How to get a Work Permit in Kenya

Work permit are issued to non Kenyans striving to work in Kenya. The process of getting the permit takes less than a week and involves simple steps.

Work permits are issued by the Department of Immigration, which is located at Nyayo House next to GPO.

You can either be issued with a pass or work permit.A pass is a document that allows you to enter and live in Kenya without much trouble while a work permit allows you to work for any company in Kenya without raising suspicion.

PERMITS AND PASSES

Permits.
Work/Residence Permits are issued to any Non-Kenyan wishing to engage in employment in Kenya whether in gainful employment or voluntary service. The Work/Residence Permits issued by the Department are classified from A to M inclusive. They are issued under Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act 2011 of Laws of Kenya. The following are the various classes of Permits and their respective requirements:

Class A.
Issued to persons who intend to engage in prospecting for minerals or mining.

Class A Requirements.

◦One should obtain or is assured to obtain the necessary licenses and registrations.
◦For renewals current license held for prospecting minerals and copy of PIN is required.
◦One has sufficient capital or resources for investment.
◦Processing Fee Kshs.10,000 non-refundable.

Class B.
Work permit issued to persons wishing to invest in Agriculture and Animal Husbandry.

Class B Requirements.
◦Proof of land ownership or leasehold interest in land for the purpose.
◦Proof of capital available for the purpose.
◦Clearance from relevant bodies.
◦For renewals current license held for prospecting minerals and copy of PIN is required.
◦Processing Fee Kshs.10,000 non-refundable.
◦Fee is Kshs. 100,000/= per year or part thereof.

Class D.
This issued to a person who is offered specific employment by a specific employer who is qualified to undertake that employment.

Class D Requirements.

•Copies of academic/professional certificates along with the CV.
•Evidence that the organization failed to fill the vacancy from the local labor market.
•Form 25 dully filled, signed and sealed by the company.
•Processing Fee Kshs.10,000 non-refundable.
•Fee is Ksh. 200,000/= per year or part thereof.

Class G.
Work permit issued to investors in specific trade, business or consultancy.

Class G Requirements.

◦Documentary proof of capital to be invested/already invested minimum of 100,000 US dollars or equivalent in any other currency.
◦Registration certificate of the company OR certificate of incorporation.
◦Copies of personal and company PIN (Personal Identification Number) if business is running.
◦For renewals; audited accounts for previous 2 years and a certificate of tax compliance from the Kenya Revenue Authority.
◦Processing Fee Kshs.10,000 non-refundable.
◦Fee is Kshs. 100,000/= per year or part thereof.

Class I.
Work/Residence permit issued to a member of missionary society approved by the Government of Kenya and whose presence is beneficial to the country.

Class I Requirements.

◦A copy of registration certificate of the organization.
◦Academic and professional certificates of the applicant.
◦Processing Fee Kshs.1,000 non-refundable.
◦Fee is Kshs. 5,000/= per year or part thereof.

Class K.
Residence permit issued to persons who have an assured income derived from sources outside and undertakes not to accept paid employment of any kind.

Class K Requirements.

◦Documentary proof of assured income is required for Class K.
◦Processing Fee Kshs.10,000 non-refundable.
◦Fee is Kshs. 100,000/= per year or part thereof.

Class M.
Work permit issued to Conventional Refugees.

Class M Requirements.

◦Recognition letters from UNHCR and Department of Refugee Affairs.
◦Processing Fee Gratis.
◦Permit is issued gratis.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.

◦Dully filled and signed application Form 3.
◦Covering letter from employer/self/organization depending on the class (as applicable)
◦Copies of the National Passport.
◦Two coloured Passport size photographs.

NOTE:

◦Application fees are only payable upon receipt of an approval notification.
◦Dully completed Entry Permit applications should be submitted at immigration Aliens counter 9 located atNyayo House Ground floor (south wing) for acknowledgement.
◦Applications for renewal of entry permits should be done three months prior to expiry date.
◦These permits are normally issued for period of two years.
◦A fee 40/= is payable for Application forms.