Work visa 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 visa in Kenya.
This blog gives you a comprehensive breakdown of work visas, permits and passes in Kenya, from the different options available (such as the special pass) to practical tips.
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.
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 authorisation from relevant Kenyan government bodies.
Residence permit class C
Kenyan class C visas are designated for foreign nationals who are travelling 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 investors investing and working in a specific trade, business, or consultancy in Kenya. The minimum capital requirement is $100,000.
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 organisation, 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 authorisation.
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 the 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.
Frequently Asked Questions on Work Visa in Kenya
- 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.
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.
- 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
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. To enter Kenya, your employee may also require an electronic travel authorisation (eTA).
Generally, 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 Afrilink Consultants 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.
Conclusion
Are you a foreign investor planning to start a business in Kenya and other countries of our presence in Africa? Our team of professionals streamline your work permit application as well as the visa application process for you and your employees, ensuring timely approvals and compliance with immigration regulations without a hitch.
📩 clientservice@afrilinkconsultants.com
📞 +254707280366
