How I applied and got Rwanda W2 Entrepreneurship Visa
This article is for any founder/entrepreneur looking to relocate and reside in Rwanda via the W2 Entrepreneurship Visa route. This means you are either already running a startup in your current country of residence and would love to expand operations into Rwanda or looking to relocate for the sole purpose of incorporating and running a startup out of Rwanda. Whatever category you fall into, you are welcome to read as I break it down into simple steps. Let’s jump right in!
What is this Visa about?
There are different categories of Visas available in Rwanda depending on your goal or reason for relocation. So let me quickly define the peculiarity of this Visa in comparison to others. Available Visa types to relocating to Rwanda include but not limited to Student Visas, Work Permits, Tourist Visas, Investor Visas, Diplomat Visas etc. However the W2 is the specific code for the Visa category that’s assigned to entrepreneurs building an information technology software-led (website, mobile app) business. There are other Visa codes for entrepreneurs building say a hospitality, agriculture, transport type businesses. However, that’s not within the scope of this article. Please take note of this eligibility criteria as we move forward.
Who is qualified/eligible to apply?
You are qualified to apply if already running a software-led startup in your current country of residence and would love to expand operations into Rwanda or looking to relocate for the sole purpose of incorporating and running said type of startup out of Rwanda. The reason for clarification is to ensure a smooth application process and approval. Also it’s best that you are physically present in Rwanda because the processes would require you to go about them in-person.
Step 1 — Business Incorporation
I would write a separate article to explain this in detail. However to surmise, it requires you to go to RDB website to register your business. RDB stands for Rwanda Development Board. They are the government body responsible for approving your business name and purpose. Overall it’s a relatively simple process. Everything is done on the website. If you follow the steps I would outline in the article, you should be done in under 5mins! Yes you heard that correct. Business registration in Rwanda is one of the fastest i’ve seen. Plus business registration is free in Rwanda.
Step 2 — Renting A Workspace
Part of the requirements to be granted this Visa is to have a workspace where you and your team would be working from. I guess you’re wondering why it is a requirement, since you plan to work remotely. You can choose to continue working remotely once you are done with your application but for the sake of application it’s a key requirement. That being said, to get this out of the way there are couple office complexes in the city centre available for rent but they are a bit on the high side around $200 — $300/mo or more. I would assume you are still a startup looking to cut as cost as much as you can so I don’t advise you go that route. I highly recommend Norrsken House Kigali for this purpose. They have flexible office space plans based on your budget and mode of usage. Go to their website, choose a plan that suits your business need and pay. Budget is about $120 — $150/mo for the cheapest plan. Upon payment they would issue you a rent contract sent via email for you to sign. It would be requested that you submit this when applying for your Visa. Here is google map link to locate Norrsken.
Step 3 — Getting A Police Report
For security concerns, you are required to produce a police report from country where you’ve spent your last 6-months. Most procedures are pretty much the same. Contact the police department responsible for issuing this certificate in the country of residence stating the purpose for which you need it. Kindly note that fees for this service would vary on a case by case basis.
Step 4 — Application Letter
You are required to clearly state via an application letter your reasons for deciding to relocate and start a business in Rwanda. To assist you, i’ve included a link to a template. It highlights important information necessary to be captured in your letter. Extra pointers to coherency and clarity of purpose and business operations. If you need it, send me an email with the title “Rwanda W2 Visa Application Letter Template Request” to request it and it would be sent to your email. Send email to uchekene.ng@gmail.com.
Step 5 — Pay for Visa/Submit application
After you’ve attached all the above documents you proceed to the Irembo website for submission and payment. To pay, you need to have had MoMo setup which stands for Mobile Money. Fund your MoMo account and select it as the payment method, follow the prompt to complete payment. You’ll receive both an email and sms notification confirming successful payment. And that’s it, you’ve submitted your application and you wait for approval. Usually takes under 5–7 business days.
Step 6 — Pick up Visa
As you wait for approval notification. Officers from immigration would request to inspect your workspace. This is standard procedure. When they call you, pick a date for your inspection. They’ll come do so and report back to immigration on your behalf to proceed with your Visa approval. Once you’re notified of Visa approval. You’ll be given a date for appointment at DGIE which stands for the Directorate for General Immigration and Emigration. Here’s the google map link to locate it. Head over there and get your passport stamped.
Congratulations!
You can officially reside in Rwanda as an entrepreneur and freely do business.
