Deep coverage22 verified routes across visit, study, work, investment, family and more.
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Select the passports you hold to see short-stay access and per-route eligibility for Rwanda.
7 routes
Visit
Short stays: tourism, transit, business trips, medical, pilgrimage.
Tourist Visa
Rwanda Entry Visa (V1 - Holiday / Tourist)
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The V1 entry visa is Rwanda's standard short-stay tourist visa for holiday, sightseeing, social, recreational or other short-term non-work purposes. Since 1 January 2018 citizens of all countries may obtain it on arrival at Kigali International Airport and all land borders without prior application, or apply online via the Irembo government portal or at a Rwandan diplomatic mission. The single-entry visa costs USD 50 and allows a 30-day stay; a multiple-entry option costs USD 70 and is valid for 90 days. It is free of charge for nationals of African Union, Commonwealth and La Francophonie member states for a 30-day visit. The visa does not permit employment, though status changes and exceptional extensions are possible.
Government fee
$50
Processing time
3 days
Max stay
30 days
Validity
30 days
Document checklist (5)
PassportAny genuine travel document valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
Passport photographRecent passport-size photo with a white background.
Return or onward ticketOptionalEvidence of onward or return travel.
Proof of accommodationOptionalHotel booking or host address in Rwanda.
Visa fee paymentPayment of USD 50 (single entry) or USD 70 (multiple entry), in USD or RWF, online or on arrival.
Tourist Visa
Rwanda Visa-Free Entry (African Union / Commonwealth / La Francophonie)
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Under Rwanda's special-arrangement policy, citizens of all African Union, Commonwealth and La Francophonie member states receive an entry visa on arrival with the visa fee waived for a visit of up to 30 days. A separate list of 19 countries (Angola, Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, Cote d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Ghana, Guinea, Indonesia, Haiti, Mauritius, Philippines, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Sao Tome and Principe, Singapore and Qatar) is granted a 90-day visa-free stay on arrival (recorded as VE-1). No prior application is required; entry is granted at the airport and land borders. This facility is for visits only and does not authorise work or long-term residence.
Max stay
30 days
Validity
30 days
Document checklist (4)
PassportGenuine travel document valid for at least 6 months, showing eligible nationality.
Proof of eligible nationalityPassport confirming citizenship of an AU, Commonwealth, La Francophonie member or a listed 90-day visa-free country.
Return or onward ticketOptionalEvidence of onward or return travel.
Yellow fever vaccination certificateOptionalRequired if arriving from or transiting a yellow-fever risk country.
Tourist Visa
Rwanda EAC Pass / Entry Visa (VP-1)
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Citizens of East African Community partner states (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan and Burundi) are issued a pass or entry visa free of charge on arrival, allowing a stay of up to six months. This reflects EAC free-movement commitments and is granted at Kigali International Airport and all land borders without prior application. The single/multiple-entry pass is for visits and short stays; EAC nationals wishing to work or settle longer apply for the relevant work or residence permit.
Max stay
180 days
Validity
180 days
Document checklist (3)
Passport or EAC travel documentGenuine travel document or recognised EAC identity/travel document valid at least 6 months.
Proof of EAC nationalityDocument confirming citizenship of an EAC partner state.
Yellow fever vaccination certificateOptionalRequired if arriving from or transiting a yellow-fever risk country.
Tourist Visa
East Africa Tourist Visa (V11)
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The East Africa Tourist Visa is a joint multiple-entry visa shared by Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda, allowing leisure travellers to move freely between the three countries for tourism for up to 90 days on a single visa. It costs USD 100, is valid for 90 days, and can be applied for online via the Irembo portal, at a Rwandan diplomatic mission, or on arrival. The first country of entry must be the country through which the visa was issued, and travel is limited to the three partner states. It is strictly for tourism and does not permit work or long-term residence.
Government fee
$100
Processing time
3 days
Max stay
90 days
Validity
90 days
Document checklist (5)
PassportValid for at least 6 months with at least two blank pages.
