How to Start a Business in Rwanda

01 — Step 1 — Register the company

Step 1 — Register the company

Company registration is handled online by the Rwanda Development Board and is typically completed within a working day at no registration fee. You choose a legal form (most commonly a private company limited by shares), reserve a name, and submit shareholder and director details.

• Passport or national ID for each shareholder and director
• Company name and business activity codes
• Registered address in Rwanda
• Memorandum and articles, or the standard template

02 — Step 2 — Tax registration

Step 2 — Tax registration

Registration issues a TIN that doubles as the company number. Register for the tax regimes that apply to you with the Rwanda Revenue Authority — VAT above the turnover threshold, PAYE once you employ staff, and corporate income tax filings on the annual cycle.

03 — Step 3 — Sector licences and permits

Step 3 — Sector licences and permits

Some sectors need additional approvals: tourism operators, financial services, health, education, mining, telecoms and food handling among them. Environmental impact clearance may apply to construction and manufacturing. Municipal trading licences are handled at district level.

04 — Step 4 — Banking, staff and premises

Step 4 — Banking, staff and premises

Open a corporate bank account with the registration certificate and director identification. Register employees with the social security scheme, and comply with the labour code on contracts and leave. Foreign staff need work permits, applied for through the immigration directorate.

05 — Investment certificates

Investment certificates

Projects meeting minimum investment thresholds can apply to RDB for an investment certificate, which unlocks incentives under the investment code such as preferential corporate tax rates for priority sectors, and facilitation on permits and land.