Work Permit (employment)

Overview

If you have a job in Rwanda, this is the permit that authorises you to work for that employer. Rwanda groups employment permits into classes (commonly the H-series for skilled workers, plus other classes for specific roles), and you normally enter Rwanda on a visa first and then apply for the permit once you are physically in the country. The whole process runs online through the IremboGov portal, and the permit is issued by the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration. It is tied to your employment and is renewable rather than permanent, so on its own it does not lead to settlement; long enough lawful residence can, however, open the door to a permanent residence permit later. Good to know: you apply for the visa first, then the permit after arrival.

Eligibility

Application pathway

1. 01

   Check the route fit

   Confirm your role fits an employment permit class and that the work permit is the right route on the official page.

2. 02

   Build the evidence pack

   Gather the employment contract, employer recommendation, travel document and qualification documents.

3. 03

   Submit through the official channel

   Apply online through the IremboGov portal once you are in Rwanda, choosing the application for a permit.

4. 04

   After approval

   Work for the sponsoring employer, keep the permit valid, and renew before expiry while the job continues.

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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.

• 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.

• 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.