Applying for or renewing a work visa in Rwanda can cause stress if you're not prepared. Understanding the correct documents, asking questions, and putting together all required paperwork ahead of time can...
Read MoreApplying for or renewing a work visa in Rwanda can cause stress if you're not prepared. Understanding the correct documents, asking questions, and putting together all required paperwork ahead of time can save you stress, money, and time. However, not all companies undertaking an expansion have the time to figure out how to get a Rwanda work visa for every employee.
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Applying for or renewing a work visa in Rwanda can cause stress if you’re not prepared. Understanding the correct documents, asking questions, and putting together all required paperwork ahead of time can save you stress, money, and time. However, not all companies undertaking an expansion have the time to figure out how to get a Rwanda work visa for every employee.
Rwanda has several visa classes, including:
Almost all foreign nationals are required to apply for a visa to enter and stay in Rwanda. They also need a work permit, as a visa only allows entry to the country but not employment. Work permits are split into categories just like visas, but the two main options are temporary or permanent. Five types of permits describe the different natures of employment, such as:
H1: Skilled workers in an in-demand occupation
H2: Skilled workers sponsored by an organization
H3: Journalist or media
H4: Semiskilled or artisan workers
H5: International organization employees
There are additional Rwanda work permit categories for other purposes, such as students or investors. Applicants will need relevant documents in either French or English to complete their work permit application.
Additional requirements to get an initial visa include:
Applicants should have a valid passport or another type of travel document with at least six months’ validity on the day they enter Rwanda. Your employees can apply for the visa upon arrival or submit an application online before leaving their home country. The visa fee is either due online or upon arrival. The other option is applying at the Rwanda Diplomatic Mission in their country of residence.
If your employees need to extend their visas, they can apply with the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration. They should submit all visa extensions while the initial visa is valid.
Rwanda has agreements with many other countries that allow citizens to obtain a free 90-day visa upon entering the country. Angola, Benin, the Central African Republic, Chad, Singapore, Sierra Leone, and more are all countries with these agreements.
Globalization Partners will help you expand to Rwanda. Contact us today to learn more about how you can benefit from our Global Expansion solution.
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