Kenya offers foreign investors what matters most, an economy built to absorb capital and reward commercial ambition. From an energetic tech sector, strong banking systems to specialized economic zones offering major tax relief, the country provides infrastructure growing enterprises need. It is no coincidence that the world’s leading technology companies and multinational firms continue to establish offices in Kenya.

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For an international founder or executive ready to build a business locally, obtaining a Class G (Investor) Permit enables you to live here and run your enterprise. In this guide, we walk you through the essential qualifications and requirements, and how professional legal support can help secure your permit without administrative setbacks.

1. What is a Class G (Investor) Permit?

The Class G Permit is issued to foreign nationals who intend to engage, either individually or in partnership, in a specific trade, business, consultancy or profession (other than a prescribed profession) in Kenya.

Note:
A Class G permit restricts the holder to directing/operating their approved enterprise, and does not permit taking up salaried employment elsewhere in Kenya.

If you intend to practice a prescribed profession in Kenya, such as medicine, law, or engineering, you must apply for a Class C Permit.

2. Who qualifies for an Investor Permit?

An applicant who meets all the following requirements:

• Must obtain any license, registration or other authority or permission that may be necessary for the investment in Kenya. This means that an applicant must obtain all necessary corporate registrations, sector-specific licenses and regulatory approvals to lawfully conduct their intended business in Kenya, before the investor permit can be issued to them.
• Must have sufficient capital to be invested of at least USD 100,000.
• Must demonstrate that their engagement in trade, business, consultancy or profession will be of benefit to Kenya.

3. Benefits of the Investor Permit

This permit allows you to:

• Operate a business in Kenya through a registered legal entity such as a local company, branch office or a partnership across multiple commercial, tech, retail, or service sectors in Kenya.
• Obtain residency and establish a home in one of Africa’s most desirable destinations.
• Easy access to essential commercial services, such as banking and credit facilities.
• Enjoy stability and ease of travel in and out of the country.

4. Can you sponsor your family to live in Kenya under an Investor Permit?

Once your permit is approved, you are eligible to sponsor your family to live in Kenya by applying for Dependant’s Passes for your spouse, minor children and any other dependants. Please see our guide on how to apply for a Dependant’s Pass.

5. Requirements and Documentation for a Class G Permit

The immigration authority requires strict documentary evidence to approve the permit. As your legal representatives, we help you collate and prepare:

• Completed and signed online application form.
• Detailed cover letter from the applicant’s business entity addressed to the Director of Immigration Services.
• Copies of your valid national passport and current immigration status if in the country.
• Verified documentary proof of foreign capital investment of at least USD 100,000.
• Registration certificate and the official search of the business entity issued by the Business Registration Service (BRS).
• PIN Certificate and Tax Compliance Certificate of the business entity.
• Offshore transaction receipt / slip showing remittance of the investment amount from the investor’s bank account abroad to the local bank account.
• A bank statement verification form.
• Security Bond of Kshs. 100,000/- (a refundable financial guarantee required by the government).

6. The Application Process: How We Help

Navigating Kenya’s immigration portals and administrative hurdles can be overwhelming. We handle the entire process for you including:

• Registration of the Business: Before applying for a Class G permit, you must register a commercial entity in Kenya. We guide international investors through choosing and registering their ideal business structure—whether that is a local subsidiary company, an international branch office, or a limited liability partnership (LLP). Please see our guide on how a foreigner can register a company in Kenya.
• Preparation & Portal Submission: We assess your documents, prepare the cover letter, ensure total compliance, and manage the complete online application through the Department of Immigration Services (eFNS) portal.
• Approval Tracking: We guide you through secure payment of non-refundable processing fees and actively track your application’s status.
• Security Bond & E-Permit Issuance: Upon approval, we guide you through paying the final issuance fees and securing your mandatory security bond before your E-Permit is generated.
• Appointment for Biometrics: We assist you to book your appointment at the immigration office for taking of your biometrics and endorsement of the permit on your passport.
• Application for Registration as a Foreign National: Upon permit issuance, we assist you to register as a foreign national after which you are issued with a Foreign National Registration Certificate (Alien Card). A foreign investor residing in Kenya for more than 90 days must register as a foreign national.

7. Costs of Obtaining an Investor Permit

When budgeting for costs of obtaining your permit, you should account for government fees and legal representation:

• Non-refundable government processing fees: Kshs. 20,000/-.
• Government Issuance fees payable on approval: Kshs. 250,000/- per year. The permit is typically issued for a 2-year period and is renewable.
• Alien Card Application: Kshs. 5000/- per year.
• Security Bond: Kshs. 100,000/- (often managed through an insurance firm for a lower premium).
• Legal Fees: These are tailored to the scope and complexity of your business setup and permit application.

8. What are the Common Mistakes Foreign Applicants Make?

Attempting a DIY application without legal guidance significantly increases your risk of costly mistakes. Common pitfalls include:

• Choosing the wrong permit category – Leads to automatic rejection.
• Submitting incomplete documentation – Missing key documents such as bank verifications causes delays.
• Failing to meet financial requirements – You must provide proof of capital to be invested.
• Engaging unqualified brokers – Often results in exorbitant fees and failed deliveries.

9. Why use our immigration lawyers?

Launching an enterprise in Kenya should not be slowed down by regulatory hurdles. We help you navigate the legal complexities of the permit application, ensuring a seamless transition so you can focus on building your investment in Kenya.

Once your permit is in hand, we provide ongoing support. From negotiating commercial leases for your office premises to managing future permit renewals and corporate filings, we provide legal support for your business operations at every turn.

Ready to get your Kenyan investment off the ground? Contact us to start your investor permit application today.