A person who has entered into marriage with a citizen of Rwanda has the right to obtain citizenship by naturalization.

Documents required:

• Completed application form
• Birth Certificate
• Marriage certificate
• Police certificate or other certificate confirming that the applicant has never been sentenced to prison for more than 6 months or is not the subject of judicial proceedings
• Photocopy of passport and/or foreigner registration certificate (for minors born before or after marriage to a Rwandan spouse, provide a birth certificate establishing kinship with both spouses)
• Justification of joint married life for three (3) years in the form of a certificate issued by the civil registry at the place of marriage or residence of the applicant
• A photocopy of the spouse's Rwandan identity card or any other proof of his/her Rwandan citizenship
• Two color passport photos with a white background
• Money order or cashier's check for USD 30 payable to the Embassy of Rwanda (this fee is non-refundable and non-transferable)

• Self-addressed return envelope. They can be found at any nearest post office. Untracked envelopes will not be accepted.

Naturalization can be granted to persons who have reached the age of majority and have lived in the country for a sufficient period to demonstrate that they understand the customs and traditions of the society.

The general provisions stipulate that applicants must be of good character, have no convictions that have resulted in a prison sentence of six months or more, and be economically self-sufficient.

Citizenship may also be granted for meritorious service to the nation or in exceptional circumstances. The general period of residence in the country is five years, but exceptions may be made for persons who have rendered exemplary service to the nation, who must prove a two-year period of residence.

Documents required:

• Completed application form
• Be at least 18 years old,
• Birth certificate,
• Photocopy of passport
• Certificate of registration of the foreigner, if he/she resides in Rwanda
• Police certificate or a certificate confirming that the applicant has never been sentenced to prison for more than six months or is not the subject of judicial proceedings
• Living in Rwanda for at least 5 years at the time of application. The five-year period may be reduced to two years if the applicant has rendered outstanding service to Rwanda,
• Knowledge of Kinyarwanda. However, this may not be considered in connection with national interests,
• Good position in relation to the country and the people,
• Two color passport photos with a white background
• Money order or cashier's check in the amount of USD 30 payable to the Embassy of Rwanda (this fee is non-refundable and non-transferable);

• Self-addressed return envelope. They can be found at any nearest post office. Untracked envelopes will not be accepted.

The purchase of real estate is not a basis for granting or extending a residence permit in Rwanda.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR RWANDA CITIZENSHIP THROUGH ACQUISITION BASED ON SUSTAINABLE INVESTMENT OR ACTIVITY

• Birth certificate (if applicable);
• Copy of passport and residence permit (if applicable);
• A certificate that the person has not been sentenced to prison for a period of 6 months or criminally prosecuted. (criminal record);
• Payment order for RWF 5,000 or equivalent non-refundable amount;
• Confirmation of registration as an investor in Rwanda;
• Confirmation of a permanent activity in Rwanda;
• One recently taken color passport photo with a white background;
• Detailed resume;
• Completed application form

PLACE OF SUBMISSION OF CITIZENSHIP APPLICATIONS:

• In the headquarters of the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration
• In all district offices of the immigration service at the applicant's place of residence.
• In foreign countries, the application is submitted to the Rwandan embassy or consulate in the country of residence.

If you need to own land for business or investment, you need to have an investment certificate from the RDB.

After receiving the approval of the investment registration application, a coordinator from the RDB is assigned to each project. Reviewing your application and issuing an investment registration certificate will take no more than two business days if all documents are submitted and in order.

The permit is issued to a foreigner with a guaranteed income, including a retired foreigner who does not intend to work in Rwanda.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A NEW APPLICATION

• Detailed biographical reference
• Original police certificate from the country of residence for the previous six months
• Certificate of retirement.
• A statement from any bank in Rwanda for the previous six months.
• Application letter
• Local health insurance (from Rwanda).

REQUIREMENTS FOR RE-APPLICATION

• Pension certificate.
• Application letter
• Bank statement from any bank in Rwanda
• Local health insurance (from Rwanda)

APPLICATION FEE: RWF 150,000 

PERMIT VALIDITY: Up to two years