Apply for a Kenyan work or investor permit
From: Government of Kenya (public information)
Published 3 June 2026 · Last updated 3 June 2026
Find out how to apply for an official Kenyan Work Permit (Class D for employment) or an Investor Permit (Class G). This page covers statutory requirements, verification documents, processing timelines, and annual fees on eCitizen.
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Quick facts
- Processing time
- 30 to 60 working days (Requires extensive background evaluation and multi-agency immigration committee vetting).
- Base cost
- From Ksh 10,050 processing fee (Issuance fees range from Ksh 100,000 to Ksh 500,000+ per year based on Class classifications).
- How to apply
- Online (Digital submission)
Fees and times can change. Confirm on the official site before you pay.
Before you start
- Class D (Employment): The local employer must prove that they explicitly advertised the position and could not find a qualified Kenyan citizen to fill the role.
- Class G (Investors): The foreign national must prove they have at least USD 100,000 (or equivalent capital) available to invest in the Kenyan enterprise.
Documents you need
- Scanned color copies of the applicant’s valid Passport bio-data page and current entry stamp pages.
- A high-quality digital passport-sized photo matching official biometric standards.
- A comprehensive, verified Police Clearance Certificate from the applicant’s home country (issued within the last 6 months).
- For Class D (Employment): Copy of the employment contract, academic degrees, professional CV/resume, and a cover letter from the employer explaining the scarcity of local talent.
- For Class G (Investors): Certified company incorporation documents from BRS, local corporate KRA PIN, and recent bank balances proving capital availability.
Fees and charges
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Statutory Non-Refundable Permit Application Processing Surcharge | Ksh 10,000 |
| Class D (Employment) Annual Issuance Fee (Paid only after committee approval) | Ksh 500,000 |
| Class G (Investor) Annual Issuance Fee (Paid only after committee approval) | Ksh 250,000 |
| eCitizen Portal Convenience Charge (Per separate filing transaction) | Ksh 50 |
Questions
For how long is a standard Kenyan work or investor permit granted?
Most initial Kenyan work and investor permits are issued for a maximum fixed validity period of exactly 2 years. You must apply for a renewal through your eCitizen account at least 3 months before your current 2-year permit closes out.
Can a permit holder’s family live in Kenya under the same document?
No. A work or investor permit is tied strictly to a single individual. To bring a spouse or children along, the main permit holder must submit separate individual applications under the "Dependant’s Pass" portal framework once their primary approval token is secured.