Move to Rwanda

Green hills, orderly streets and a calm, forward-looking East African hub

Routes we checked
5
Digital nomad visa
Not in our data
Language
Kinyarwanda, English, French, Swahili
Currency
RWF

Work permitStudent visaFreelancer and self-employedRetirement visaInvestment and golden visa

Ways to live in Rwanda

These are the residence routes in Bordr's guide that we have checked against official sources. Each one links to the government page.

Programme details are shown in English.

Work permit Work permits →

Class H2 work permit (employer-sponsored skilled worker)

Residence and work permit for a qualified foreigner hired by an employer in Rwanda. Occupations on Rwanda's Occupations in Demand List get class H1 for up to 3 years.

What you need
Employment contract, recommendation letter from the employer, certified diplomas, detailed CV and a police certificate from the country where you lived for the past 6 months.
How long
Up to 2 years
Renewable
Yes
Cost
150,000 RWF
How to apply
Online through Rwanda's government portal Irembo
Family
Family members can come with you

Official page

Student visa Student visas →

Class U1 student permit

Residence for foreigners studying in Rwanda. Graduates and students working during holidays can switch to class P2.

What you need
Passport valid for at least 6 months, recommendation letter from the school, sponsorship letter and, for students over 18, a police certificate.
How long
1 year
Renewable
Yes
Cost
20,000 RWF
How to apply
Online through Irembo

Official page

Freelancer and self-employed Freelancer and self-employed visas →

Class C1 permit for self-employed professionals

For a foreigner working on their own account in a regulated profession, such as a lawyer, doctor or engineer.

What you need
Business registration certificate, membership of a registered professional body, detailed CV, application letter and a police certificate from the last 6 months' country of residence.
How long
2 years
Renewable
Yes
Cost
150,000 RWF
How to apply
Online through Irembo

Official page

Retirement visa Retirement visas →

Class K permit (retirees and people with assured income)

Residence for retirees and other foreigners with a steady income who do not plan to work in Rwanda.

What you need
Retirement certificate, a statement from a bank in Rwanda, Rwandan health insurance, detailed CV, application letter and a police certificate from the last 6 months' country of residence. Renewal needs 6 months of Rwandan bank statements.
How long
Up to 2 years
Renewable
Yes
Cost
150,000 RWF
How to apply
Online through Irembo
Family
Family members can come with you

Official page

Investment and golden visa Investment and golden visas →

Investor permit (classes A1, B1, F1, O1, W1, X1, Z1)

For foreigners who invest in a company in Rwanda: mining, agriculture, manufacturing, hospitality, information technology, transport or any other sector.

What you need
Investment certificate of the company, full business registration certificate, detailed CV, application letter and a police certificate. The immigration service may visit the business before deciding.
How long
Up to 2 years; after holding it twice, up to 5 years per renewal
Renewable
Yes
Cost
150,000 RWF; 250,000 RWF for the 5-year renewal, which also needs a tax clearance certificate from the Rwanda Revenue Authority
How to apply
Online through Irembo
Family
Family members can come with you
Path to permanent residence
Rwanda also grants permanent residence permits; the immigration directorate considers each case individually.

Official page

Cost of living

Monthly amounts in US dollars.

Room in a shared flat$150
One-bedroom flat$400
Two-bedroom flat$700
Bills$50
Typical local salary$150

Some of these figures are estimates; treat them as a rough guide.

Cities to consider

Climate by month, neighbourhoods and costs for each city are in the Bordr guide.

What life is like

Programme details are shown in English.

Why people move

Kigali is clean, safe and easy to navigate, with a growing café and co-working scene. Lake Kivu's shores, volcano treks and mountain gorillas are a few hours away, and the mild highland climate stays pleasant all year.

Day to day

Buses and moto-taxis are the main way to get around. Healthcare is improving, though serious cases may need treatment abroad. Mobile money is used everywhere, and 4G coverage is good. English and French are both spoken in business.

Trade-offs

The country is small and landlocked, and the expat scene is modest. Imported goods are expensive, and rules on public behaviour are strictly enforced.

Before you move: visa-free entry

Most people arrive as visitors first, then apply from inside the country or come back with the right visa. How long you can stay as a visitor depends on your passport:

Visa rules for every passport

Questions

Does Rwanda have a digital nomad visa?

Not among the routes we have checked. Remote workers usually come as visitors within the visa-free limit or use one of the other routes on this page.

How can I move to Rwanda?

The routes we have checked are: Work permit, Student visa, Freelancer and self-employed, Retirement visa, Investment and golden visa.

Can I retire in Rwanda?

Yes, through: Class K permit (retirees and people with assured income).

Sources and last check

This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change; confirm with the official government page or a licensed adviser before you apply.

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