Source: https://rivet.global/blog/rwanda-companies-receiving-foreign-payments-kifc
Published: 2026-10-29 · Updated: 2026-10-29 · By Rashidatou K.

# Rwandan companies receiving foreign payments: a liberal regime and the Kigali financial centre

Rwanda has a liberal foreign exchange regime and a growing financial centre in Kigali. How Rwandan companies receive and hold foreign currency, and what KIFC offers.

## Key takeaways

- Rwanda has a liberal foreign exchange regime; companies can hold foreign currency accounts and receive payments from abroad.
- The Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC) offers incentives for qualifying international financial and holding activities.
- Many Kigali companies serve clients across East Africa and beyond, invoicing in dollars.
- Converting dollars to francs on a schedule ahead of payroll steadies the budget.

A Kigali data analytics company serves a bank in Nairobi, an NGO in Geneva and a startup in Boston. It invoices all three in dollars. Rwanda lets it hold dollars freely, so it pays cloud bills and a Ugandan contractor from the dollar balance and converts the rest to Rwandan francs before payroll.

## A liberal regime

Rwanda's foreign exchange regime is liberal. The National Bank of Rwanda allows companies to hold foreign currency accounts and to receive and make payments abroad for business purposes.

## KIFC

The Kigali International Financial Centre is Rwanda's effort to attract international financial services, holding companies and regional headquarters. Qualifying entities can benefit from tax incentives and an investment-friendly framework. Check eligibility with KIFC and the Rwanda Development Board.

## Getting paid

Regional clients in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania pay by international transfer, often in dollars. US and European clients do the same. US account details let US clients pay by ACH.

## Converting francs

Hold dollars as they arrive. Convert a planned amount ahead of payroll. The franc has depreciated steadily against the dollar, so timing matters.

## VAT

Exports of services can be zero-rated for VAT when the conditions are met. Keep contracts and evidence of use abroad.

## Where Rivet fits

A Rivet business account accepts registered companies after verification, including Rwandan companies. Approved companies get US account details in their own name on every plan, euro and sterling details from the Growth plan, and payouts in 120+ countries. Rivet is not a bank; regulated partner institutions hold the funds.

## Questions

### Can Rwandan companies hold dollars?

Yes. Rwanda allows companies to hold foreign currency accounts and receive payments from abroad.

### What is KIFC?

The Kigali International Financial Centre, Rwanda's initiative to attract international financial services, holding companies and regional headquarters, with tax incentives for qualifying activities.

### Do Rwandan companies charge VAT on exported services?

Exports of services can be zero-rated when the conditions are met. Check with the Rwanda Revenue Authority.

### How do regional clients pay?

By international transfer, often in dollars, or through regional payment links.