Kenya Work Permits for Foreign Employees
Kenya work permits for foreign staff: Class D for employees, Class G for investors, special passes, the eCitizen process, requirements, fees and timelines.
By Paul Omondi, Founder & CTO · Updated
Foreign nationals need a work permit to work in Kenya. Employees hired by a Kenyan employer usually need a Class D (employment) permit; investors running their own business apply for a Class G permit. Applications are made online through the Directorate of Immigration Services on eCitizen, and the foreign national should not start work until the permit is issued.
Kenya's policy is to protect jobs for Kenyans, so employers have to show why the role needs a foreign national. Plan for several weeks or months, and apply well before the planned start date.
The main permit classes for business
| Permit | For | Reported government fee |
|---|---|---|
| Class D | A foreign national offered specific employment by a specific employer | KES 20,000 processing + KES 500,000 a year (since April 2024) |
| Class G | Investors starting or running a business or trade in Kenya | KES 20,000 processing + KES 250,000 a year |
| Special pass | Short-term work or assignments, including while a permit is processed | Varies - check the current schedule |
Fees as reported by Kenyan law firms; the Class D fee rose from KES 200,000 a year in 2024. Confirm current fees with the Directorate of Immigration Services before you budget.
Kenya has other permit classes - for example for prescribed professionals, missionaries and residents - but Class D and Class G cover most foreign employees and investors.
Class D: employing a foreign national
A Class D permit is tied to one employer and one job. Employers usually need to show:
- The role and the person: the job description, the employee's CV, academic and professional certificates, and passport.
- Why a Kenyan cannot fill it: evidence that the skills are not readily available locally - for example, that the post was advertised and no suitable Kenyan applicant was found.
- A succession plan: many applications name a Kenyan understudy who will be trained to take over the role.
- The employer's standing: company registration documents and a current KRA tax compliance certificate.
The employer generally prepares the application, and the employee provides their documents. Permits are issued for a fixed period and must be renewed before they expire; the annual fee applies for each year of the permit.
Class G: investors
A Class G permit is for foreign nationals who want to invest in, start or run a business in Kenya. Applicants are reported to need proof of capital to be invested of at least USD 100,000, alongside a business plan, company registration documents and tax compliance. If you are an investor and also an employee of your own Kenyan company, take advice on which class fits your role.
Special passes
A special pass allows a foreign national to work in Kenya for a short, defined period - for example to install equipment, deliver training, or start a role while a Class D application is being processed. It is not a substitute for a work permit for ongoing employment.
How to apply
- Register the employer and entity in Kenya, and get a KRA PIN and tax compliance certificate. See hiring employees in Kenya as a foreign company.
- Prepare the documents for the permit class - passport, certificates, CV, job description, company documents and supporting letters.
- Apply online through the Directorate of Immigration Services' foreign nationals service on eCitizen, and pay the processing fee.
- Respond to queries from the Directorate promptly.
- Pay the issuance fee once the permit is approved, and complete endorsement of the permit as instructed.
- Diary the expiry date and start renewal early.
Do not let a foreign employee start work before the permit is issued. Working without a valid permit is an offence for both the employee and the employer, and can lead to fines, removal of the employee, and problems with future applications.
After the permit is issued
- Payroll: a foreign employee working in Kenya is generally taxed in Kenya on employment income, and goes on your Kenyan payroll with PAYE and the other statutory deductions. See Kenya payroll for foreign employers.
- Contract: the Employment Act applies to foreign employees too. See Kenya labour laws for employers.
- Dependants: spouses and children need their own dependant passes.
- Changes: a Class D permit is tied to the employer and role. If the employee changes employer, a new permit is needed.
Sources
- eCitizen: Directorate of Immigration Services
- Clyde & Co: review of charges and fees for immigration applications in Kenya (2023)
- Work permit classes in Kenya: types and requirements (law firm guide)
Frequently asked questions
Which work permit does a foreign employee need in Kenya?+
A foreign national offered a specific job by a specific employer in Kenya usually needs a Class D (employment) permit. Investors starting or running a business in Kenya apply for a Class G permit instead.
How much does a Kenya work permit cost?+
Law firms report a non-refundable processing fee of KES 20,000 and an annual issuance fee of KES 500,000 for a Class D permit since April 2024, and KES 250,000 a year for a Class G investor permit. Confirm the current fees on the Directorate of Immigration Services' official channels before you apply.
Can a foreigner start work in Kenya before the permit is issued?+
No. A foreign national should not start work until the work permit is issued. For short assignments while a permit is pending, employers often apply for a special pass, which is valid for a limited period.
Where do I apply for a Kenya work permit?+
Online, through the Directorate of Immigration Services' foreign nationals service on eCitizen. The employer usually prepares and submits the Class D application with the employee's documents.
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