Business entities in Rwanda in 2023
Healy Consultants assists our Clients with incorporating the optimal corporate legal establishment befitting their best interest. There are a number of ways entrepreneurs can setup their businesses in Rwanda, the most common is setting up of a limited liability company (LLC). Foreign entities looking to conduct business in Rwanda also have other incorporation options, such as a Rwanda PLC, a branch or a representative office.
The Rwanda limited liability company (LLC)
The Rwanda LLC is the most common entity used by entrepreneurs setting up an SME in Rwanda. An LLC must appoint at least 1 shareholder and 1 director, who can be of any nationality. There is a minimum share capital of US$850 required to complete the incorporation process.
The Rwanda public limited company (PLC)
The Rwanda Companies Law allows branches of foreign companies to be 100% foreign owned. The scope of operations for this entity will be defined by the parent company. Branches are considered separate legal entities and can have an independent management team and maintain a corporate bank account. A Branch is required to file its accounts with the Rwanda registrar of companies.
The Rwanda representative office
Although the Rwanda representative office can be 100% foreign owned, it is not allowed to conduct profit making activities in Rwanda. Consequently, this entity can only engage in i) market research and ii) promoting the business of the parent company.
Different types of Rwanda business entities
| LLC | PLC | Branch | Rep Office | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| How long to set up the company? | 2 weeks | 3 weeks | 2 weeks | 2 weeks |
| Legal liability | Limited | Limited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Wholly foreign owned | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum share capital | US$850 | US$170,000 | US$0 | US$0 |
| Minimum directors allowed | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Minimum shareholders | 1 | 7 | 1 | 1 |
| Resident director required | No | No | No | No |
| Corporate shareholders allowed | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Corporate director(s) allowed | No | No | No | No |
| Corporate tax rate | 30% | 30% | 30% | 0% |
| Healy Consultants fees | US$16,240 | US$18,240 | US$17,240 | US$16,390 |
| Draft invoice | View invoice PDF | View invoice PDF | View invoice PDF | View invoice PDF |
