Immigration

Kenya has primarily transitioned to a visa-free regime for travellers, with the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) serving as a substitute for traditional visas.

All foreign nationals, including minors, are required to obtain an eTA online prior to their journey, except for citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states, persons holding work permits, and persons from countries or organizations exempted from the eTA requirement. The eTA authorises entry for purposes such as tourism, family visits, or brief business meetings (up to 90 days). It expressly does not authorize employment or working in Kenya.

Strictly No. Engaging in employment or long-term business management while on a Visitor’s eTA is a criminal offense under the law. If immediate short-term work is required for a period of up to three months, a Special Pass must be obtained.

These are the two most common permits for foreign expatriates:

A Class G (Investor Permit) is generally issued to foreigners establishing a business or consulting firm. The key requirement for this permit is providing documentary evidence of USD 100,000 in investment capital.

A Class D (Employment Permit) is typically granted to foreigners employed by a Kenyan company. The key condition for this permit is that the employer (acting as the applicant on behalf of the prospective foreign employee) must demonstrate that no suitable Kenyan citizen was available to fill the position, in accordance with strict labour market testing requirements. Additionally, a Kenyan “Understudy” must be appointed.

To successfully apply for a Class D permit, the employer must compile all relevant documents and information demonstrating the need for the expatriate hire. Requirements include:

• Form 25 duly filled and signed application form.
• Cover Letter from the employer detailing the position, the specific skills required, and why a Kenyan could not be hired.
• Certified copies of the expatriate’s degrees and CV.
• CV, ID copy, and contact details of the Kenyan Understudy (employee) being trained to replace the expatriate.
• Clearance from Professional Bodies if the role is regulated (e.g., Engineers, Doctors, Accountants).
• Certificate of Incorporation, current Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC) of the employer/company.

The following are required when applying for an Investor Permit.

• Certificate of Incorporation of your Kenyan company.
• Memorandum & Articles of Association showing your shareholding.
• Proof of Funds (Bank Statement showing ~$100,000).
• Tax Compliance Certificate of the company.
• Police Clearance Certificate from your country of origin.

The estimated processing time for a Class G (Investor) Permit or a Class D (Employment) Permit is approximately 2 to 4 months. During this period, employment is not permitted unless the applicant possesses a valid Special Pass.

For Class D (Employment) permits, the Department of Immigration requires the company hiring a foreign expatriate to assign a Kenyan employee, referred to as the “Understudy,” who will undergo training to assume the expatriate’s responsibilities. The CV and contact details of the Understudy must be submitted along with the application.

A Special Pass is a temporary work authorization issued for a period of three months, with the possibility of one renewal for an additional three months. It is ideal for foreigners who need to start work immediately while their long-term Work Permit (Class D/G) is being processed, or for short-term consultancy assignments.

Yes. Once the principal applicant holds a valid Work Permit, their spouse and children may apply for a Dependent Pass, provided they do not engage in employment or education, or, alternatively, a Student Pass for children enrolled in Kenyan schools.

A person qualifies for Permanent Residence status if:

• They have maintained a valid Work or Residency Permit for a minimum of seven consecutive years;
• They have been legally married to a Kenyan citizen for at least three years; or
• They are a minor child of a Kenyan citizen but possess a foreign nationality.

Yes. Kenya allows Dual Citizenship.

A person may qualify for Kenyan citizenship by:

• Registration (Marriage): After being married to a Kenyan for a period of 7 years.
• Registration (Residence): After maintaining lawful residence on Work or Residency Permits for 7 consecutive years immediately prior to application.

The following table outlines the government fees with respect to:

• Processing Fee: Must be paid upon application (Non-Refundable).
• Issuance Fee: Paid annually once the permit is approved.

Note: All fees are payable via the eCitizen platform. A mandatory security bond may be required for certain classes. The above does not include legal fees.

The Alien Identity Card (Foreign Nationals Certificate) is a mandatory identification document for any foreigner remaining in Kenya for more than 90 days. It is the primary ID used for:

• Opening personal bank accounts.
• Getting a KRA PIN.
• Property Purchase and Getting an Ardhi Sasa ID.
• Accessing government services.

You are legally obliged to apply for the Alien ID within 90 days of your arrival or upon the issuance of a Work Permit, whichever occurs first.

The registration procedure is as follows:

• Booking – Once your Work Permit is endorsed (or if you hold a Dependent or Student pass valid for more than three months), you must schedule a biometrics appointment through eCitizen.
• Biometrics – You are required to attend the Immigration HQ (or regional office) in person for fingerprinting and digital photography.
• Payment – A fee of KES 5,000 per year, depending on the validity period, must be paid via eCitizen.
• Collection – Processing typically takes 2 to 5 weeks. You must personally collect the card.