Business entities in Rwanda in 2024

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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
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Frequently asked questions

Contact us

For additional information on our business setup services in Rwanda, please contact our in-house country expert, Mr. Kunal Fabiani, directly:
client relationship officer - Kunal
unicef Rwanda psf Rwanda Rwanda government website bnr Rwanda rwanda chamber of commerce rdb Rwanda