

• A genuine acceptable travel document valid for at least six months
• Application letter
• Visa/Permit application form
• Passport photo with a white background
• Copy of marriage certificate (for dependent spouse)
• Copy of birth certificate (for dependent children)
• Criminal Record Certificate from the country of residence for the past six months (for applicants over 18 years)
• Copy of the principal applicant’s work permit

This permit has the same validity as the principal applicant’s work permit and is renewable upon application.

Visitor’s Visa

The Visitor’s Visa includes various categories:

1. Itinerant Business: For foreign investors, board members, or representatives of multinational companies with significant business activities in Rwanda, the Itinerant Business Visa is valid for 2 to 10 years and is renewable upon application.
2. Bridging Visa: Issued to foreigners who have lost their status of stay in Rwanda while preparing to leave or apply for a new status. Valid for a specified period not exceeding 90 days, renewable in exceptional circumstances.
3. Job Search: For foreigners seeking employment in Rwanda, the visa sub-class V4 is valid for 90 days and is renewable upon application.
4. Conference and Meetings: For foreigners attending conferences, meetings, workshops, or related activities, the Visitor’s Visa sub-class V5 is valid for 30 days and is free of charge for countries with a visa waiver arrangement with Rwanda, including the African Union, Commonwealth, and Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie.

Visa Transfer

In instances where a foreigner with a visa loses their passport, they will need to transfer their visa to a new passport. Stabit Advocates Rwanda is ready to assist with this process. Requirements include a copy of the lost visa, visa transfer fee, the new passport, and completed application forms.

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Contact Information

Stabit Advocates

Website: www.stabitadvocates.com

Email: info@stabitadvocates.com

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For more information or to discuss your case, please contact us at www.stabitadvocates.com.

This guide is intended to provide general information and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal advice tailored to your situation, please consult with a qualified attorney at Stabit Advocates.