An architect reviewing a blueprint on site

The law in force

The law governing architectural practice in Rwanda

Architectural practice in Rwanda is governed by Law n° 023/2025 of 01/09/2025, covering the professions of architecture, engineering and quantity surveying. It replaced Law n° 26/2012, under which the Institute was established.

What changed

From the 2012 law to the 2025 law

Law n° 26/2012 established the Institute of Architects and the Institute of Engineers and was published in the Official Gazette of 10 September 2012. It governed the profession for thirteen years.

Law n° 023/2025 replaced it. Among other changes, it provides for a separate institute for quantity surveyors, which alters how the professions are organised.

What it means for you

Practising architectsWhat registration and renewal require of you.

FirmsHow the law treats firms rather than individuals.

GraduatesThe path from qualification to registration.

Foreign practitionersWhat is required to practise in Rwanda from abroad.

Status

In force

In force from 1 September 2025. It replaces Law n° 26/2012, which is retained in the regulation library marked as repealed, because contracts, approvals and disputes predating the new law may still turn on it.

Attachments

Full text, as text, with anchors at article level so that RIA and others can link to a specific clause.

The signed gazette version, attached as a document.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I read the original gazette?

It is attached at the foot of this page.

Is there an official Kinyarwanda text?

The law is published in the Official Gazette in its official languages; this site publishes in English. Where a discrepancy matters legally, the gazetted text governs.

See what this means for you

Not registered yet, and practising? Start with Who must register.

See what this means for you Regulation library