Permanent Residence Permit

Overview

Once you have lived in Rwanda lawfully for a long enough period, you may be able to apply for a permanent residence permit - a more settled status than the renewable temporary permits. It is issued by the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration, and the official guidance asks applicants to contact the Directorate before applying so the right requirements and supporting documents are confirmed for their situation. Because it confers durable, long-term residence, this route is treated as leading to settlement. Good to know: permanent residence is still a residence status, not Rwandan citizenship, which is a separate process; and because the criteria are case-specific, confirming them with the Directorate first is the sensible first move.

Eligibility

Application pathway

1. 01

   Check the route fit

   Contact the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration to confirm the qualifying period and requirements for your situation, as the official guidance directs.

2. 02

   Build the evidence pack

   Assemble your residence history, travel document and the case-specific supporting documents the Directorate confirms.

3. 03

   Submit through the official channel

   Apply through the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration, using the IremboGov portal where directed.

4. 04

   After approval

   Hold the permanent residence permit, comply with any conditions, and consider the separate citizenship route over time where eligible.

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Related routes

• Temporary Resident Permit

  For foreign nationals living in Rwanda on a basis such as assured income, family or another approved reason: the temporary resident permit is the general, renewable residence permit, applied for online through IremboGov.

• Investor Permit (Class A-1 / B-1)

  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.

• 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.