How to register a cooperative

What you need

• The required number of founder members (set by the 2021 cooperative law)
• Bylaws and internal rules
• A clear activity and objectives
• Starting capital

Steps

1. Hold a founding meeting and agree on the bylaws, activity and capital.
2. Go to cmis.rca.gov.rw (or the RCA office in your sector) and create the application.
3. Upload the members' list, bylaws and other documents.
4. Respond to any RCA questions.
5. Once registered, your cooperative gets a TIN through the RCA–RRA link.

Tips

• Check the current minimum number of members with RCA before you start. Sources differ.
• Registered cooperatives also have tax duties with RRA.

Official sources

• RCA: legal affairs and registration
• RRA: register your business (cooperatives section)

Last checked: 2 November 2026 against RCA and RRA pages. Minimum members and fees aren't confirmed. If something here is out of date, tell us so we can fix it.