How to apply for a work permit in Kenya

A work permit is a document issued to allow a person(s) to take a job within a foreigner country. In Kenya, it’s issued by the Director of Immigration Services to enable foreign national(s) enter Kenya and engage in trade, prospecting, farming, business, professional employment, missionary activities or even reside in Kenya. The Director issues work/residence permits upon the recommendation of the Permit Determination Committee, an inter-ministerial Committee appointed by the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government.

Types of work permits in Kenya

Here are the different types of work permits in Kenya.

Class A: (For prospecting and mining)

This permit is issued to a person who intends to engage, whether alone or in partnership, in prospecting for minerals or mining in Kenya, and who;

• Has obtained, prospecting or mining right or licence that may be necessary for the purpose.
• Has in his own right and at his full and free disposition sufficient capital and other resources for the purpose.
• Whose engagement in the prospecting or mining will be of benefit to Kenya.

Class B: (Agriculture and Animal husbandry)

This permit is issued to a person who intends to engage, whether alone or in partnership, in the business of agriculture or animal husbandry in Kenya, and who;

• Has acquired, or has received all permissions that may be necessary in order to acquire, an interest in land of sufficient size and suitability for the purpose.
• Has in his own right and at his full and free disposition sufficient capital and other resources for the purpose.
• And whose engagement in that business will be of benefit to Kenya.

Class C: (Prescribed profession)

This permit is issued to a person who is a member of a prescribed profession who intends to practice that profession, whether alone or in partnership, in Kenya, and who;

• Possesses the prescribed qualification (Eighth schedule of The Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Regulations).
• Has in his/her own right and at his/her full and free disposition sufficient capital and other resources.
• Is registered with the professional body, association or institute to which he/she belongs in his/her own country.
• Whose practice of that profession will be of benefit to Kenya.

Note: The prescribed Professions, as provided for in the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Regulations Act are; Medical profession, Dentists, Legal profession, Surveyors, Estate Agent, Valuer and Land Agent, Architects or Quantity surveyors, Pharmacists, Veterinary Surgeons, Engineers, Nursing Profession, Physiotherapists, Accountants, Chartered Secretaries, Actuaries, Scientist, Information and Communication Technology Experts.

Class D: (Employment)

This permit is issued to a person who is offered specific employment by a specific employer, the government of Kenya or any other person or authority under the control of the Government or an approved technical aid scheme under the United Nations Organization or some other approved Agency (not being an exempted person under section 34 (3), who is in possession of skills or qualifications that are not available in Kenya and whose engagement in that employment will be of benefit to Kenya.

Class F: (Specific manufacturing)

This permit is issued to a person who intends to engage, whether alone or in partnership, in a specific manufacture in Kenya, and who;

• Has obtained any licence, registration or other authority or permission that may be necessary for the purpose.
• Has in his own right and at his full and free disposition sufficient capital and other resources for the purpose.
• Whose engagement in that manufacture will be of benefit to Kenya.

Class G: (Specific trade, business or consultancy)

This permit is issued to a person who intends to engage, whether alone or in partnership, in a specific trade, business, consultancy or profession (other than a prescribed profession) in Kenya, and who;

• Has obtained any licence, registration or other authority or permission that may be necessary for the purpose.
• Has in his/her own right and at his/her full and free disposition sufficient capital and other resources for the purpose.
• Whose engagement in trade, business, consultancy or profession will be of benefit to Kenya.

Class I: (Approved religious or charitable activities)

This permit is issued to a who is a member of an institution registered under the Society’s Act who is engaged as a missionary, Member of a company limited by guarantee, Member of a trust registered under the Trustees Act and is approved by the Government of Kenya, and whose presence in Kenya will be of benefit to Kenya.

• Member of an institution registered under the Society’s Act who is engaged as a missionary.
• Member of a company limited by guarantee.
• Member of a trust registered under the Trustees Act and is approved by the Government of Kenya, and whose presence in Kenya will be of benefit to Kenya.

Class K: (Ordinary residents)

This permit is issued to a person who;

• Is not less that 35 years of age.
• Has in his own right and at his full and free disposition an assured annual income of not less than $24,000 amount that is derived from sources other than any such employment, occupation, trade, business or profession as is referred to in the description of any of the classes specified in this Schedule, and being an income that either; Is derived from sources outside, and will be remitted to Kenya; or Is derived from pension or annuity payable from, sources in Kenya.
• Undertakes not to accept employment, paid or unpaid, or engage in any income generating activity of any kind without a permit of the relevant class.
• Whose presence in Kenya will be of benefit to Kenya.

Class M: (Refugees)

This permit is issued to a person who has been granted refugee status in Kenya in accordance with the refugee law of Kenya and any spouse of such a refugee who intends to take up employment or engage in a specific occupation, trade, business or profession.

Exemption

This permit is issued to any person or class or description of persons, exempted by the cabinet secretary from provisions of obtaining a work permit by notice in the gazette. (Section 34 (3)(g) of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act).

Requirements to apply for a work permit in Kenya

Here are the requirements you must meet in order to apply for a work permit in Kenya.

