Kenya (KE)

Kenya is East Africa's economic, tech, and diplomatic powerhouse — home to the United Nations' Africa headquarters, the Silicon Savannah startup ecosystem, and some of the world's most iconic wildlife.

Capital: Nairobi

Region: Africa

Language: Swahili

Currency: KES (Ksh)

Cost of living: Very affordable (index 30)

Emergency: 999

Visa & Immigration

Entry and residence options for Kenya.

Visa-Free Access

East African Community (EAC) members — Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, DRC — enter visa-free. Selected African Union member states have preferential access. Most other nationalities require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) or visa. As of January 2024, Kenya replaced most visa-on-arrival categories with an eTA system requiring online pre-application. Check the official eCitizen portal (etakenya.go.ke) for the current country-specific requirements, as the policy is evolving.

Kenya overhauled its visa system in early 2024 with the introduction of the eTA for most nationalities. All applications are now processed through the eCitizen platform (ecitizen.go.ke). Kenya is an EAC member — EAC citizens use the EAC common ID/passport for entry. Overstaying a visa or permit carries fines of KES 10,000/day and potential deportation. The Kenyan government has been increasing immigration enforcement since 2023. Always maintain current, valid documentation and ensure your employer keeps your work permit renewed. Contact the Department of Immigration Services (immigration.go.ke) for current requirements.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)

Kenya eTA

USD 30 (approx. KES 3,900)

Duration: Up to 90 days per entry, extendable to 180 days/year maximum

Eligibility

Most nationalities (replacing former tourist/single-entry visa). EAC citizens exempt.

Processing time

72 hours typically (apply at least 1 week before travel)

Requirements

✓Valid passport (6+ months validity)
✓Return or onward ticket
✓Proof of accommodation
✓Proof of sufficient funds
✓Yellow fever certificate (if arriving from endemic country)
✓Travel insurance (recommended)

💡 Apply at etakenya.go.ke. Multiple applications per year allowed. Must be approved before travel. For tourism, family visits, and short business trips.

Class G Work Permit (Employment)

Work Permit Class G

KES 100,000–200,000 (government fee; employer typically pays)

Duration: Up to 3 years, renewable

Eligibility

Foreign nationals with a confirmed job offer from a Kenyan-registered employer. Employer must prove no qualified Kenyan citizen available.

Processing time

1–3 months

Requirements

✓Job offer letter from Kenyan employer
✓Employer letter justifying need for foreign national
✓Academic and professional certificates (apostilled)
✓Police clearance from home country (within 6 months)
✓Medical certificate
✓Passport copy
✓Completed application form via eCitizen

💡 Apply via Department of Immigration on eCitizen. A Special Pass (3 months) can be issued while main permit is processed. Employer must hold valid business permit and be tax-compliant.

Class I Work Permit (Self-Employment)

Work Permit Class I

USD 2,000–5,000 (KES 260,000–650,000)

Duration: Up to 3 years, renewable

Eligibility

Foreign entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals investing in Kenya. Requires demonstrated investment or business registration.

Processing time

2–4 months

Requirements

✓Business registration certificate
✓Business plan or proof of ongoing business
✓Proof of capital investment in Kenya
✓Academic/professional qualifications
✓Police clearance
✓Bank statements showing capital

💡 Higher financial requirements than employment permit. Commonly used by entrepreneurs, consultants, and investors. Can be obtained while on a Special Pass.

Dependent/Family Pass

Dependent Pass

KES 10,000–30,000 per dependent

Duration: Co-terminus with the main work permit

Eligibility

Spouses and minor children of valid work permit holders. Partner must hold valid Class G, I, or other qualifying permit.

Processing time

2–6 weeks

Requirements

✓Valid work permit of the principal applicant
✓Marriage certificate (apostilled)
✓Birth certificates for children
✓Passport copies of all dependents

💡 Dependent pass holders may work if they also obtain their own work authorisation. Children enrolled in school should register with the school before applying.

Student Pass

KES 5,000–15,000

Duration: Duration of the course (up to 3 years renewable)

Eligibility

Foreign students enrolled full-time at a Kenyan-registered educational institution.

Processing time

2–4 weeks

Requirements

✓Admission letter from Kenyan institution
✓Proof of fee payment
✓Proof of accommodation
✓Proof of financial support
✓Police clearance

💡 Apply before or shortly after arrival. Working on a student pass is generally not permitted without separate work authorisation.

Class N Permit — Digital Nomad

Digital Nomad

Class N Work Permit (Digital Nomad)

USD 200 non-refundable processing fee + USD 1,000 issuance fee per year (payable through the official eCitizen / eFNS portal after approval)

Duration: 1–2 years; renewable if income requirements continue to be met

Eligibility

Foreign nationals aged 35 or over who are employed by or self-employed for a company or clients based entirely outside Kenya, earning at least USD 24,000/year (USD 2,000/month) from those foreign sources. Available since October 1, 2024; online applications opened April–May 2025 via eFNS on eCitizen.

Processing time

2–6 weeks via eFNS on eCitizen portal after application submission

Requirements

✓Minimum age: 35 years
✓Proof of annual income of at least USD 24,000 from sources outside Kenya
✓Employment contract or proof of self-employment with foreign clients
✓Valid passport (6+ months validity)
✓Clean criminal record from home country
✓Health insurance valid in Kenya
✓Application via eFNS on the eCitizen portal (account.ecitizen.go.ke)

💡 Class N holders are strictly prohibited from earning income from Kenyan-registered companies or working for Kenyan clients. The permit is for remote work only — all income must come from outside Kenya. Apply through the official eCitizen / eFNS portal; third-party agents charge additional fees.

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