1. Entry: From Visas to eTA
Kenya has moved away from traditional visas for most travellers.
- Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA): Required for all foreign visitors (including infants)
before travel. - EAC Exemption: Citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states are generally
exempt from eTA requirements, reinforcing regional mobility.
2. Investment Permits (The Entrepreneur’s Gateway)
For those looking to build or manufacture in Kenya, the thresholds are clear:
- Class G (Investor/Consultancy): For those engaging in trade, business, or consultancy.
• Capital Requirement: Minimum USD 100,000 proof of investment.
• Cost: KES 20,000 processing fee; KES 250,000 annual issuance fee. - Class F (Manufacturing): Specifically, for those establishing manufacturing plants.
• Capital Requirement: Minimum USD 100,000 investment in the manufacturing sector.
• Benefit: Key for those looking to leverage Kenya’s industrial incentives.
3. Employment Permits (The Corporate Path)
- Class D (Employment): For professionals offered a specific job by a specific employer.
• The “Understudy” Rule: You must prove the skills aren’t available locally and appoint
a Kenyan understudy to be trained for the role.
• Cost: KES 20,000 processing fee; KES 500,000 annual issuance fee. - Class R (EAC Professionals): A massive win for regional integration. This permit is now gratis
(free) for citizens of EAC member states (Burundi, DRC, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and
Uganda).
4. Modern Lifestyle Permits
- Class N (Digital Nomad): For remote workers employed by companies outside Kenya.
• Requirement: Proof of annual income of at least USD 24,000 from foreign sources. - Class K (Ordinary Residents): For those with a prescribed assured income (like retirees) who
will not seek employment in Kenya.
5. Permanent Residency (PR) & Citizenship
- Permanent Residency: Available after holding a work permit for 7 years (with 3 years of
continuous residency) or to spouses of Kenyans after 3 years. - Citizenship: Generally available after 7 years of lawful residence. Recent 2025/2026 updates
have also made it easier for stateless persons and long-term migrants to regularise their status.
Pro Tip: Government fees were significantly revised in 2024. For non-EAC citizens, ensure your budget accounts for the new annual issuance rates and the mandatory Alien ID (Foreigner Certificate) registration.