Class A work permit

In order for one to be granted a Class A work permit in Kenya, he/she must fulfill the following requirements.

1. Duly filled and signed Form 25 online form. You will print out the form at the end of the application. You can also access your previous applications by clicking here.
2. Two copies of detailed and signed cover letter from the employer/organization, addressed to the Director of Immigration Services.
3. Copy of a valid national passport.
4. Two recent passport size colored photos (for both new and renewal).
5. Current immigration status if in the country.
6. Documents in foreign languages should be translated into English by either the Embassy, Public Notary, or authorized/recognized institution.
7. Copy of any previous permit(s) and or pass(es) held.
8. Necessary licenses and registrations to prospect for minerals to mine.
9. Proof of funds to invest, at least $100,000.
10. Current license held for prospecting minerals (for renewals).
11. Copy of PIN certificate.
12. Current signed audited accounts for the last one year (for renewals).
13. Tax compliance certificate from KRA (for renewals).
14. Copy of checklist. Click here to download.

Class B work permit

In order for one to be granted a Class B work permit in Kenya, he/she must fulfill the following requirements.

1. Duly filled and signed Form 25 online form. You will print out the form at the end of the application. You can also access your previous applications by clicking here.
2. Two copies of detailed and signed cover letter from the company/organization, addressed to the Director of Immigration Services.
3. Copy of a valid national passport.
4. Two recent passport size colored photos (for both new and renewal).
5. Current immigration status if in the country.
6. Documents in foreign languages should be translated into English by either the Embassy, Public Notary, or authorized/recognized institution.
7. Copy of any previous permit(s) and or pass(es) held.
8. Proof of land ownership/leasehold.
9. Proof of capital availability ($100,000).
10. Clearance/license from relevant bodies.
11. Copy of PIN certificate.
12. Current, Signed audited accounts for the last one year (for renewals).
13. Tax compliance certificate from KRA (for renewals).
14. Copy of checklist. Click here to download.

Class C work permit

In order for one to be granted a Class C work permit in Kenya, he/she must fulfill the following requirements.

1. Duly filled and signed Form 25 online form. You will print out the form at the end of the application. You can also access your previous applications by clicking here.
2. Two copies of detailed and signed cover letter from the employer/organization, addressed to the Director of Immigration Services.
3. Copy of a valid national passport.
4. Two recent passport size colored photos (for both new and renewal).
5. Current immigration status if in the country.
6. Documents in foreign languages should be translated into English by either the Embassy, Public Notary, or authorized/recognized institution.
7. Copy of any previous permit(s) and or pass(es) held.
8. Tax compliance certificate from KRA (for renewals).
9. Proof of membership to a prescribed profession.
10. Copies of certified academic and professional certificates.
11. Curriculum Vitae (CV).
12. Copy of PIN certificate.
13. Copy of checklist. Click here to download.

Class D work permit

In order for one to be granted a Class D work permit in Kenya, he/she must fulfill the following requirements.

1. Duly filled and signed Form 25 – Issuance/permit renewal online form. You will print out the form at the end of the application. You can also access your previous applications by clicking here.
2. Two copies of detailed and signed cover letter from the employer/organization/self, addressed to the Director of Immigration Services.
3. Copy of a valid national passport.
4. Two recent passport size colored photos (for both new and renewal).
5. Current immigration status if in the country.
6. Documents in foreign languages should be translated into English by either the Embassy, Public Notary, or authorized/recognized institution.
7. Copy of any previous permit(s) and or pass(es) held.
8. Duly certified copies of academic and professional certificates.
9. Curriculum Vitae (CV).
10. Duly filled Form 27 (Report on Employment).
11. Name of the Kenyan understudy.
12. Certified copies of academic/professional certificates of the Kenyan understudy.
13. Curriculum Vitae (CV) for the Kenyan understudy.
14. Full contact-address, email, cell phone, of the Kenyan understudy.
15. Clearance letter from relevant institutions.
16. Certificate of company/organization registration.
17. Copy of checklist. Click here to download.

Class F work permit

In order for one to be granted a Class F work permit in Kenya, he/she must fulfill the following requirements.

1. Duly filled and signed Form 25 online form. You will print out the form at the end of the application. You can also access your previous applications by clicking here.
2. Two copies of detailed and signed cover letter from the company/organization, addressed to the Director of Immigration Services.
3. Copy of a valid national passport.
4. Two recent passport size colored photos (for both new and renewal).
5. Current immigration status if in the country.
6. Documents in foreign languages should be translated into English by either the Embassy, Public Notary, or authorized/recognized institution.
7. Copy of any previous permit(s) and or pass(es) held.
8. Copy of license held.
9. Proof of funds for investment (manufacturing) at least $100,000.
10. Registration certificate of the company.
11. Memorandum of Understanding.
12. Articles of Association.
13. Signed audited accounts for the last one year (for renewals).
14. Copy of PIN certificate.
15. Tax compliance certificate from KRA (for renewals).
16. Certificate of Incorporation of the company.
17. Copy of checklist. Click here to download.

