Republic of Rwanda · investor · Leads to settlement
Investor Permit (Class A-1 / B-1)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
For foreign investors backing a company in Rwanda: the investor permit (such as Class A-1 or B-1) lets you reside on the basis of your investment, and it requires your company to hold an investment certificate, which is issued through the Rwanda Development Board.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - confirm current timelines on the official Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration page and the IremboGov portal.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - government fees apply and minimum investment thresholds are set for the classes; confirm current amounts on the official page.
- Typical duration
- Issued for a period tied to the investment class and renewable; can support a longer-term residence pathway. Confirm current validity on the official page.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
If you are putting money into a Rwandan company, this is the residence permit built around your investment. The investor classes (for example A-1 and B-1) are issued by the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration to foreign nationals investing in sectors recognised by Rwanda, and a central requirement is that the company holds an investment certificate, which is obtained through the Rwanda Development Board. The application is made online through IremboGov. Because investor permits sit within the residence framework that can lead on to a permanent residence permit, this route is treated as leading to settlement. Good to know: the investment certificate is a separate step you sort out with the Rwanda Development Board before or alongside the permit.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓A qualifying investment in a Rwandan company in a recognised sector that meets the threshold for the chosen investor class.Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration ↗
- ✓An investment certificate held by the company, obtained through the Rwanda Development Board.Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration ↗
- ✓Full business registration for the company invested in.Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration ↗
- ✓An online application through the IremboGov portal to the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration.Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration ↗
Common blockers
- !No company investment certificate from the Rwanda Development Board.Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration ↗
- !Investment below the minimum threshold for the relevant investor class.Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration ↗
- !Confusing the investor permit with a short visit visa, which gives no residence.Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration ↗
Typical evidence
- ·The company investment certificate obtained via the Rwanda Development Board.Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration ↗
- ·Full business registration documents for the company.Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration ↗
- ·Evidence of the qualifying investment and source of funds.Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration ↗
- ·A valid travel document and completed permit application.Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Identify the investor class that matches your planned investment and confirm the requirements on the official page.
Build the evidence pack
Obtain the company investment certificate through the Rwanda Development Board and gather the business registration and investment evidence.
Submit through the official channel
Apply online through the IremboGov portal, attaching the investment certificate and supporting documents.
After approval
Maintain the qualifying investment, keep the permit valid, and consider the permanent residence pathway over time.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantUse official Investor Permit (Class A-1 / B-1) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Investor Permit (Class A-1 / B-1).
Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration · verified
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Related routes
Business / Entrepreneur Permit
For foreign nationals running their own business in Rwanda: the business (entrepreneur) permit lets you reside on the basis of owning and operating a registered Rwandan business, applied for online through IremboGov.
Permanent Residence Permit
For foreign nationals who have built a long, lawful stay in Rwanda: the permanent residence permit gives durable, long-term residence beyond the renewable temporary permits, applied for through the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration.
Work Permit (employment)
For foreign nationals taking up a job in Rwanda: the employment work permit lets you work for a Rwandan employer once you are in the country, applied for online through IremboGov and issued by the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an investment certificate for the investor permit?+
Yes. A core requirement is that your company holds an investment certificate, which is obtained through the Rwanda Development Board, and you attach it to the permit application on IremboGov. Confirm the current requirements on the official Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration page.
How much do I need to invest?+
Rwanda sets minimum investment thresholds for the investor classes, and they differ by class and sector. We do not quote a fixed figure - confirm the current threshold for your class on the official page and with the Rwanda Development Board.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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