A work permit is issued to individuals who have been offered employment by a specific company or organization in Kenya. The key to a successful application is showing that the foreign national possesses skills or qualifications that are not available in Kenya, and whose engagement in that employment will be of benefit to Kenya. To facilitate transfer of knowledge, the local employer must nominate a Kenyan understudy to be trained by the foreign employee to take over the role.

The Class G permit is issued to a person who intends to engage in a specific trade, business, or consultancy within Kenya. Applicants must show documentary proof of capital to be invested of at least USD 100,000.

The Class N permit is tailored for remote workers, freelancers, and business owners who wish to reside in Kenya while working exclusively for companies, employers, or clients based outside the country. Applicants must show sufficient annual income from foreign sources and provide proof of a clean criminal record from their country of residence. Permit holders are not allowed to work in Kenya for a local employer or conduct business in Kenya.

A Class K Permit is issued to foreign nationals who are at least 35 years old and have a guaranteed annual income of at least USD 24,000 from sources outside Kenya. Applicants must not intend to take up employment, engage in business, or practice any profession within the country. It is designed for retirees, investors with passive income, or individuals seeking to relocate to Kenya without employment.

Yes, principal holders of valid work and residence permits can apply for a Dependant’s Pass for their spouse, children, or a person who by reason of age, disability or any incapacity is maintained by the applicant. The permit holder/ applicant must provide proof of the relationship such as a marriage certificate or a birth certificate. They must also show sufficient financial capacity to fully support their dependants during their stay in Kenya.

No, a Dependant’s Pass strictly grants residency only and does not authorize the holder to engage in any form of employment, business, or local trade. If a dependant wishes to work, they must independently qualify for and apply for a relevant work permit. If a child wishes to attend school or university, they must apply for a Student’s Pass.

The following persons, their spouses, children and dependants are eligible to apply for permanent residency in Kenya:

• Persons who have held work permits for at least seven years and have been continuously resident in Kenya for the three years immediately preceding the making of the application.
• Spouse of a Kenyan citizen married for at least three years before making of the application.
• Children of registered citizens who are born before their parents acquired citizenship.
• Children or dependants of Kenyan citizens who were born abroad and have acquired the citizenship of their country of domicile.
• Widows or widowers of Kenyan citizens.
• Ex-citizens of Kenya by birth who are precluded by the laws of the countries of their acquired domicile from holding dual citizenship.

Permanent residency grants an indefinite right to live and work in Kenya without needing a standard work or residency permit.

The two primary pathways for foreign nationals are citizenship by marriage and citizenship by lawful residence. A person who has been married to a Kenyan citizen for at least seven years and has acquired residence status shall be entitled on application to be registered as a citizen. Spouses of Kenyan citizens are strictly entitled to citizenship on application.

A person who has been lawfully resident in Kenya for a continuous period of at least seven years may on application be registered as a citizen. Approval of citizenship by lawful residence is discretionary, and the applicant must meet certain criteria including demonstrating understanding of the local culture and language and a substantial contribution to the nation.

Yes, Kenya recognizes dual citizenship under its constitutional and statutory framework. However, the process requires strict compliance and formal declaration. If you acquire Kenyan citizenship, or if a Kenyan citizen acquires foreign citizenship, specific statutory reporting and registration procedures must be executed with the Directorate of Immigration Services to avoid legal penalties.

To begin your journey, you can reach out to us directly through email, phone or through our Contact Form to schedule a consultation. We will take the time to look at your personal or corporate relocation goals, and tell you how much your matter will cost. We will then sign a legal services agreement with you setting out our legal services, legal fees and costs. We typically require payment of a deposit of legal fees and costs before proceeding with a matter.