When your ideal candidate doesn’t already have a valid work permit, the responsibility to make things legal falls squarely on you, the employer.
Kenya’s immigration law stipulates that you can’t legally employ a foreign national if they don’t have the proper permit in place. Doing so will put your company at risk of fines of up to KES 500,000, jail time, or, if you get the short end of the stick, both.
While work permit processing is lengthy and technical, it’s still manageable when you have the correct information and an immigration consultant who understands the Kenyan immigration processes.
If you’re planning to hire someone outside the country, read on to find out what’s expected during work permit processing in Kenya.
Overview of Work Permit Processing in Kenya
Foreign nationals can’t start working until the Department of Immigration approves their permit. More so, that approval has to happen while they’re outside the country.
The work permit application happens online through the government’s eFNS portal. However, go in knowing that this is not a one-click process.
You and the employee will need to prepare a complete set of documents (which we’ll cover in a few minutes). The Department of Immigration isn’t just interested in who the employee is. They also want to understand why you’re hiring from abroad and whether those skills are unavailable in the local market.
After you submit the application, it usually goes through several stages at the Department of Immigration. This state department will do background checks and verify that the skills you’re looking for aren’t available locally.
If approved, the permit is issued and endorsed on the employee’s passport. Only then can the foreign employee begin work.
Unfortunately, if by chance you skip a step, the whole thing will most likely face delays, sometimes by months.
Because it‘s quite a lengthy process, employers occasionally apply for a Special Pass as a temporary solution while the full permit is being processed.
Types of Work Permits in Kenya and Their Uses
Kenya issues different classes of work permits based on what the foreign national will be doing in the country. The most common ones are Class D and Class G, but there are several others depending on the nature of work.
Class D Work Permit
Class D is the most common permit for Kenyan employers hiring expats. It applies when you’re offering a specific job to a particular foreign national.
For the application to go through, you must prove that the person has skills you couldn’t find locally. If that’s not the case, you must then show how their presence will benefit your company or Kenya’s economy.
Most companies applying for a Class D permit use it to bring in skilled professionals, technical experts, or leadership talent that can help transfer knowledge from one company branch to another.
What’s required for a Class D work permit application?
From the Employee
- Duly filled and signed application Form 25
- Copies of national passport (bio-data page)
- Current Immigration status
- Recent colored passport-size photos
- Copies of academic and professional certificates
- Curriculum Vitae(CV)
From the Employer
- Duly filed and signed application form 27, which provides more information about the company
- A signed cover letter from the employer addressed to the Director General of Immigration Services
- Valid Tax Compliance Certificate for the company
- Name and identity card of a Kenyan understudy
- Certified copies of academic /professional certificates and contact information of the understudy
- A CV of the understudy
- Certificate of registration of the organization
- Clearance letter from relevant institutions
- Evidence that the organization tried and failed to fill the vacancy from Kenya’s labor market
Class G
If your foreign hire is coming to Kenya to run or set up a business, consultancy, or freelance practice, they’ll most likely need a Class G permit. This class covers foreign consultants, solo professionals, and business owners.
In addition to the usual paperwork, this permit requires proof that the individual will invest at least USD 100,000 into the business.
What is required for a Class G work permit application?
- Duly filled and signed application Form 25
- A signed cover letter from the organization addressed to the Director General of Immigration Services
- Copies of national passport (bio-data page)
- Current Immigration status if in the country
- Upload recent colored passport-size photos
- Valid Tax Compliance Certificate for the company
- Proof that the applicant will invest at least USD 100,000 in the business
- Company registration documents
- Copy of PIN certificate (company and individual)
- CR12
- Duly filled form 27
While Class D and G are the most relevant to businesses hiring employees or consultants, there are five other permit types you should be aware of.
| Class | Use Case | Main requirement |
| Class A | Prospecting or mining | Must have valid mining or prospecting licenses |
| Class B | Agriculture or animal husbandry | Must show proof of land ownership or lease, and at least USD 100,000 in capital |
| Class C | Practicing a prescribed profession (e.g., doctor, lawyer, engineer) | Must be registered with a recognized professional body in your home country |
| Class F | Specific manufacturing | Must prove investment capital of at least USD 100,000 for the manufacturing business |
| Class K | Retirees or persons with stable income living in Kenya | Must have an annual income of at least USD 24,000 from a pension or other guaranteed source |
If you are unsure about which permit applies to your situation, book a call with an immigration expert from Bridge Talent Management today.
The Special Pass
A Special Pass will be more appropriate when you only need a foreign professional for a short-term project. This pass allows a foreigner to enter and remain in Kenya for up to six months.
The Special Pass is initially issued for three months, but you can renew it once for up to another three months. Special Pass processing takes 1 to 4 weeks from the time of submission.
What if the Foreign Hire has Dependents?
Alongside the work permit, foreign professionals with families must also apply for dependent passes.
The Department of Immigration issues this pass to foreign nationals who are dependents of a Kenyan citizen, a work permit holder, a permanent resident, or an exempted person.
Key Documents Required for a Kenyan Work Permit Application
The documents you’ll need depend on the type of permit you’re applying for. However, if we were to narrow it down to what shows up most often across Class D and G, these are the most common:
- A filled and signed application form (Form 25 or 27)
- A copy of the applicant’s passport
- A recent passport-size photo
- Academic and professional certificates
- CV
- Tax Compliance Certificate
- Business registration documents
- A formal cover letter addressed to the Director of Immigration
- KRA PIN certificate
In addition, the Director of Immigration may also request a police clearance, medical reports, or letters from professional bodies.
Work Visa vs. Work Permit in Kenya: What’s the Difference?
A visa allows you to enter Kenya, whereas a work permit lets you legally work and earn an income here. For long-term employment, you’ll need both.
In most cases, a foreign national must first apply for an eVisa through eCitizen to come into the country. Kenya also allows visa-free entry or visa on arrival for many African and Caribbean countries.
Recently, the Kenyan government announced that citizens of African countries can now stay in Kenya visa-free for up to two months. East African Community (EAC) nationals can stay for up to six months. However, these visits are usually for tourism or business meetings, not formal employment.
To stay compliant, it’s best to apply for the work permit at least three months before your foreign hire plans to arrive.
How Much Does a Work Permit Cost in Kenya?
Work permit processing in Kenya will cost you 20,000 for the application and between Ksh 250,000 and Ksh 500,000 for issuance.
If you work with an immigration consultant, you’ll also incur extra costs, but offload the lengthy process to someone more knowledgeable about the immigration process.
| Permit type | Fee |
| Class D Work Permit | Ksh 20,000 (processing) + Ksh 500,000 per yearFree for EAC nationals |
| Class G Work Permit | Ksh 20,000 (processing) + Ksh 250,000 per yearFree for EAC nationals |
| Special Pass (Short-term work) | USD 200 per month upon approvalFree for EAC nationals |
| Dependent Pass – Kenyan citizen | Ksh 20,000 |
| Dependent Pass – Work permit holder | Ksh 10,000 |
Work Permit Renewal and Extension Process
Most work permits in Kenya are initially issued for up to two years. In the case that your employee is staying longer, you’ll need to manually apply for a renewal.
The renewal process happens online through the eFNS portal.
Just like the initial application, renewal requires updated documents. If you’re approved, you’ll print the permit and present it to the immigration office for endorsement.
To renew a permit, you must provide these documents:
- A valid contract or letter confirming continued employment
- A current Tax Compliance Certificate
- Updated passport biodata page and immigration status
- Any supporting documents relevant to your permit class
However, note that if there’s a major change, such as switching employers, changing roles, or shifting to a different permit class, you’ll need to submit a fresh application instead of a renewal.
Processing time for a Work Permit in Kenya
Work permit processing in Kenya takes between 2 to 3 months. However, when there are delays, the full process can extend to 5 or even 6 months.
Here’s a simplified breakdown of what to expect:
| Phase | Time | Activities |
| 1. Prepare and submit documents | 1–2 weeks | Collect documents, fill out the forms, and submit the application through the eFNS portal |
| 2. Immigration Directorate reviews the application | 2–5 months | Immigration officers review your case, run background checks, and issue a decision |
| 3. Pay for permit issuance | 2–3 weeks | Pay the permit fees and wait for official issuance |
| 4. Register entry | 1–2 weeks | Apply for a visa, enter Kenya, and present documents at Immigration |
| 5. Finalise documentation | 4–5 weeks | Attend a biometrics appointment and collect the endorsed permit and Alien Card |
Common Reasons for Delays in Kenya Work Permit Applications
- Missing signatures, outdated forms, or failure to submit required documents
- Your health check reveals concerns
- Backlogs at the Department of Immigration
- Failure to respond to queries or requests for additional documents from immigration officers
- Applying under the wrong permit class
- Payment receipts are missing, the amount paid is incorrect, or payment isn’t properly linked to your application.
Hiring Expats in Kenya: Legal and HR Considerations
In practice, there’s no fixed quota for foreign hires.
The Kenyan Immigration Directorate assesses each application case by case and tends to be stricter when the role could reasonably be filled by a local.
Positions in executive leadership, technical engineering, or specialised roles often have more flexibility.
What role should HR play?
Work permit compliance is one of the things your HR team needs to be on top of. They should:
- Keep track of permit expiry dates and renewal windows
- Maintain updated files for each foreign employee’s documentation
- Monitor any changes in role, location, or job description that could affect permit terms
As the employer, you must also notify the Director of Immigration in writing within 15 days when a foreign employee stops working with you. Failing to make this report is an offence and will put your company at legal risk.
Get Business Immigration Support in Kenya
If you don’t have the time or headspace to manage the back-and-forth with immigration, it makes sense to bring in the help of immigration services in Kenya.
A qualified immigration consultant will help you identify the right permit, complete the application as expected, upload the required documents, and follow through with the Immigration Directorate until the process is complete.
An expert on immigration matters will also help you through endorsement, alien card registration, and even help your hire settle once they’re on the ground.
At Bridge Talent Management, we’ve helped businesses like yours secure permits, visas, and special passes without the usual delays and headaches. Our team works closely with the Department of Immigration until your new hire is settled in Kenya.
Speak to our team at Bridge Talent Management for clear guidance, faster processing, and full compliance from start to finish.
FAQs
What is the process of getting a work permit in Kenya?
Applying for a work permit happens online through the government’s eFNS portal. The Department of Immigration reviews the application, conducts background checks, and verifies that the skills aren’t available locally. Once approved, the permit is endorsed on the employee’s passport before they can begin work.
What documents are required to apply for a Kenyan work permit?
The primary documents are filled application forms (Form 25/27), passport copies, academic certificates, CV, and Tax Compliance Certificate. Employers must also provide business registration documents, a formal cover letter to the Director of Immigration, and proof that they couldn’t fill the position locally.
How long does it take to process a work permit in Kenya?
Work permit processing takes 2-3 months, but can extend to 5-6 months if there are delays.
What are the different classes of work permits in Kenya?
Kenya has seven work permits. The most common are Class D for specific job positions and Class G for business owners/consultants. Other classes include Class A (mining), Class B (agriculture), Class C (prescribed professions), Class F (manufacturing), and Class K (retirees).
How can companies legally hire foreign workers in Kenya?
Companies must secure a valid work permit before a foreign national begins working for them.
Is it necessary to hire an immigration consultant for work permit filing?
While not mandatory, an immigration consultant can help navigate the complex process, identify the proper permit type, and avoid delays. They handle the back-and-forth with immigration authorities and ensure full compliance from start to finish.
What is the cost involved in obtaining a work permit in Kenya?
Class D permits require Ksh 20,000 for processing plus KES 500,000 per year for issuance. EAC nationals receive these permits free of charge.
Bridge Talent Management can walk you through the immigration process, handle the paperwork (and even recruit the right talent) while you focus on your core business.
