Kenya Visas and Work Permits
Kenya Visas and work permits
Kenya's visa and work permit regulations for foreign investors2025
Visa Requirements
Foreign investors intending to enter Kenya must comply with the visa requirements set by the Directorate of Immigration Services under the Ministry of Interior and National Administration.- Visa Types: Kenya issues several types of visas, including:
- Single Entry Visa
- Transit Visa
- Courtesy Visa
- Multiple Entry Visa
- East Africa Tourist Visa
- Application: Visa applications must be made online through the eCitizen portal.
- Exemptions: Nationals of certain countries are exempt from visa requirements. The list of exempt countries is maintained by the Directorate of Immigration Services.
Work Permits
Foreign investors must obtain a valid work permit to engage in employment or business activities in Kenya.Regulation: Work permits are governed by the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, 2011 and administered by the Directorate of Immigration Services.
Permit Classes Relevant to Investors: Class G Permit: For investors intending to engage in specific trade, business, or consultancy services. The applicant must show that the business will generate local employment and contribute to the Kenyan economy. Class D Permit: For foreign nationals offered specific employment by a company in Kenya. This is not limited to investors but may apply in investor-owned companies. Class A Permit: For individuals engaging in prospecting or mining.
- Certificate of incorporation of the business in Kenya
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Current tax compliance certificate
- Valid lease agreement for business premises
- Evidence of capital of at least USD 100,000 or its equivalent in Kenya Shillings
- Business plan
- Application Process:
- Submission of application through the Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest) or directly to the Directorate of Immigration Services
- Approval by the Permit Determination Committee
- Issuance of permit subject to payment of applicable fees
- Processing Time: Varies but typically ranges from 2 to 6 weeks.
- Renewal: Work permits must be renewed annually or as per the specified validity period. Renewal is subject to continued compliance with the original permit conditions.
- Re-entry Pass: Holders of valid work permits are eligible for multiple re-entry passes during the validity period of their permit.
- Special Pass: May be issued for short-term work engagements (maximum of 6 months) while awaiting the outcome of a permit application.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Foreign nationals found working without a valid work permit may be fined, detained, or deported in accordance with the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act.
- Employers who engage foreign workers without valid work permits are subject to legal penalties.