Foreign Nationals of 18 years of age and above, living in Rwanda or abroad may apply for Rwandan Nationality provided they fulfil the necessary requirements as provided by the Rwandan Law on Nationality.

Below are the eligibility criteria, as well as the requirements for the various grounds under which applications can be made.

Rwandan Nationality is obtained on the following grounds:

• Nationality by birth on the Rwandan territory
• Nationality of Rwandan origin
• Nationality by marriage
• Nationality by naturalization
• Nationality by recovery of Rwandan Nationality.

Moreover, the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration also facilitates Rwandans willing to renounce Rwandan Nationality.

WHERE APPLICATION IS MADE
• At the Head office of the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration
• At all districts Immigration offices where the applicant resides.
• In foreign countries, the application shall be submitted at the Rwandan Embassy/High Commission or Consulate in his/her country of residence.

PROCESSING TIME
• Three (3) months