Kenya Work Visa Process
The Work Visa process is specific to each company and foreign national, depending on role requirements and employer compliance. Employers are expected to justify the employment of foreign nationals and demonstrate that the appointment aligns with the operational requirements of the business while complying with Kenya immigration and labour legislation.
Kenya offers a range of permits and passes depending on the purpose of a foreign national’s stay and intended activities in the country.
- Special Pass (Short Term)
-  Class A-G
Types of Visas and Permits
SPECIAL PASS
A Special Pass is a temporary immigration authorisation that allows a foreign national to enter or remain in Kenya for a period not exceeding six months for the purpose of temporarily conducting business, trade or professional activities.
The Special Pass may also be used in certain circumstances while an applicant is awaiting the processing of a longer-term permit or pass. Applications are submitted through Kenya’s eFNS portal and must be supported by documentation from both the applicant and the sponsoring organisation.
For non-East African nationals, the current government fee is USD 200 per month, payable upon approval. Nationals of East African Community Member States are exempt from the fee.Â
CLASS A – PROSPECTING AND MINING
A Class A Permit is issued to a foreign national who intends to engage, either independently or in partnership, in mineral prospecting or mining activities in Kenya.
Applicants must hold the necessary prospecting or mining rights, licences and registrations and demonstrate access to at least USD 100,000 in investment funds.
The current government fees are KES 20,000 for processing and KES 500,000 per year upon issuance. East African Community Member State nationals are exempt from these fees.
CLASS B – AGRICULTURE AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY
A Class B Permit is intended for a foreign national who wishes to engage, either independently or in partnership, in agriculture or animal husbandry activities in Kenya.
Applicants are required to demonstrate access to the land on which the activities will be undertaken, whether through ownership or lease, and show that they have sufficient capital available for the proposed activities. A minimum capital investment of USD 100,000 is required, together with the relevant licences or regulatory approvals.
CLASS C – PRESCRIBED PROFESSION
A Class C Permit is issued to a foreign national who is a member of a prescribed profession and intends to practise that profession in Kenya, either independently or in partnership.
Applicants must demonstrate that they hold the required academic and professional qualifications and are appropriately registered or recognised by the relevant professional body in Kenya.
The current government fees are KES 20,000 for processing and KES 250,000 per year upon issuance.
CLASS D – EMPLOYMENT
A Class D Work Permit is issued to a foreign national who has been offered specific employment by a specific employer in Kenya and possesses skills or qualifications that are not readily available in the Kenyan labour market.
The application is employer-specific and requires the employer to demonstrate the need for the foreign national’s skills. The employer is also required to identify a Kenyan understudy who will receive training and skills transfer from the foreign national and provide evidence of efforts made to recruit for the position within the local labour market.
The current government fees for non-East African nationals are KES 20,000 for processing and KES 500,000 per year upon issuance.
CLASS F – SPECIFIC MANUFACTURING
A Class F Permit is intended for a foreign national who wishes to engage, either independently or in partnership, in a specific manufacturing activity in Kenya.
Applicants must demonstrate that they have the necessary licences and registrations to undertake the proposed manufacturing activities, together with sufficient capital and resources to establish or operate the manufacturing business in Kenya.
Start Your Kenyan Work Visa Application Today
Our immigration specialists provide end-to-end support for businesses and professionals operating in Kenya, from assessing the appropriate work permit or pass based on the individual’s role and intended activities to managing applications, employer requirements, compliance and renewals. We assist businesses with Kenya’s immigration process, including the employment of foreign nationals and the supporting requirements applicable to each application. Fill in the form to speak to our team and receive tailored assistance for your immigration requirements in Kenya.
