Nationality of Rwanda: all obtaining pathways
Rwanda requires fifteen years of residence for ordinary acquisition, one of the longest periods in East Africa, reduced to five years of marriage to a Rwandan citizen. The law provides discretionary routes based on sustainable investment, special skills, and national interest, and nationality is transmitted by ius sanguinis.
1Nationality by origin (ius sanguinis)
Nationality by origin (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- At least one parent is of Rwandan descent
- 3 Rwandan witnesses related by blood who know the applicant well
- Application letter confirming Rwandan descent
Documentation
- Birth certificate from the country of birth
- Application letter confirming Rwandan descent
- Recent color photograph with white background
- Detailed CV
- Identity document or passport from the country of nationality
- Identities of 3 Rwandan witnesses
2Acquisition by residence
Acquisition by residence
Requirements
- Physical and continuous residence of at least 15 years in Rwanda
- Letter from the Cell Executive Secretary confirming conduct and behavior
- Criminal record certificate (no sentence exceeding 6 months)
- Certificate of property or employment in Rwanda
Documentation
- Copy of the birth certificate
- Copy of the passport
- Copies of residence permits attesting to 15 consecutive years
- Letter from the Cell Executive Secretary
- Certificate of property or employment
- Criminal record certificate
- Detailed CV
- Birth certificates of children under 18
- Recent color photograph
- Proof of payment of 10,000 FRw
3Acquisition by marriage
Acquisition by marriage
Requirements
- Marriage to a Rwandan national for at least 5 years
- Certificate of shared marital life and good conduct
- Criminal record certificate (no sentence exceeding 6 months)
- Interview with the Rwandan spouse
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate from the Rwandan Civil Registry (at least 5 years)
- Certificate of shared marital life from the Cell Executive Secretary
- Copy of passport and alien card/residence permit
- Copy of the Rwandan spouse's identity document
- Identities of 3 Rwandan witnesses
- Detailed CV of both spouses
- Birth certificates of children under 18
- Recent color photograph
- Proof of payment of 5,000 FRw
4Acquisition through sustainable investment
Acquisition through sustainable investment
Requirements
- Proof of registration as an investor in Rwanda
- Certificate of occupation/sustainable activities issued by District authorities
- Criminal record certificate (no sentence exceeding 6 months)
- Commitment to use the investment in the interest of Rwanda
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Copy of passport and residence permit
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of registration as an investor in Rwanda
- District certificate of occupation/sustainable activities
- Detailed CV
- Birth certificates of children under 18
- Recent color photograph
- Proof of payment of 5,000 FRw
5Acquisition through special skills or talent
Acquisition through special skills or talent
Requirements
- Letter of commitment to use the skills or talent in the interest of Rwanda
- Letter of recommendation from the relevant organization to the Director General
- Criminal record certificate (no sentence exceeding 6 months)
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Copy of the passport
- Copy of residence permit if applicable
- Criminal record certificate
- Letter of commitment
- Letter of recommendation from the organization
- Detailed CV
- Birth certificates of children under 18
- Recent color photograph
- Proof of payment of 10,000 FRw
6Acquisition in the national interest
Acquisition in the national interest
Requirements
- Letter of recommendation from the relevant authority describing the national interest
- Criminal record certificate (no sentence exceeding 6 months)
- Discretionary government approval
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Copy of the passport
- Copy of residence permit if residing in Rwanda
- Criminal record certificate
- Letter of recommendation from the relevant authority
- Detailed CV
- Birth certificates of children under 18
- Recent color photograph
- Proof of payment of 10,000 FRw
7Acquisition by birth in the territory
Acquisition by birth in the territory
Requirements
- Having been born in Rwanda and being over 18 years of age
- The parents must have been legally residing in Rwanda at the time of birth
- Criminal record certificate (no sentence exceeding 6 months)
- Proof of property or activities/occupation
Documentation
- Birth certificate from the Rwandan Civil Registry
- Document certifying the parents’ legal residence at the time of birth
- Criminal record certificate
- Copy of passport if available
- Residence permit if residing in Rwanda
- Proof of property or activities
- Birth certificates of children under 18
- Recent color photograph
- Detailed CV
- Proof of payment of 10,000 FRw
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Rwanda
How many years of residence does Rwanda require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Rwanda (Acquisition by residence), the term is 15 years. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Can the nationality of Rwanda be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Acquisition by marriage pathway (5 years of marriage). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Rwanda require?
The Acquisition by residence pathway requires: Copy of the birth certificate; Copy of the passport; Copies of residence permits attesting to 15 consecutive years; Letter from the Cell Executive Secretary; Certificate of property or employment; among 5 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Rwanda?
Rwanda provides 7 pathways: Nationality by origin, Acquisition by residence, Acquisition by marriage, Acquisition through sustainable investment, Acquisition through special skills or talent, Acquisition in the national interest, Acquisition by birth in the territory.
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