Civil records registration means registering births, marriages and deaths that occurred in the United States with the Rwanda authorities. Essential for citizens of Rwanda living abroad whose family events happen in the U.S.
Rwanda consulates processing civil records
What can be registered?
- Birth registration: children of Rwanda parents born in the U.S. can be registered as Rwanda nationals
- Marriage registration: marriages of Rwanda citizens (or mixed marriages) celebrated in the U.S.
- Death registration: death of Rwanda nationals in the U.S.
- Divorce registration: U.S. divorce decrees for those married in Rwanda
Required documents
- Original U.S. vital record (birth/marriage/death certificate)
- Apostille from the Secretary of State of the issuing state
- Certified translation to the official language of Rwanda
- Passport and ID of the Rwanda citizens involved
- Application form completed
How to register
Most Rwanda consulates require an appointment to file civil records. The consulate then forwards the registration to the Rwanda civil registry office.
Some consulates accept mail-in applications for civil records. Check the official site of your consulate.
Costs and processing times
Registration fees: typically free or $10-$50 per record. Processing time at the consulate: 2-4 weeks; final registration in Rwanda can take additional months.