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Pathway

Rwanda Spouse Residence

Rwanda Residency
Pathway overview

At a glance

If your spouse is a foreign national with qualifying temporary residence in Rwanda, you can apply to join them under Category M2. Your residence permission depends on your spouse's permit and lasts for the same period.

Supporting spouse
A qualifying foreign temporary resident with a valid permit
Marriage record
An officially authenticated marriage certificate
Personal records
Identity documents and police clearance for an adult applicant

Summary

Rwanda’s M2 dependent-spouse category allows an eligible spouse to join a qualifying foreign resident using an authenticated marriage record and the resident’s permit. The dependent permission follows the principal permit's duration, so the sponsor's status and expiry matter. Marriage alone does not create an independent residence grant for an unlimited period.

Could this pathway work for you?

Eligibility

You need a marriage certificate with the required official authentication, your spouse's passport and valid temporary permit, and your own identity documents.

Prepare police clearance for an adult applicant and the remaining dependent-application documents. The published dependent fee is half the fee for the spouse whose permit you are joining.

Joining your spouse in Rwanda
  1. Check your spouse’s permit Confirm it qualifies for an M2 dependent application.
  2. Document the relationship Prepare marriage, identity, permit, and police records.
  3. Apply to join your spouse Follow the permit dates and dependent conditions.

Your dependent permit is linked to your spouse’s temporary residence.

What This Route Allows

If approved, you can live in Rwanda as a dependent spouse for the same period as your spouse's permit.

What This Route Is Not

M2 is not independent permanent residence or citizenship. Check the separate work category before accepting a job or running a business. This guide covers the spouse of a foreign temporary resident; other family situations need their own category check.

Next Steps

  1. Confirm that your spouse's temporary permit and your marriage qualify for M2.
  2. Gather the marriage, identity, permit, police, and any required support records.
  3. Apply for the dependent permit and track its conditions and renewal date alongside your spouse's permission.

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Discussed in these reports

Other routes in Rwanda.

Sources