Key Takeaways

  • Foreign nationals require a Class G Work Permit from the Department of Immigration Services (DIS) before commencing employment in Kenya; a Special Pass may be issued to bridge the gap while the main permit is processed.
  • Kenya is East Africa’s leading technology, financial services, and professional services hub, and the primary entry point for multinationals expanding across the region.
  • Kenya abolished standard entry visas for most nationalities in January 2024, replacing them with an e-Travel Authorisation (eTA); the Work Permit requirement for employment remains unchanged.

Kenya is an East African nation bordering Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, and the Indian Ocean. Nairobi is the capital and main commercial hub — it is home to numerous UN agencies, regional headquarters of multinationals, and Africa’s leading technology ecosystem. Kenya’s economy is the largest in East and Central Africa by GDP, driven by services (financial, telecommunications, professional), agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The Nairobi International Financial Centre and the Nairobi Silicon Savannah (Konza Technopolis) are flagship investment zones. The Department of Immigration Services (DIS) under the Ministry of Interior administers work permits and passes.

When Is a Work Visa Needed in Kenya?

Any foreign national intending to engage in paid employment in Kenya must hold a valid Class G Work Permit. A Special Pass provides short-term authorisation while the main permit is processed. The requirement applies to:

  • Employees of Kenya-registered companies including subsidiaries of multinationals
  • Intra-company transferees to Kenyan branches, affiliates, or regional headquarters
  • Technical specialists and consultants on assignments exceeding 30 days
  • Foreign directors and key executives of Kenya-registered entities
  • NGO, development sector, and UN agency staff under Class K or specific institutional permits

Types of Kenya Work Visas and Permits

Class G Work Permit

The Class G Work Permit is the primary employment authorisation for foreign nationals employed by a specific company in Kenya. It is issued by the DIS and is employer-tied. The employer must confirm that the role requires skills not available locally and make a commitment to train Kenyan nationals to eventually fill the position. The permit is valid for two years and renewable.

Special Pass

The Special Pass provides short-term work authorisation (three months, extendable to six months) while a full Work Permit application is being processed, or for specific short-term assignments. It is issued by the DIS and is a common first step for new hires arriving before the main permit is ready. USD 200 fee.

Class I Dependent Pass

Spouses and dependent children of Class G Work Permit holders may obtain a Class I Dependent Pass, allowing them to reside in Kenya for the duration of the primary permit holder’s permit. Dependants wishing to work must obtain their own Class G Work Permit.

e-Travel Authorisation (eTA)

Since January 2024, Kenya has replaced standard tourist and visitor visas with a free e-Travel Authorisation (eTA) for most nationalities, valid for up to 90 days. The eTA does not authorise paid employment. For work, a Class G Work Permit or Special Pass remains required.

How to Apply for a Work Visa in Kenya

1

Employer Submits Class G Work Permit Application Online

Kenya’s DIS processes Work Permit applications through the eCitizen online portal (ecitizen.go.ke). The employer registers on eCitizen, completes the application form, and uploads: company certificate of incorporation; CR12 (list of directors); employment contract; the applicant’s certified qualifications and CV; passport copy; police clearance; and a training commitment letter.

2

Pay the Application Fee

The non-refundable Class G Work Permit application fee of USD 2,000 is paid online via the eCitizen portal using a credit/debit card or M-Pesa. Payment must be completed before the application is submitted for review.

3

Apply for the Special Pass if Needed

If the foreign national needs to commence work before the Class G permit is approved, the employer applies for a Special Pass (USD 200) through the eCitizen portal concurrently with the main permit application. The Special Pass allows the worker to enter Kenya and begin employment while the main permit is processed.

4

Enter Kenya via eTA

The foreign national obtains an eTA online (free) and enters Kenya. On arrival, immigration officers verify the entry authorisation. The employer should have copies of the Special Pass or Work Permit approval readily accessible for the worker.

5

Collect the Work Permit Sticker

Once the DIS approves the Class G Work Permit, the physical permit sticker is affixed to the passport at Nyayo House (DIS headquarters) in Nairobi or at designated regional immigration offices. The employer is notified via eCitizen.

6

Register with NSSF and NHIF

The employer must register the foreign worker with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) before the first payroll. Both are mandatory for all employees in Kenya, including foreign nationals. NSSF contributions are KES 200/month (flat rate under the old rate, or tiered under the new Act).

Kenya Work Permit Costs and Fees

Kenya work permit costs are denominated in USD and KES:

Permit TypeCost
Class G Work PermitUSD 2,000 per application (valid 2 years)
Special PassUSD 200 per application (3 months, extendable)
Class I Dependent PassUSD 500 per dependant
NSSF ContributionsKES 200–2,160/month per employee (depending on applicable Act)
NHIF ContributionsKES 500–1,700/month per employee

Professional service fees add USD 500–1,200. Total first-year employer costs typically range from USD 3,000 to USD 5,000.

Kenya Work Visa Sponsorship

Kenya’s Class G Work Permit is employer-tied. Changes of employer require a new Work Permit application and USD 2,000 fee. Employers must notify DIS within 30 days if employment ends before the permit expires.

Employers must comply with the Employment Act 2007, the Labour Relations Act, NSSF Act, and NHIF Act. Training and localisation commitments made in the Work Permit application must be honoured.

For international companies without a Kenyan entity, an EOR registered in Kenya can act as the sponsoring employer, manage the Class G Work Permit application on eCitizen, NSSF and NHIF registration, payroll in KES, and full Employment Act compliance.

Work in Kenya with Confidence

Kenya’s eCitizen portal has significantly streamlined Work Permit processing compared to paper-based systems, and the abolition of entry visas in 2024 reduces friction for new arrivals. The USD 2,000 permit fee is the main cost consideration for individual hires.

Remote People’s East Africa team provides end-to-end work permit management in Kenya, from eCitizen application to NSSF registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. As of January 2024, Kenya replaced standard tourist and visitor visas with a free e-Travel Authorisation (eTA) for most nationalities, making it visa-free in practical terms for short stays. The eTA is obtained online before travel and takes a few minutes to apply for. This applies to tourism and short business visits. The Class G Work Permit requirement for employment is unchanged.

eCitizen (ecitizen.go.ke) is Kenya's government digital services portal, through which all immigration services — including Work Permit applications, Special Pass applications, and permit renewals — are processed. The portal requires the employer to register, upload documents, and pay fees online. It has significantly reduced processing times compared to in-person applications.

Yes. The Special Pass authorises the holder to work for the sponsoring employer for up to three months (extendable to six months). It is specifically designed for situations where a worker needs to commence employment while the full Class G Work Permit is being processed. Most employers apply for the Special Pass concurrently with the main permit.

The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) is Kenya's mandatory pension and retirement savings scheme. The National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) provides mandatory health insurance. Both employer and employee contributions are required for all employees in Kenya, including foreign nationals. NHIF contributions range from KES 500 to KES 1,700 per month depending on gross salary.

Yes. An EOR registered in Kenya with an active eCitizen employer account can sponsor Class G Work Permits, apply for Special Passes, manage NSSF and NHIF registration, payroll in KES, and full Employment Act compliance on behalf of an international company without a Kenyan entity.

Relocate to Kenya

Remote People provides EOR services in Kenya and across East Africa. We manage Class G Work Permit applications on eCitizen, Special Pass applications, NSSF and NHIF registration, payroll in KES, and full Kenyan Employment Act compliance.

Contact Remote People to start hiring in Kenya today.

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