# 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.

Original page: https://cazini.co.ke/guides/kenya-work-permits-foreign-employees  
Updated: 2026-11-03 · Cazini (Paul Omondi)

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

1. **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](https://cazini.co.ke/guides/hire-employees-in-kenya-foreign-company).
2. **Prepare the documents** for the permit class - passport, certificates, CV, job description, company documents and supporting letters.
3. **Apply online** through the Directorate of Immigration Services' foreign nationals service on [eCitizen](https://accounts.ecitizen.go.ke), and pay the processing fee.
4. **Respond to queries** from the Directorate promptly.
5. **Pay the issuance fee** once the permit is approved, and complete endorsement of the permit as instructed.
6. **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](https://cazini.co.ke/guides/kenya-payroll-foreign-employers).
- **Contract:** the Employment Act applies to foreign employees too. See [Kenya labour laws for employers](https://cazini.co.ke/guides/kenya-labour-laws-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](https://accounts.ecitizen.go.ke)
- [Clyde & Co: review of charges and fees for immigration applications in Kenya (2023)](https://www.clydeco.com/en/insights/2023/11/review-of-charges-and-fees-with-respect-to-immigra)
- [Work permit classes in Kenya: types and requirements (law firm guide)](https://olmllp.com/kenya-work-permit-classes-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.