Work visas in Kenya: An employer’s guide

Hiring in Kenya? Whether you’re bringing on a new team member or relocating someone from your existing workforce, you’ll need to follow the country’s immigration and work permit rules.

Understanding which visa type applies is key, since every worker needs the right documentation before they can legally work in Kenya. Add in local laws around immigration, tax, and employment, and things can get complicated quickly.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide. Here, you’ll find a comprehensive breakdown of work visas, permits and passes in Kenya, from the different options available (such as the special pass) to practical tips. So let’s jump straight in.

Why is it important to obtain the right work visa in Kenya?

If you’re hiring or relocating employees in Kenya, it’s important to stay compliant with the country’s visa and work permit rules. Failing to do so can expose your business to financial penalties, legal risks, and even reputational damage.

To avoid complications, it's crucial to make sure that every team member has the right legal status to live and work in the country before they start, and that you seek professional advice where necessary.

See also: The complete employer’s guide to hiring in Kenya

Who needs a work visa in Kenya?

All non-citizens who wish to work in Kenya will need a specific work visa under Kenyan law. As stated before, Kenya has different types of work visas for various workers and industries. Each work permit is designated by a specific letter, as follows: 

Residence permit class A

Kenyan class A visas are specific to foreign employees who will be working in the mining or mineral industry while in Kenya.

Residence permit class B

Kenyan class B visas are specific to foreign employees coming to Kenya to work in agriculture or animal husbandry. Applicants for a class B visa will generally need to have a lease on land in Kenya and authorization from relevant Kenyan government bodies. 

Residence permit class C

Kenyan class C visas are designated for foreign nationals who are traveling to Kenya to practice a specific prescribed profession. Professions that fall under this category include doctors, attorneys, engineers, architects, and accountants. Applicants for this type of visa can generally practice their profession either alone or as part of a partnership.

Residence permit class D

Kenyan class D visas are for foreign nationals who are going to reside in Kenya to work for a specific employer with the Kenyan government, the United Nations, or another approved agency. For a class D application to be successful, applicants usually have to show that they possess skills or qualifications for the job that are not widely available among Kenyan citizens.

Residence permit class F

Kenyan class F visas are for foreign nationals who are going to reside in Kenya to work in the manufacturing sector. 

Residence permit class G

Kenyan class G visas are for foreign nationals working in a specific trade, business, or consultancy. 

Residence permit class I

Kenyan class I visas are for foreign nationals who are coming to Kenya to work with an approved religious or charitable organization, such as a missionary society. 

Residence permit class K

Kenyan class K visas are for foreign nationals who have a reliable income from a source other than full-time employment or a source outside of Kenya.

Residence permit class M

Kenyan Class M visas are for those who are coming to Kenya to work with refugees. 

What about the special pass?

In Kenya, a special pass is a short-term immigration permit that allows a foreign national to work, intern, or engage in business activities legally for up to three months.

Sometimes referred to as the Kenyan short-term work visa, this permit is managed by the Kenya Directorate of Immigration Services, and is generally issued:

• While waiting for approval of a full work permit (Class D or other categories).
• For short-term assignments, consultancy work, or training programs that last less than three months.
• For foreign interns, volunteers, or secondees who need temporary authorization.

In some cases it can be renewed, but usually not beyond six months in total. It must be sponsored by an employer, and justification must be provided for the short-term need.

The Special Pass ensures that foreign nationals are working in Kenya legally while either waiting for a permit decision or completing a temporary project. Without it, both you and your employee risk fines or legal penalties for non-compliance.

What are the requirements for a work visa in Kenya?

The exact eligibility requirements for non-citizens in Kenya will vary depending on what visa they are applying to. In general, all applicants must demonstrate sufficient income and employment during their stay in Kenya. For employees applying for visas in specific industries, they must demonstrate a pre-existing employment offer in that industry in Kenya. 

For example, if an applicant is applying for a Class A visa, they must have an existing employment offer with a mining company or operation in Kenya. In some cases, applicants must demonstrate that they possess unique skills and qualifications that cannot be easily found within the Kenyan population. 

Other long-stay visa types in Kenya

In addition to the aforementioned work visas, Kenya has several other permits and passes that may be relevant to certain workers: 

• Student's pass: If a foreign student is accepted into an academic institution in Kenya, they can apply for a Student’s Pass to legally reside in Kenya during their studies. 
• Dependent's pass: Dependents of foreign nationals living in Kenya under another visa type can attain a Dependent’s Pass during their stay in Kenya. 
• Internship / research pass: Foreign nationals who are accepted into an internship or research position with a Kenyan institution can apply for an Internship/Research pass to cover the course of their program or research fellowship. 
  
  

Does Kenya offer a digital nomad visa?

Yes. Kenya offers a digital nomad visa, known as the Class N Permit. This visa allows your employee to live in Kenya while working remotely for your company (provided you do not have an entity or clients in Kenya).

This visa is issued for one year, and can be renewed for a second year. Applicants must fill out and submit Form 25 online, and provide:

• Two recent passport-size colored photos
• A valid passport
• A cover letter addressed to the Director General of Immigration Services stating the nature of their employment, and their intended location and duration of stay
• A signed cover letter from the employer (also addressed to the Director General of Immigration Services)
• Bank statements or payslips proving monthly income
• Proof of accommodation
• A letter of no objection from the applicant's local embassy in Kenya
• Proof of payment of the processing fees and the visa issuance fees
  
  

See also: Which other countries offer digital nomad visas?

How do you get a work visa for Kenya?

All Kenyan work permits and work visas must be obtained through an online application, which is made through the Kenyan Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government (alongside the Kenyan Directorate of Immigration Services). Applicants can find the relevant application forms on the Kenyan government’s website. 

What are the requirements for a work visa in Kenya?

The specific components of the visa application will vary somewhat depending on which visa you are applying for. But in general, all applications must include:

• A completed application form
• A valid passport
• Two passport-sized photos
• Travel itinerary information 
• Proof of employment in Kenya
• Proof of income
• Receipt for payment of application fees

Depending on the specific visa, applicants may also need to provide academic qualifications, proof of employment, expertise in a specific industry, proof of acceptance into a Kenyan academic institution, or a marriage certificate proving married status with another visa applicant. To enter Kenya, your employee may also require an electronic travel authorisation (eTA).

Generally speaking, the processing time for all applications can take around three months. 

What is the process for employee work visa sponsorship in Kenya?

For most Kenyan work visas, employers will need to provide a work sponsorship or confirmation of employment before the application. If your company does not have a legal presence in Kenya, you may have a harder time getting your employee approved for a specific work visa. In these cases, using an EOR can help mitigate any visa problems that result. 

How can Remote help?

To hire or relocate employees to Kenya, you’ll need to have your own local entity there. This is a process that can be complex, lengthy, and expensive.

You also need to comply with relevant immigration laws and regulations to avoid potential penalties, as well as handle payroll, benefits, and all other HR requirements.

This is where Remote’s EOR service can be invaluable. We act as the legal employer in Kenya on your company’s behalf, and handle onboarding, payroll, and benefits. We help ensure that you are fully compliant with all local employment and payroll tax laws, and can onboard your employee in a matter of days, too, saving you time, money, and resources.

Alternatively, if you already have an entity in Kenya, we can assist in international employee relocation with case-by-case immigration assessments, and guidance on the visa process.

To learn more about the processes involved in relocating international employees, download Remote's Relocation Guide, or contact our Relocation team today.