Regulatory update – Rwanda
Rwanda is taking important steps to streamline international transactions and agreements through its involvement with the Apostille Convention.
- Michael Miller
In October 2023, Rwanda deposited its instrument of accession to the Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents, commonly known as the 1961 Apostille Convention. Rwanda’s accession is expected to come into force in June 2024.
The purpose of the Convention is to abolish the traditional requirement of legalisation, replacing the often long and costly legalisation process with the issuance of a single Apostille certificate by a competent authority in the place where the document originates. Simply put, the Convention simplifies the use of public documents across borders.
The Apostille Convention represents significant time and cost-savings for investors and businesses involved in cross-border transactions and contracts thanks to a simplified process.
Rwanda is the latest party to join the list of 132 contracting parties following Canada, China, Senegal and Pakistan. The country has also applied for membership in the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH).
