This is a guide on how to apply for a work permit in Kenya.
Foreign nationals who wish to work in Kenya are required by the law to obtain a
work permit. A work permit is a document issued by the director of immigration
services to enable foreign nationals to engage actively in trade, professional
employment, farming, missionary activities and business.
There are different types of permits and we have simplified
the application process for each of them in the table below complete with the
requirements.
- Class
A: (For prospecting and miners.)
This permit is issued to a person who intends to engage,
whether alone or in partnership, in prospecting for minerals or mining in
Kenya.
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(2)
recent passport size coloured 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
- Necessary
licenses and registrations to prospect for minerals to mine.
- Proof
of funds to invest, at least USD 100,000/=
- Current
License held for prospecting minerals (for renewals
- Copy
of PIN certificate
- Current,
Signed audited accounts for the last 1 year (for renewals)
- Tax
compliance certificate from KRA(for renewals)
- Copy
of Checklist. click here to download
How To Apply
- Create
a login account within the Government of Kenya Single Sign-On portal
- Log
in using the account you have created above to access eFNS portal
- Once
logged in the eFNS portal, select the “Apply now” Link
- 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.
- After
completing the application form, an invoice will be generated which you
can see by clicking on the “Dashboard” then “Payments” Tab. If you have
already logged in eFNS, you can click here to
make a payment.
- 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). Present your
application with all the requirements at the Immigration headquarters
(Nyayo house) for processing.
- You
shall receive automatic notifications via email and on your online
account about the progress of your application.
2. Class B: (Agriculture and animal husbandry (KEP/B)
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.
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(2)
recent passport size coloured 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
- Proof
of land ownership/leasehold
- Proof
of capital availability (USD 100,000)
- Clearance/license
from relevant bodies
- Copy
of PIN certificate
- Current,
Signed audited accounts for the last 1 year (for renewals)
- Tax
compliance certificate from KRA(for renewals)
- Copy
of Checklist. click here to download
How To Apply
- Create
a login account within the Government of Kenya Single Sign-On portal
- Log
in using the account you have created above to access eFNS portal
- Once
logged in the eFNS portal, select the “Apply now” Link
- 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.
- After
completing the application form, an invoice will be generated which you
can see by clicking on the “Dashboard” then “Payments” Tab. If you have
already logged in eFNS, you can click here to
make a payment.
- If
unable to pay using any of the online modes, print your application form
by clicking on “Dashboard” then “My Applications” Tab (If you have already
logged in eFNS, you can click here to
print your application). Present your application with all the
requirements at the Immigration headquarters (Nyayo house), for payments
and processing.
3.Class C: (Prescribed profession (KEP/C)
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.
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(2)
recent passport size coloured 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
- Tax
compliance certificate from KRA (for renewals)
- Proof
of membership to a prescribed profession
- Copies
of certified academic and professional certificates
- Curriculum
vitae (CV)
- Copy
of PIN certificate
- Copy
of Checklist. click here to download
How to apply
- Create
a login account within the Government of Kenya Single Sign-On portal
- Log
in using the account you have created above to access eFNS portal
- Once
logged in the eFNS portal, select the “Apply now” Link
- 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.
- After
completing the application form, an invoice will be generated which you
can see by clicking on the “Dashboard” then “Payments” Tab. If you have
already logged in eFNS, you can click here to
make a payment.
- 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). Present your application with all the
requirements at the Immigration headquarters (Nyayo house), for payments
and processing.
4. Class D: (Employment (KEP/D)
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 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.
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(2)
recent passport size coloured 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
- Duly
certified copies of academic and professional certificates.
- Curriculum
vitae.
- Duly
filled Form 27(Report on Employment)
- Name
of the Kenyan understudy
- Certified
copies of academic/professional certificates of the Kenyan understudy
- Curriculum
vitae (CV) for the Kenyan understudy.
- Full
contact-address, email, cell phone, of the Kenyan understudy
- Clearance
letter from relevant institutions.
- Certificate
of company/organization registration.
- Copy
of Checklist. click here to download
How to apply
- Create
a login account within the Government of Kenya Single Sign-On portal
- Log
in using the account you have created above to access eFNS portal
- Once
logged in the eFNS portal, select the “Apply now” Link
- 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.
- After
completing the application form, an invoice will be generated which you
can see by clicking on the “Dashboard” then “Payments” Tab. If you have
already logged in eFNS, you can click here to
make a payment.
