Table of contents

1. What is Legalization of Power of Attorney for transfer of property

2. Why would an applicant need this service?

3. What the applicant needs before you apply on their behalf?

4. Here is a step-by-step on how you can easily submit an application for the legalization of a power of attorney to transfer property in Rwanda.

5. What to expect after submitting the application

Legalization of documents from abroad to be used in Rwanda (property transfer or

Rwandans or foreign nationals living abroad who own or plan to acquire property in Rwanda can legally authorise someone in Rwanda to act on their behalf. The authorised person can then carry out tasks such as transferring movable or immovable property. This service is provided by the  Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MINAFFET)

1. Why would the applicant need this service?

In case of the following, for example:

• Wanted to buy, sell, donate, or exchange properties, but couldn’t because they’re not in Rwanda?

• Their family is handling a succession process, but they can’t proceed without them. Or perhaps they missed a great deal simply because they couldn’t travel back. 

When applying for the legalization of a power of attorney to transfer property, the applicant can authorise someone to carry out transactions such as; 

• Buying or selling properties such as land, houses, vehicles, company shares, etc.

• Donation, exchange of properties,  succession and property management. 
  
  

2. What does the applicant need before you can start the application?

They should prepare the following before their application:

• National ID (for Rwandans) or passport (for foreigners or Rwandans without an ID).

• Power of Attorney to be legalised (a letter written by the applicant clearly stating the property, applicant, and recipient information).

Additional Documents (Only if applicable)

• Applicant’s passport copy (if they're a foreigner)

• Representative’s passport copy (if they’re a foreigner)

• Marriage certificate (if either party is married)

Note: These documents should first be scanned and uploaded in PDF format

Important Tips for the applicant to note:

• They should make sure their power of attorney is valid for the action they're authorising.

• They should only give authority to someone they fully trust to avoid misuse risks and monitor their actions 

• Enter their correct email to receive notifications and track their application

• Provide property-specific information:

  • Land or house: UPI (Unique Parcel Identifier)

  • Vehicle: Plate number

  • Shares: Company TIN

3. Here is a step-by-step on how you can easily help an applicant legalise their power of attorney to transfer property in Rwanda.

Step 1: Visit www.irembo.gov.rw and log in to your Irembo Agent account.

Step 2: Find “Foreign Affairs consular services,” and select “Legalization of documents from abroad to be used in Rwanda”

Step 3: Choose to apply for “Property Transfer or Management.”

Step 4: Read the service description and the required attachments, and click Apply

Step 5: Fill in the applicant’s information, “ applicant details”, and residence address, and then select the embassy office based o their country of residence.

Step 6: Enter the representative's residence, payment  details, and the validity of the power of attorney

Step 7: Upload the requested supporting documents in  PDF format (maximum 200 KB each) and click Next.

Step 8: Verify that the information is true, enter the applicant’s phone number (local) and email address, check the verification box, and click Submit. 

Step 9: A billing Number/ID (88…) will be generated in order for them to make payment. Click Pay. They can choose their preferred mode of payment. For more information about payment modes, click here.

4. What to expect after submitting the application

1st step: The embassy officer will review the application. If everything is complete and accurate, the applicant will be scheduled for an in-person verification and confirmation of the information.

2nd step: After verification, the applicant’s application is forwarded to MINAFFET for review and approval.

3rd step: Once approved, the applicant will receive a notification that their e-certificate is ready for download on the IremboGov platform.

• The certificate contains a QR code that links to the signed power of attorney.

• Your representative in Rwanda will use this certificate to legally act on the applicant’s behalf.

• Disclaimer: 
  - The application process takes up to 30 working days from the date of submission to final approval
  - Remind the applicant to authorise someone they fully trust; granting power of attorney gives them legal authority to act on their behalf.