diff --git a/boards/risc-v/qemu-rv/rv-virt/src/qemu_rv_appinit.c b/boards/risc-v/qemu-rv/rv-virt/src/qemu_rv_appinit.c
index fc4bd3f4b6..999adea53f 100644
--- a/boards/risc-v/qemu-rv/rv-virt/src/qemu_rv_appinit.c
+++ b/boards/risc-v/qemu-rv/rv-virt/src/qemu_rv_appinit.c
@@ -135,7 +135,9 @@ int board_app_initialize(uintptr_t arg)
 #endif
 
 #ifdef CONFIG_DRIVERS_VIRTIO_MMIO
+#ifndef CONFIG_BOARD_EARLY_INITIALIZE
   qemu_virtio_register_mmio_devices();
+#endif
 #endif
 
   return OK;
@@ -197,6 +199,13 @@ void board_late_initialize(void)
 #endif
 }
 
+void board_early_initialize(void)
+{
+#ifdef CONFIG_DRIVERS_VIRTIO_MMIO
+  qemu_virtio_register_mmio_devices();
+#endif
+}
+
 #ifdef CONFIG_BOARDCTL_POWEROFF
 int board_power_off(int status)
 {