Work Permits in Kenya: FAQ
Common questions on Kenyan work permits, immigration status and visas, answered for employers and individuals.
At a glance
- Work permits are issued under the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act 2011 and the 2012 Regulations (Seventh Schedule), via the eFNS / eCitizen portal.
- Class D (employment) and Class G (business/investor) are the most common; short assignments use a Special Pass.
- EAC nationals now apply under the fee-free Class R permit, introduced in late 2024.
- Visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), which is separate from a work permit and does not authorise work.
- It is unlawful to take up employment before a permit is granted.
Frequently asked questions
Who needs a work permit in Kenya?
Any foreign national who intends to work, run a business or practise a profession in Kenya needs the appropriate permit or pass. Tourism and short visits are covered by an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), which does not authorise work or business.
What are the main work permit classes?
The two most common for business are Class D, for employment by a specific Kenyan employer, and Class G, for a trade, business or consultancy (requiring proof of capital of at least USD 100,000). Other classes in the Seventh Schedule cover prospecting and mining (A), agriculture (B), specific manufacturing (F), approved religious activity (I), ordinary residents of independent means (K), and — newly — digital nomads (N).
How do EAC nationals apply?
Citizens of East African Community member states apply under the Class R permit, introduced by the December 2024 amendments (Legal Notice 198 of 2024). It consolidates employment, business and professional activity into one category and is issued fee-free, reflecting the EAC Common Market commitment to free movement of labour.
What is a Special Pass?
A Special Pass authorises short-term work or business for up to six months, at USD 200 per month for non-EAC nationals. It suits genuinely temporary assignments — installation, training, short consultancy — or bridges the gap while a substantive permit is processed. It is not a substitute for a Class D or G permit for ongoing work.
How do I apply, and what is the process?
Applications are made online through the Foreign Nationals Services (eFNS) portal on eCitizen. You create an account, complete the relevant forms, upload supporting documents — passport, qualifications, and, for Class D, the employment contract and understudy plan, or for Class G the business plan and proof of capital — pay the prescribed fees, and submit for review by the Directorate of Immigration Services. On approval, the permit is endorsed and the holder completes alien registration for a Foreign National ID.
What does a permit cost?
Fees depend on the class — a non-refundable processing fee plus an annual issuance fee on approval, and usually a security bond. The schedule was revised in December 2024, so confirm the current amounts on your eFNS invoice before paying. EAC nationals’ Class R permits are issued fee-free.
What is the Kenyan understudy requirement?
Most Class D applications require the employer to designate a Kenyan understudy — with a CV, certificates and a training plan — to be trained to take over the role over time. It reflects the policy aim of transferring skills to local staff, and weak understudy evidence is a common reason Class D applications stall.
How long does processing take?
It varies with the class, the completeness of the file and the Directorate’s workload, and typically takes several weeks. Incomplete or inconsistent documents are the most common cause of delay, so a clean, well-evidenced application is the fastest route.
Can my family join me?
Yes. A spouse and dependent children can apply for dependant’s passes to reside in Kenya alongside the permit holder, with their own supporting documents (marriage and birth certificates).
Can I start work while my application is pending?
No. It is unlawful to take up employment before authorisation is granted. Where work must begin sooner, a Special Pass can lawfully bridge the gap.
Are permits renewable, and what happens if mine lapses?
Most permits are renewable provided the holder still meets the eligibility criteria; apply through eFNS before expiry. Allowing a permit to lapse, or working outside its terms, puts the holder out of lawful status and can lead to enforcement action, so renewals should be diarised well ahead.
What is the difference between an eTA, a visa and a work permit?
The eTA is a pre-travel authorisation for visitors and does not permit work. A work permit (or pass) is what authorises a foreign national to work, run a business or reside long-term. Confusing the two — arriving on an eTA and starting work — is a frequent and avoidable compliance failure.
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Our immigration team advises individuals and employers on work permits, passes, immigration status and compliance.
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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.
