In today’s global landscape, many individuals are embracing the opportunity to work remotely from various parts of the world, often referred to as digital nomadism. For those interested in making Kenya their next temporary home while continuing their work abroad, the Class N Permit for Digital Nomads may be the perfect solution. In this post, we will explore the qualifications, requirements, and the associated government charges for obtaining a Digital Nomad Permit in Kenya.
- Eligibility Criteria for a Digital Nomad (Class N) Permit
A Digital Nomad (Class N) Permit is granted for a period of one (1) to two (2) years, with options for renewal. To qualify for this permit, applicants must:
- Hold an employment contract with a company registered outside of Kenya.
- Be a shareholder or be engaged in business activities on behalf of a foreign company.
- Provide services as a self-employed individual to clients located outside of Kenya.
- Undertake not to accept employment, paid or unpaid, or engage in any income-generating activities of any kind in Kenya for an employer/company domiciled in Kenya and whose presence in Kenya will be of benefit to Kenya.
- Required Documentation
To apply for a Digital Nomad Permit, an applicant must provide the following documentation:
- A completed and signed Form 25.
- Two (2) recent passport-sized coloured photographs.
- Copies of a valid national passport.
- Current immigration status documents if residing in Kenya.
- A detailed and signed cover letter from the applicant to the Director General of Immigration Services, outlining the nature of employment or business, location, and duration of stay.
- A signed cover letter from the employer or business organization addressed to the Director General of Immigration Services.
- Proof of an assured annual income of USD 24,000 derived from sources outside Kenya.
- Bank statements or pay slips from the last three months verifying monthly income.
- Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation or rental agreement.
- Proof of a clean criminal record from the country of habitual residence.
- A letter of no objection from the local embassy of the applicant’s home country.
- Company details, including physical address, phone number, email address, contact person’s name, job title, and contact information.
- Government Fees
When applying for the Digital Nomad Permit, applicants should be aware of the applicable government charges:
| Item | Fees (USD) |
| Application/Processing Fee | USD 200 |
| Permit Issuance Fee (payable upon approval) | USD 1,000(per year) |
- Conclusion
Securing a Digital Nomad (Class N) Permit in Kenya opens up exciting opportunities for digital nomads to experience the rich culture and vibrant atmosphere of Kenya while continuing their professional goals. Understanding the key requirements and preparing the essential documentation is crucial for streamlining the application process. For comprehensive insights on immigration law services in Kenya and to stay updated on the latest permit information, keep following our updates and resources.
For any enquiries on this or any other matter do not hesitate to contact us via email at info@olmllp.com.
Disclaimer: This article has been prepared for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute a lawyer-client relationship. Nothing in this article is intended to guarantee, warranty, or predict the outcome of a particular case and should not be construed as such a guarantee, warranty, or prediction. The authors are not responsible for any actions (or lack thereof) taken as a result of relying on or in any way using information contained in this article and in no event shall be liable for any damages resulting from reliance on or use of this information. Readers should take specific advice from a qualified professional when dealing with specific situations.