- If
unable to pay using any of the online modes, print your application form
by clicking on “Dashboard” then “My Applications” Tab (If you have
already logged in eFNS, you can click here to print your application). Present your
application with all the requirements at the Immigration
headquarters(Nyayo house), for payments and processing.
5.Class F: (Specific manufacturing(KEP/F)
This permit is issued to a person who intends to engage,
whether alone or in partnership, in specific manufacture in Kenya.
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(2)
recent passport size coloured 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 license held
- Proof
of funds for investment (manufacturing) at least USD 100,000)
- Registration
certificate of the Company
- Memorandum
of Understanding
- Articles
of Association
- Signed
audited accounts for the last 1 year (for renewals)
- Copy
of PIN certificate
- Tax
compliance certificate from KRA (for renewals)
- Certificate
of Incorporation of the company
- Copy
of Checklist. click here to download
How to apply
- Create
a login account within the Government of Kenya Single Sign-On portal
- Log
in using the account you have created above to access eFNS portal
- Once
logged in the eFNS portal, select the “Apply now” Link
- 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.
- After
completing the application form, an invoice will be generated which you
can see by clicking on the “Dashboard” then “Payments” Tab. If you have
already logged in eFNS, you can click here to
make a payment.
- 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). Present your application with all the
requirements at the Immigration headquarters (Nyayo house), for payments
and processing.
6. Class G: (Specific trade, business or consultancy
(KEP/G)
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.
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(2)
recent passport size coloured 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 USD 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 1 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
proof of offshore transaction receipt/slip.
- Copy
of Checklist. click here to download
How to apply
- Create
a login account within the Government of Kenya Single Sign-On portal
- Log
in using the account you have created above to access eFNS portal
- Once
logged in the eFNS portal, select the “Apply now” Link
- 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.
- After
completing the application form, an invoice will be generated which you
can see by clicking on the “Dashboard” then “Payments” Tab. If you have
already logged in eFNS, you can click here to
make a payment.
- 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). Present your application with all the
requirements at the Immigration headquarters(Nyayo house), for payments
and processing.
7.Class I: (Approved religious or charitable activities
(KEP/I)
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.
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(2)
recent passport size coloured 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
How to apply
- Create
a login account within the Government of Kenya Single Sign-On the portal
- Log
in using the account you have created above to access eFNS portal
- Once
logged in the eFNS portal, select the “Apply now” Link
- 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.
- After
completing the application form, an invoice will be generated which you
can see by clicking on the “Dashboard” then “Payments” Tab. If you have
already logged in eFNS, you can click here to
make a payment.
- 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). Present your application with all the
requirements at the Immigration headquarters(Nyayo house), for payments
and processing.
8.Class K: (Ordinary residents(KEP/K)
This permit is issued to a person who is not less than 35
years of age, has in his own right and at his full and free disposition an
assured annual income of not less than USD 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 and whose presence in Kenya will be
of benefit to Kenya.
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(2)
recent passport size coloured 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 USD 24,000 per annum
- Copy
of Checklist. click here to download
How to apply
- Create
a login account within the Government of Kenya Single Sign-On portal
- Log
in using the account you have created above to access eFNS portal
- Once
logged in the eFNS portal, select the “Apply now” Link
- 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.
- After
completing the application form, an invoice will be generated which you
can see by clicking on the “Dashboard” then “Payments” Tab. If you have
already logged in eFNS, you can click here to
make a payment.
- 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). Present your application with all the
requirements at the Immigration headquarters (Nyayo house), for payments
and processing.
9.Class M: (Refugees (KEP/M)
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.
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(2)
recent passport size coloured 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
How to apply
- Create
a login account within the Government of Kenya Single Sign-On portal
- Log
in using the account you have created above to access eFNS portal
- Once
logged in the eFNS portal, select the “Apply now” Link
- 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.
- Print
your application form by clicking on “Dashboard” then “My Applications”
Tab (If you have already logged in eFNS, you can click here to print your application). Present your
application with all the requirements at the Immigration
headquarters(Nyayo house) for processing.
10. 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.
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(2)
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
- Create
a login account within the Government of Kenya Single Sign-On portal
- Log
in using the account you have created above to access eFNS portal
- Once
logged in the eFNS portal, select the “Apply now” Link
- 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.
- Print
your application form by clicking on “Dashboard” then “My Applications”
Tab (If you have already logged in eFNS, you can click here to print your application). Present your
application with all the requirements at the Immigration headquarters
(Nyayo house), for processing.