The following provides a concise overview of Rwanda’s corporate tax structure, including current brackets, rates, and notable exemptions for 2025. This guide offers clear data-driven insight into the prevailing rules and structures relevant to companies operating in Rwanda.
Corporate Income Tax Basis and Assessment
Rwanda’s corporate tax is assessed on a progressive basis, applying to income generated by corporate entities. The tax is levied in Rwandan Francs (RWF).
Corporate Income Tax Brackets (2025)
The current corporate income tax regime in Rwanda applies progressive brackets up to certain income levels, with both fixed sums and percentage rates beyond the threshold as outlined below. Official rates for some income brackets are not publicly available as of now.
| Taxable Income (RWF) | Rate (RWF / %) | USD Equivalent (@ 1 USD = 1,250 RWF) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 2,000,000 | Not disclosed | ~$0 – $1,600 |
| 2,000,000 – 4,000,000 | RWF 60,000 | $48 |
| 4,000,000 – 7,000,000 | RWF 120,000 | $96 |
| 7,000,000 – 10,000,000 | RWF 210,000 | $168 |
| 10,000,000 – 12,000,000 | RWF 300,000 | $240 |
| 12,000,000 – 20,000,000 | 3% | $9,600 – $16,000 |
| Above 20,000,000 | 28% | >$16,000 |
Note: Current data for the rate applicable to income below RWF 2,000,000 has not been disclosed by Rwandan authorities.
Corporate Tax Surtaxes & Exemptions
Several specific surtaxes and exemptions are available under Rwanda’s tax law depending on business activity, listing status, and sector-specific conditions. These create planning opportunities for eligible entities. The table below summarizes the main provisions for 2025:
| Condition | Surtax / Exemption Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| Newly listed companies selling ≥ 30% of shares to the public (5 years) | 25% |
| Newly listed companies selling ≥ 40% of shares to the public (5 years) | 20% |
| Deposit-taking micro-finance, for 5 years from approval | 0% |
| Companies engaged in gaming activities | 0% |
| Agriculturalists and pastoralists (turnover ≤ RWF 12 million p.a.) | 0% |
| Income from savings: collective investment schemes or local employee schemes (shares ≤ 10% total capital) | 0% |
| Registered investors in priority sectors | Potentially reduced to 0% (as per incentives) |
| Pure holding company, SPVs, CIS, foreign trading/royalty income | 3% |
| Priority sectors (exports, energy, ICT, manufacturing, etc.) | 15% |
| International companies with regional offices/approved philanthropic entities | 0% |
The above ensures targeted relief and incentives for key industries and investors. For further confirmation on eligibility, refer to Rwanda Revenue Authority’s official website.
Additional Notes
- Currency: All tax is levied in Rwandan Francs (RWF).
- Assessment Basis: Tax is assessed on corporate gross and net income as per statutory filings.
- Progressivity: The combination of fixed rates and progressive percentage brackets leads to variable effective tax rates by profit level.
Pro Tips for Navigating Rwanda’s Corporate Tax
- Thoroughly evaluate qualification for priority sector rates or listed company incentives—these can significantly reduce your effective tax burden for up to five years.
- If your company has foreign-sourced trading income or is structured as a holding company, be sure to analyze whether the preferential 3% rate applies.
- Newly registering micro-finance institutions or philanthropic organizations can benefit from full exemptions, but must comply with all approval requirements from regulatory authorities.
- Agricultural and pastoral businesses with annual turnover below RWF 12 million should document revenue accurately to take advantage of the 0% CIT rate.
Official Information Sources
For complete and current tax information, always consult the Rwanda Revenue Authority.
Rwanda maintains a progressive and incentivized corporate tax regime as of 2025, with highly targeted relief for certain economic sectors. Effective tax rates can vary substantially depending on business activity, structure, and whether companies fall within priority policy frameworks. Professional evaluation is recommended to make the most of the available incentives, particularly for new investors and internationally active businesses.