Class G work permit

In order for one to be granted a Class G work permit in Kenya, he/she must fulfill the following requirements.

• Duly filled and signed Form 25 online form. You will print out the form at the end of the application. You can also access your previous applications by clicking here.
• Two copies of detailed and signed cover letter from the company/organization, addressed to the Director of Immigration Services.
• Copy of a valid national passport.
• Two recent passport size colored photos (for both new and renewal).
• Current immigration status if in the country.
• Documents in foreign languages should be translated into English by either the Embassy, Public Notary, or authorized/recognized institution.
• Copy of any previous permit(s) and or pass(es) held.
• Documentary proof of capital to be invested at least $100,000.
• Certificate of Incorporation of the company.
• Memorandum of Understanding.
• Articles of Association.
• Shareholding Certificate (CR 12).
• Copies of PIN certificate.
• Signed audited accounts for the last one year (for renewals).
• Tax compliance certificate from KRA (for renewals).
• List of Kenyans already employed (for renewals).
• Clearance letter from relevant institutions.
• Two copies of bank statement verification form (For new cases). Click here to download the verification form.
• Provide a proof of offshore transaction receipt/slip.
• Copy of checklist. Click here to download.

Class I work permit

In order for one to be granted a Class I work permit in Kenya, he/she must fulfill the following requirements.

• Duly filled and signed Form 25 online form. You will print out the form at the end of the application. You can also access your previous applications by clicking here.
• Two copies of detailed and signed cover letter from the employer/organization, addressed to the Director of Immigration Services.
• Copy of a valid national passport.
• Two recent passport size colored photos (for both new and renewal).
• Current immigration status if in the country.
• Documents in foreign languages should be translated into English by either the Embassy, Public Notary, or authorized/recognized institution.
• Copy of any previous permit(s) and or pass(es) held.
• Copy of registration certificate of the organization.
• Certified copies of academic and professional certificates of the applicant.
• Certificate of registration of the organization.
• Copy of checklist. Click here to download.

Class K work permit

In order for one to be granted a Class K work permit in Kenya, he/she must fulfill the following requirements.

• Duly filled and signed Form 25 online form. You will print out the form at the end of the application. You can also access your previous applications by clicking here.
• Two copies of detailed and signed cover letter from self, addressed to the Director of Immigration Services.
• Copy of a valid national passport.
• Two recent passport size colored photos (for both new and renewal).
• Current immigration status if in the country.
• Documents in foreign languages should be translated into English by either the Embassy, Public Notary, or authorized/recognized institution.
• Copy of any previous permit(s) and or pass(es) held.
• Documentary proof of annual assured income of at least $24,000 per annum.
• Copy of checklist. Click here to download.

Class M work permit

In order for one to be granted a Class M work permit in Kenya, he/she must fulfill the following requirements.

• Duly filled and signed Form 25 online form. You will print out the form at the end of the application. You can also access your previous applications by clicking here.
• Two copies of detailed and signed cover letter from the employer/organization/self, addressed to the Director of Immigration Services.
• Copy of a valid national passport.
• Two recent passport size colored photos (for both new and renewal).
• Current immigration status if in the country.
• Documents in foreign languages should be translated into English by either the Embassy, Public Notary, or authorized/recognized institution.
• Copy of any previous permit(s) and or pass(es) held.
• Recommendation letter from the Department of Refugee Affairs.
• Copy of checklist. Click here to download.

Exemption work permit

In order for one to be granted an Exemption work permit in Kenya, he/she must fulfill the following requirements.

• Duly filled and signed Form 25 – Issuance/permit renewal online form. You will print out the form at the end of the application. You can also access your previous applications by clicking here.
• Two copies of detailed and signed cover letter from the employer/organization/self, addressed to the Director of Immigration Services.
• Copy of a valid national passport.
• Two recent passport size photos (for both renewal and new cases).
• Current immigration status if in the country.
• Documents in foreign languages should be translated into English by either the Embassy, Public Notary, or authorized/recognized institution.
• Copy of the gazette notice.
• Copy of duly signed host country agreement.
• Copy of checklist. Click here to download.

How to apply for a work permit in Kenya

To apply for a work permit in Kenya, you need to follow these steps.

1. Create a log in account within the Government of Kenya Single Sign On portal.
2. Log in using the account you have created above to access eFNS portal.
3. Once logged in the eFNS portal, select the “Apply now” link.
4. Click on the “Submit Applications” tab and select the “Permit Issuance/Renewal” tab. If you are already logged in to eFNS, you can click here to make an application.
5. After completing the application form, an invoice will be generated which you can see by clicking on “Dashboard” then “Payments” tab. If you have already logged in eFNS, you can click here to make a payment.
6. If unable to pay using any of the online modes, print your application form by clicking on “Dashboard” then “My Applications” tab or click here to print your application.
7. Present your application with all the requirements at the Immigration headquaters (Nyayo House) for processing.
8. You shall receive automatic notifications via email and on your online account about the progress of your application.