Passport photographRecent photo with a white background.
Yellow fever vaccination certificateMandatory health requirement for entry to all three partner countries.
Travel itineraryOptionalProof of itinerary across Kenya, Uganda and/or Rwanda.
Visa fee paymentPayment of USD 100.
Transit Visa
Rwanda Transit Visa (VT)
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The VT transit visa is a single-entry visa valid for 72 hours for travellers passing through Rwanda to a third country. It can be applied for online or obtained on arrival. It is free of charge for nationals of countries with which Rwanda has a visa-waiver arrangement (African Union, Commonwealth and La Francophonie members); the fee schedule also lists a separate fee-free VE-2 transit category granted on arrival where an airline has technical issues or a passenger faces other inconveniences. The transit visa does not authorise work or an extended stay.
Government fee
$30
Processing time
1 day
Max stay
3 days
Validity
3 days
Document checklist (4)
PassportGenuine travel document valid for at least 6 months.
Onward ticketConfirmed ticket to the onward destination.
Onward-country visaOptionalVisa or entry authorisation for the destination country, where applicable.
Visa fee paymentOptionalTransit visa fee, waived for visa-waiver nationals and for VE-2 technical-inconvenience transits.
Business Visitor Visa
Rwanda Conference Visa (V5)
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The V5 conference visa is a 30-day single-entry visa for foreigners attending a conference, meeting, seminar or similar event in Rwanda. It costs USD 50 and can be applied for online, on arrival, at a Rwandan embassy, or at the DGIE office; event organisers often arrange prior approval. It permits attendance at the event and related business activity but not local employment, and does not lead to residence.
Government fee
$50
Processing time
3 days
Max stay
30 days
Validity
30 days
Document checklist (5)
PassportGenuine travel document valid for at least 6 months.
Passport photographRecent photo with a white background.
Conference invitationInvitation or registration confirmation from the event organiser.
Proof of accommodationOptionalHotel booking or host details.
Visa fee paymentPayment of USD 50.
Medical Treatment Visa
Rwanda Medical Treatment Visa (V7)
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The V7 visa is a multiple-entry visa valid for 90 days for foreigners travelling to Rwanda to receive medical treatment. It can be applied for online, on arrival, at a Rwandan embassy or at the DGIE office. The official fee schedule lists this visa at the lower end of the visa-fee range (around USD 30 / EUR 27 per the published rates). It covers the patient's treatment and recovery period but does not authorise employment; longer treatment may require a status change or permit.
Government fee
$30
Processing time
3 days
Max stay
90 days
Validity
90 days
Document checklist (5)
PassportGenuine travel document valid for at least 6 months.
Medical appointment / referralLetter or booking from the Rwandan hospital or clinic confirming the treatment.
Proof of fundsOptionalEvidence of ability to pay for treatment and stay.
Passport photographRecent photo with a white background.
Visa fee paymentPayment of the V7 fee.
Not yet researched
Pilgrimage Visa
2 routes
Study & Training
Universities, language courses, internships and exchanges.
Student Visa
Rwanda Student Permit (U1)
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The U1 student permit is issued to a foreigner residing in Rwanda for study purposes at a recognised institution, carrying the same meaning as 'student' under East African Community arrangements. It is valid for one year and renewable, and costs RWF 20,000. Applications are made online via Irembo and processed by the DGIE, typically within about 7 days. The permit legalises residence for the duration of study; foreigners undertaking training or academic research to enhance professional skills instead use the U2 occupational trainee permit (RWF 50,000).
Study: Full enrolment at the recognised Rwandan institution.
Residency after 10 years
Processing time
7 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (6)
PassportGenuine travel document valid for at least 6 months.
School recommendation letterAdmission or recommendation letter from the recognised Rwandan institution.
Sponsorship letterLetter confirming who funds the studies and stay.
