The Class H Entry Permit is Uganda's residence permit for persons of independent means. It allows foreign nationals with assured income from outside Uganda to reside in the country without engaging in employment or any income-generating activity locally. The permit is established under the Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control Act, Cap. 66 (recodified as Cap. 313 in the 2023 revised edition of the Laws of Uganda), and is administered by the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC) under the Ministry of Internal Affairs. It is particularly suited to retirees, pensioners, and anyone drawing pension, rental, investment, or savings income from abroad.
The permit is available for 6, 12, 24, or 36 months. Application fees vary by duration: USD 750 (6 months), USD 1,500 (12 months), USD 3,000 (24 months), USD 4,500 (36 months). All fees are non-refundable, and online payments are subject to an approximately 3% surcharge. The permit can be renewed by submitting a new application with the same documentation through the same process. After 10 years of continuous legal residence, holders may apply for a Certificate of Residence (long-stay), subject to proof of socio-economic contribution and a clean criminal record.
Dependants may apply for a Dependant Pass linked to the principal permit holder's immigration status. Eligible dependants include spouses (USD 350), children under 18 (USD 200), and other relatives (USD 1,000). Required documents vary by relationship: spouses need a marriage certificate; children need a birth certificate; other relatives need proof of relationship and a cover letter. Dependant Pass holders are not permitted to work in Uganda. The Dependant Pass is cancelled when the principal's permit expires or is cancelled.
Uganda taxes resident individuals on worldwide income. An individual is considered tax resident if present in Uganda for 183 days or more in any 12-month period, or if present during the year of income and in each of the two preceding years for periods averaging more than 122 days per year. Resident individuals are subject to progressive income tax: 0% on the first UGX 2,820,000; 10% on UGX 2,820,001–4,020,000; 20% on UGX 4,020,001–4,920,000; 30% on UGX 4,920,001–120,000,000; and 40% above UGX 120,000,000. The Class H permit provides no tax exemptions.
Applications are submitted online via the Uganda Electronic Visa/Permit Application System at visas.immigration.go.ug, or in person at DCIC offices in Kampala (Plot 65/67, Old Port Bell Road). Processing normally takes 2 to 3 working days.
All attached documents must be in English. Foreign nationals overstaying their visa or permit are subject to a fine of USD 30 per day. Appeals against immigration decisions must be submitted via the Immigration Portal to the Minister of Internal Affairs within 30 days of rejection.