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RwandaCitizenshipLast checked October 30, 2026

Rwandan nationality by acquisition

residence, marriage, investment, skills and other grounds · Official name: Rwandan Nationality by Acquisition - Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration

Foreigners can acquire Rwandan nationality on several grounds listed by DGIE: residence in Rwanda (residence permits showing at least 15 consecutive years of living in Rwanda), marriage to a Rwandan (at least five years), substantial sustainable investment or activities, special skills or talent, national interest, birth in Rwanda, adoption, being an immigrant (25 years' physical residence) and statelessness. Applications go to DGIE head office, a district immigration office or a Rwandan embassy abroad. Fees paid on Irembo are 5,000 Frw or 10,000 Frw depending on the ground.

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1 entry rule for Rwanda based on recent travel

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Life in Rwanda

Finance

3

Currency

Rwandan Franc

RWF

Rwandan Franc

Cost of living

26

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

10–30%

Income tax (national)

VAT 18% · social security 6%

Monthly PAYE: 0% up to RWF 60,000, 10% to 100,000, 20% to 200,000, 30% above RWF 200,000.

Official rates, 2026 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

3.3

#3 of 3 countries

World Happiness Report 2021

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Who it’s for

Long-term residents, spouses of Rwandans, investors, people with special skills, and others listed by DGIE.

Eligibility

  • ResidenceLong-term resident

    Show residence permits proving you lived in Rwanda for at least 15 years in a row, plus a conduct letter and proof of property or work.

    15 years

    Residence needed · consecutively, physical presence

    • Conduct letter comes from the Executive Secretary of the Cell
    • Copies of residence permits must show residence and physical presence
    Official wording

    Copies of residence permits showing residence and physical presence in Rwanda for at least 15 years consecutively, a conduct letter from the Executive Secretary of the Cell, and proof of property or work.

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  • MarriageSpouse of a Rwandan

    Marriage record from the Rwandan civil registrar showing at least five years of marriage, a certificate of shared marital life and good conduct, three Rwandan witnesses, CVs of both spouses and an interview with the Rwandan spouse.

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  • Investment or activitiesInvestor

    Proof of registration as an investor in Rwanda and a district certificate of sustainable occupation or activities.

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SourceCitizenship servicesmigration.gov.rwChecked Oct 30, 2026

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  • 2 more requirements
  • 6 documents
  • 2 fees
  • 4 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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