Police clearanceCertificate of good conduct, required for applicants aged 18 and over.
Passport photographRecent photo with a white background.
Permit fee paymentPayment of RWF 20,000.
Internship / Trainee Visa
Rwanda Occupational Trainee Permit (U2)
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The U2 occupational trainee permit is issued to a foreigner undertaking training, an internship or academic research in Rwanda with the aim of enhancing their professional skills. It is valid for one year and renewable, and costs RWF 50,000. Applications are made via Irembo and processed by the DGIE. The permit legalises residence for the training period; it is tied to the hosting institution and the agreed programme rather than to open-market employment.
Study: Training and academic research at the hosting institution.
Residency after 10 years
Processing time
7 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (6)
University or college recommendation letterLetter from the hosting institution confirming the training or research.
Internship or training agreementCopy of the internship/training agreement.
Academic transcriptTranscript supporting the training or research placement.
Detailed CVCurriculum vitae of the applicant.
Police clearanceCertificate of good conduct for applicants aged 18 and over.
Permit fee paymentPayment of RWF 50,000.
Not yet researched
Language Course Visa
Exchange Program Visa
2 routes
Work & Self-Employment
Digital nomad, freelance, skilled employment and company transfers.
Skilled Work Visa
Rwanda Job Search Visa (V4)
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The V4 job search visa is a 90-day multiple-entry visa issued to foreign skilled workers seeking employment in Rwanda whose skills appear on the national occupations-in-demand list. It can be obtained online, at a Rwandan embassy or at DGIE headquarters. It allows the holder to look for work and attend interviews, but actual employment requires obtaining a Class H employment permit. The published rates list the visa at around USD 50 / EUR 45. It does not itself confer residence; successful job-seekers transition to a work permit.
Residency: Pathway to a work permit and onward to long-term residence once employed.
Government fee
$50
Processing time
3 days
Max stay
90 days
Validity
90 days
Document checklist (5)
PassportGenuine travel document valid for at least 6 months.
Curriculum vitaeCV evidencing skills on the occupations-in-demand list.
Academic and professional certificatesQualifications relevant to an in-demand occupation.
Passport photographRecent photo with a white background.
Visa fee paymentPayment of the V4 fee.
Skilled Work Visa
Rwanda Employment Permit (Class H)
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The Class H temporary resident permit authorises a foreigner to work for a specific employer in Rwanda. Subclasses cover skilled workers on the occupations-in-demand list (H1), employer-sponsored skilled workers (H2), accredited journalists and media (H3), semi-skilled/regional artisans (H4), international and regional organisation staff (H5) and employees under special reciprocal agreements (H6). The fee is RWF 150,000 for H1, H2, H3 and H5, RWF 50,000 for H4, and reciprocity-based for H6. Permits are typically valid up to two years and renewable, applied for via Irembo and processed by the DGIE in around 7 days. Time on the permit counts toward the 10-year aggregate residence needed for a permanent permit.
Work: Work for the named employer and role; tied to the specific employer.
Study: Lawful residence permits study alongside employment.
Residency after 10 years
Family: Spouse and children apply for dependant (M-class) permits.
Processing time
7 days
Validity
730 days
Document checklist (7)
PassportGenuine travel document valid for at least 6 months.
Employment contractContract with the Rwandan employer stating role and conditions.
Employer recommendation letterLetter from the sponsoring employer supporting the application.
Academic and professional certificatesQualifications and relevant work experience for the role.
Police clearanceCertificate of good conduct.
Passport photographRecent photo with a white background.
Permit fee paymentPayment of the applicable Class H fee (e.g. RWF 150,000 for H1/H2/H3/H5).
Not yet researched
Digital Nomad Visa
Freelancer Visa
Self-Employment Visa
Startup / Entrepreneur Visa
Seasonal Work Visa
Intra-Company Transfer Visa
4 routes
Invest & Capital
Golden visas, real estate, citizenship by investment, passive income.
Citizenship by Investment
Rwandan Nationality by Acquisition (Substantial Investment)
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Rwanda allows acquisition of nationality on the grounds of substantial and sustainable investment for individuals who have made significant and lasting investments or carried out qualifying activities in Rwanda. The application is filed on the Irembo portal, carries an administrative fee of RWF 10,000, and is processed by the DGIE within about six months. Applicants must hold a document issued by the relevant ministry certifying their substantial and sustainable investment or activities in Rwanda; the migration authority does not publish a single fixed monetary threshold on its e-service page, and figures cited by third parties (such as a reported USD 100,000 minimum) should be verified directly with the DGIE/RDB. This is a citizenship grant, not a residence permit, and applicants should expect review against the broader nationality law.
Work: On grant of nationality the person has full citizen rights, including unrestricted work.
Study: Full access to education as a citizen.
Residency: This route confers citizenship directly rather than residence.
Processing time
180 days
Document checklist (5)
Passport or identity documentValid national ID, ordinary/diplomatic/service passport, refugee or equivalent document.
Ministry investment certificateDocument from the relevant ministry detailing the substantial and sustainable investment or activities in Rwanda.
Applicant and parental informationPersonal and parental details completed on the Irembo application.
Supporting documentsAdditional documents in the required format as prompted by the application.
Application fee paymentPayment of RWF 10,000 against the issued billing number.
Business Investor Visa
Rwanda Multinational Business Visa (V9)
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The V9 visa is a long-validity multiple-entry visa issued to an investor, board member or representative of a multinational company who does not reside in Rwanda but has significant business activities in the country and needs to visit regularly. It is issued at DGIE headquarters and is valid for between 2 and 10 years. The published rate is around USD 200 / EUR 180. It facilitates repeated business visits rather than continuous residence; an applicant relocating to manage the business applies for an investor or employment residence permit.
Residency: Investors relocating apply for an investor residence permit that can lead to long-term residence.
Government fee
$200
Processing time
14 days
Validity
730 days
Document checklist (5)
PassportGenuine travel document valid for at least 6 months.
Company documentsEvidence of the applicant's role and the company's significant business activity in Rwanda.
RDB registration / investment certificateOptionalProof of the company's registered investment or operations in Rwanda.
Passport photographRecent photo with a white background.
Visa fee paymentPayment of the V9 fee.
Business Investor Visa
Rwanda Prospective Investor Visa (V6)
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The V6 visa is issued to a foreign prospective investor, entrepreneur or trader who visits Rwanda to explore business opportunities and conduct a business survey. It is valid for 90 days and renewable once. The single-entry visa costs USD 50 and the multiple-entry option USD 70, payable in USD or RWF, and is available online, at a Rwandan embassy or at the DGIE office. It permits business exploration but not the operation of a business or employment; establishing an investment requires registration with the Rwanda Development Board and an investor (Class A/B/F/J) permit.
Residency: Leads to an investor residence permit once an RDB-registered investment is established.
Government fee
$50
Processing time
3 days
Max stay
90 days
Validity
90 days
Document checklist (4)
PassportGenuine travel document valid for at least 6 months.
Passport photographRecent photo with a white background.
Business intent documentationOptionalEvidence of the business or investment opportunity being explored (e.g. correspondence, meeting invitations).
Visa fee paymentUSD 50 (single entry) or USD 70 (multiple entry).
Business Investor Visa
Rwanda Investor Permit (Class A / B / F / J)
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Rwanda issues investor temporary resident permits to foreigners running registered businesses, organised by sector: Class A (prospecting and mining), Class B (agriculture and animal husbandry), Class F (specific manufacturing and processing) and Class J (hospitality industry), each split into investor (e.g. A1) and entrepreneur (A2) subclasses. The investor permit is generally valid for two years and renewable, with a fee reported at around USD 1,600. Applicants must hold an investment certificate from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and evidence of the registered investment. The permit authorises the holder to run and reside in connection with the business; time on it counts toward the 10-year aggregate for a permanent permit.
Work: Authorises running and working in the registered investment/business.
Study: Lawful residence permits study.
Residency after 10 years
Family: Spouse and children apply for dependant (M-class) permits.
Government fee
$1,600
Processing time
14 days
Validity
730 days
Document checklist (7)
PassportGenuine travel document valid for at least 6 months.
RDB investment certificateInvestment registration certificate from the Rwanda Development Board.
Company registration documentsProof of company incorporation and ownership/role in Rwanda.
Business plan or activity evidenceEvidence of the registered investment or business activity in the relevant sector.
Police clearanceCertificate of good conduct.
Passport photographRecent photo with a white background.
Permit fee paymentPayment of the applicable investor permit fee.
Not yet researched
Golden Visa (Residence by Investment)
Residence by Real Estate
Non-Lucrative / Passive Income Visa
1 route
Retire & Lifestyle
Retirement visas and working holiday schemes.
Retirement Visa
Rwanda Assured Income / Retirement Permit (Class K)
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The Class K permit is issued to a foreigner with an assured income, including a retired person, who does not intend to be employed in Rwanda. It is valid for up to two years and renewable, and costs RWF 150,000. Applications are made via Irembo and processed by the DGIE. Applicants must show stable income (such as a pension or other assured income) via bank statements and hold local medical insurance. The permit authorises residence without employment; legal residence counts toward the 10-year aggregate for a permanent permit. Rwanda does not publish a fixed minimum-income threshold for this class.
Study: Lawful residence permits study.
Residency after 10 years
Family: Spouse and children apply for dependant (M-class) permits.
Processing time
7 days
Validity
730 days
Document checklist (6)
PassportGenuine travel document valid for at least 6 months.
Proof of assured incomePension statement or other evidence of a stable, assured income.
Bank statementsRecent bank statements demonstrating financial means.
Local medical insuranceHealth insurance valid in Rwanda.
Police clearanceCertificate of good conduct.
Permit fee paymentPayment of RWF 150,000.
Not yet researched
Working Holiday Visa
3 routes
Family & Origin
Reunification, spouse routes and ancestry-based repatriation.
Family Reunification Visa
Rwanda Family Visit Visa (V2)
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The V2 visa is issued to foreigners visiting family or friends in Rwanda. It is available on arrival, online via Irembo, or at a Rwandan diplomatic mission. The single-entry visa costs USD 50 and permits a 30-day stay; a multiple-entry option costs USD 70 and is valid for 90 days. It is a short-stay visit visa and does not authorise employment; it does not by itself confer residence, although holders joining a resident family member may instead apply for a dependant permit.
Government fee
$50
Processing time
3 days
Max stay
30 days
Validity
30 days
Document checklist (5)
PassportGenuine travel document valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
Passport photographRecent photo with a white background.
Invitation or host detailsOptionalInvitation letter or contact details of the family member or friend being visited.
Proof of accommodationOptionalHost address or accommodation booking in Rwanda.
Visa fee paymentUSD 50 (single entry) or USD 70 (multiple entry).
Dependent Relative Visa
Rwanda Dependant Permit (Class M)
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The M-class dependant permit allows family members to reside in Rwanda with a sponsor. M1 is issued to a dependant of a Rwandan citizen, and M2 to a dependant of a temporary resident permit holder; both grant multiple entries. The permit matches the sponsor's status and is renewable. Applicants must provide a recognised travel document valid for at least 6 months and a certificate of good conduct from the country of prior residence. Applications are made via Irembo and processed by the DGIE.
Study: Dependants may enrol in study.
Residency after 10 years
Family: This permit is the family-reunification route for spouses and children.
Processing time
7 days
Validity
730 days
Document checklist (5)
PassportGenuine recognised travel document valid for at least 6 months.
Proof of relationshipMarriage certificate, birth certificate or other evidence of the family relationship to the sponsor.
Sponsor's status documentCopy of the sponsor's Rwandan ID/citizenship (M1) or valid temporary resident permit (M2).
Police clearanceCertificate of good conduct from the country of residence for the last 6 months.
Passport photographRecent photo with a white background.
Ancestry / Repatriation
Rwandan nationality by origin (Organic Law 002/2021)
Available
Persons born to at least one parent of Rwandan ancestry (not by acquisition) can apply for nationality by origin through the IremboGov portal (RWF 5,000, ~180 days), the route used by the Rwandan diaspora and descendants of refugees.
Talent, religious, humanitarian, media, official and permanent residence.
Religious Worker Visa
Rwanda Religious Activities Permit (Class I)
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The Class I permit is issued to a foreigner who is ordained and engaged in approved religious activities with a registered religious organisation in Rwanda. It is valid for up to two years and renewable, and costs RWF 150,000. Applications are made via Irembo and processed by the DGIE. The permit ties the holder to the sponsoring religious organisation and its activities; legal residence counts toward the 10-year aggregate needed for a permanent permit.
Work: Authorises approved religious activities with the sponsoring organisation.
Study: Lawful residence permits study.
Residency after 10 years
Family: Spouse and children apply for dependant (M-class) permits.
Processing time
7 days
Validity
730 days
Document checklist (6)
PassportGenuine travel document valid for at least 6 months.
Church or organisation registrationProof that the religious organisation is registered in Rwanda.
Ordination certificateEvidence the applicant is ordained for religious work.
Recommendation letterLetter from the religious organisation supporting the application.
Police clearanceCertificate of good conduct.
Permit fee paymentPayment of RWF 150,000.
Long-Term Residence Permit
Rwanda Reciprocity Long-Term Visitor Visa (V12)
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The V12 reciprocity visa is a long-term multiple-entry visitor visa issued on a reciprocal basis to nationals of countries that grant Rwandans similar facilities, for visits, conferences or any purpose other than work. It can be valid for up to 10 years, with each individual stay not exceeding six months and renewable for valid reasons. It is issued at the DGIE office and at Rwandan embassies. The published rate is around USD 160 / EUR 144. The scheme was initially offered to United States nationals. It is a long-validity visit visa and does not authorise work or grant residence.
Government fee
$160
Processing time
14 days
Max stay
180 days
Validity
3,650 days
Document checklist (4)
PassportGenuine travel document valid for at least 6 months, of an eligible reciprocal nationality.
Passport photographRecent photo with a white background.
Proof of purposeOptionalEvidence of the visit, conference or other non-work purpose.
Visa fee paymentPayment of the V12 fee.
Permanent Residence
Rwanda Permanent Resident Permit (L-1)
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The L-1 permanent resident permit is issued to a foreigner who has been legally residing in Rwanda for an aggregate of ten years. It costs RWF 300,000 and is applied for online via Irembo and processed by the DGIE. Applicants must hold a valid travel document, show no outstanding government dues, and provide a Rwandan bank statement. The permit confers permanent residence; it is the standard long-residence settlement route, distinct from the separate citizenship-by-acquisition (investment) and naturalisation channels.
Work: Permanent residents may live and work in Rwanda without a separate work permit.
Study: Full access to study.
Residency: This is permanent residence; naturalisation as a Rwandan citizen may follow under the nationality law.
Family: Family members reside via dependant (M-class) permits.
Processing time
14 days
Document checklist (7)
PassportAny genuine acceptable travel document valid for at least 6 months.
Permit application formCompleted visa/permit application form and application letter.
Proof of 10 years legal residenceEvidence of an aggregate of ten years of legal residence in Rwanda.
Bank statementStatement from a bank in Rwanda.
Government dues clearanceConfirmation of no outstanding government dues, as may be requested by the DGIE.
Passport photographRecent photo with a white background.
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