Temporary Resident Permit

Overview

If your reason to live in Rwanda is not a standard job - for example you have an assured income, you are joining family, or you are here on another approved basis - the temporary resident permit is the general residence route. It covers a range of classes (such as the assured-income class for retirees and people with guaranteed income, and dependant classes for family), is issued by the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration, and is applied for online through IremboGov. It is renewable rather than permanent, so on its own it does not lead to settlement, though continued lawful residence can support a later permanent residence application. Good to know: which class you apply under depends on your specific basis, so check the matching class before you start.

Eligibility

Application pathway

1. 01

   Check the route fit

   Identify the residence class that matches your basis (such as assured income or family) on the official page.

2. 02

   Build the evidence pack

   Gather the income, relationship or other class-specific evidence, plus your travel document and proof of address.

3. 03

   Submit through the official channel

   Apply online through the IremboGov portal, choosing the application for a permit in the relevant class.

4. 04

   After approval

   Keep the permit valid and renew before expiry; continued lawful residence may support a later permanent residence application.

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Related routes

• 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.

• Student Permit (Study and Research)

  For international students and researchers in Rwanda: the study and research permit lets you live in Rwanda for your course or research project, applied for online through IremboGov and issued by the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration.