Updated 27 October 2026
Foreigners who want to work, run a business or invest in Kenya need a work permit (also called a residence permit) from the Directorate of Immigration Services. Kenya issues permits in lettered classes, each for a different purpose, with its own requirements and Kenya work permit fees. This guide sets out the main classes, what they cost according to the Directorate’s own published charges, and how to apply.
Updated October 2026. Official sources: immigration.go.ke immigration.go.ke.
Sources: Directorate of Immigration Services Service Delivery Charter 2025 and the Directorate’s Class D and Class G permit pages on immigration.go.ke. Checked on 27 October 2026. Fees can change; confirm on the Directorate’s site before you pay.
Work permit classes and fees
The Service Delivery Charter 2025 lists the following processing and issuance fees for work and residence permits. Processing fees are paid on application and are non-refundable; issuance fees are paid when the permit is approved, per year of validity.
| Class | Purpose | Processing fee | Issuance fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Prospecting for minerals or mining | KSh 20,000 | KSh 500,000 a year |
| B | Agriculture or animal husbandry | KSh 20,000 | KSh 250,000 |
| C | Prescribed professions | KSh 20,000 | KSh 250,000 |
| D | Employment with a specific employer | KSh 20,000 | KSh 500,000 a year |
| F | Specific manufacturing | KSh 20,000 | KSh 250,000 |
| G | Specific trade, business or consultancy | KSh 20,000 | KSh 250,000 a year |
| I | Approved religious or charitable activities | KSh 5,000 | KSh 20,000 a year |
| K | Ordinary residents with assured income from outside Kenya | KSh 20,000 | KSh 250,000 |
| M | Refugees | Gratis | Gratis |
| N | As listed in the Charter | KSh 20,000 | USD 1,000 a year |
| P | As listed in the Charter | Not listed separately | USD 1,000 a year |
| Q | As listed in the Charter | KSh 20,000 | KSh 100,000 a year |
| R | As listed in the Charter | Gratis | Gratis |
The Charter says nationals of East African Community member states, refugees and diplomats are exempt (gratis). The Charter’s timeline is 21 working days for a new permit and 10 working days for a renewal. Where the purpose column says “as listed in the Charter”, check the Directorate’s passes and permits page for the exact definition of that class before applying.
Class D: employment
The Class D permit is for a person offered a specific job by a specific employer, who has skills or qualifications not available in Kenya, and whose employment will benefit Kenya. The Directorate’s page lists these requirements:
- Application Form 25, filled and signed, and Form 27.
- A signed cover letter from the employer addressed to the Director General of Immigration Services.
- Copy of the passport bio-data page, current immigration status if in Kenya, and a recent colour passport photo.
- A valid tax compliance certificate for the company (new applications), and for both company and individual on renewal.
- Certified copies of academic and professional certificates and the applicant’s CV.
- Name, ID, certificates, CV and contacts of a Kenyan understudy.
- The organisation’s certificate of registration and clearance letters from relevant bodies.
- Evidence that the employer failed to fill the vacancy from the local labour market, for example through a competitive recruitment process.
- Translations into English of documents in other languages.
The understudy and local-recruitment requirements are central: Kenya expects employers to show a Kenyan could not do the job and to plan for skills transfer.
Class G: trade, business or consultancy
Class G is for someone who intends to engage, alone or in partnership, in a specific trade, business, consultancy or profession (other than a prescribed profession). On top of the general documents, the Directorate requires documentary proof of capital to be invested of at least USD 100,000, company registration documents (certificate of incorporation and memorandum and articles), PIN certificates for company and individual, a CR12, and audited accounts for the previous two years on renewal.
Before applying, the company itself needs to be set up. See how to get a KRA PIN for a company.
How to apply
- Create an account on the Directorate’s Foreign Nationals Service portal (fns.immigration.go.ke).
- Choose the permit class and complete the online form.
- Upload the documents for that class.
- Pay the processing fee online.
- Track the application. If approved, pay the issuance fee.
- Print the e-permit and book an appointment for endorsement in your passport, which the Charter lists as free.
Other passes you may need
- Dependant passes: KSh 10,000 for dependants of work permit and permanent residence holders; KSh 20,000 for spouses and children of Kenyan citizens.
- Foreign nationals registration (alien card): KSh 5,000 a year, with biometric capture.
- Special pass: USD 200 a month, for short-term engagements.
- Student pass: USD 100 a year.
- Internship and research pass: KSh 10,000 a year.
For employers: tax
Foreign employees are taxed on Kenyan employment income like anyone else. Use our tax calculators to estimate PAYE.
Kenya work permit fees: frequently asked questions
How much is a Kenyan work permit?
For Class D (employment), KSh 20,000 to process plus KSh 500,000 a year to issue. For Class G (business), KSh 20,000 plus KSh 250,000 a year, according to the Directorate’s Service Delivery Charter 2025.
Do East Africans need to pay for a work permit?
The Charter lists permits for EAC member state nationals as gratis.
How long does a work permit take?
The Charter sets 21 working days for new permits and 10 working days for renewals.
How much capital do I need for a Class G permit?
Documentary proof of at least USD 100,000 to be invested.
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