Deep coverage20 verified routes across visit, study, work, investment, family and more.
Personalize for your passports
Select the passports you hold to see short-stay access and per-route eligibility for Kenya.
4 routes
Visit
Short stays: tourism, transit, business trips, medical, pilgrimage.
Tourist Visa
Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) — Visitor / Tourism
Kenya abolished tourist visas on 5 January 2024 and now requires nearly all foreign visitors to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before travel via the official portal etakenya.go.ke. The eTA is applied for online and covers short visits for tourism, holidays and visiting family or friends. The processing fee is USD 30 (card-payment surcharges may apply); processing normally takes about three working days, so travellers are advised to apply at least three days before departure. The eTA must be used to enter within 90 days of issuance, and the Visitor's Pass granted at the border allows a stay of up to 90 days, extendable in-country for a further 90 days to a maximum of 180 days. The eTA is a visitor authorisation only and does not permit employment, enrolled study or residence. East African Community nationals are exempt, and children under 16 and several designated African nationalities are exempt or fee-free.
PassportPassport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival with at least one blank page.
Passport-style photo / selfieA recent passport-type photograph or selfie uploaded to the eTA portal.
eTA online applicationApplication completed on etakenya.go.ke with personal, passport and travel details.
Travel itineraryDetails of arrival and departure flights or onward travel.
Proof of accommodationHotel booking confirmation or host address for the stay in Kenya.
Payment methodCredit or debit card to pay the USD 30 eTA fee online (card surcharge may apply).
Return / onward ticketOptionalEvidence of return or onward travel from Kenya.
Transit Visa
Kenya eTA — Transit
Travellers passing through Kenya en route to another country who will pass immigration control (for example to change airport, stay overnight or collect baggage) need a transit Electronic Travel Authorisation, applied for on etakenya.go.ke. The transit eTA fee is USD 30. Passengers who remain entirely within the international transit area of an airport, seaport or land border and do not pass through immigration do not need an eTA. The transit eTA is for short onward transit only and does not authorise tourism beyond the transit period, work, study or residence; travellers must hold a confirmed onward ticket and, where required, an entry document for the final destination.
PassportPassport valid for at least 6 months from arrival with one blank page.
Passport-style photo / selfieRecent passport-type photo uploaded to the eTA portal.
eTA online applicationApplication completed on etakenya.go.ke selecting the transit purpose.
Onward ticketConfirmed ticket to the final destination beyond Kenya.
Entry document for final destinationOptionalVisa or entry authorisation for the onward country, where applicable.
Payment methodCard to pay the USD 30 transit eTA fee online.
Business Visitor Visa
Kenya eTA — Business Visit
The same Electronic Travel Authorisation, applied for through etakenya.go.ke, is used by travellers visiting Kenya for short business purposes such as meetings, negotiations, conferences and trade exhibitions. The fee is USD 30 and processing takes about three working days. The eTA must be used within 90 days of issuance and the Visitor's Pass granted on arrival permits a stay of up to 90 days. Business visitors select the business purpose during the application and provide supporting documents such as a company invitation. The eTA permits business activity but not local employment or salaried work for a Kenyan employer; engaging in gainful work requires a Work Permit.
PassportPassport valid for at least 6 months from arrival with one blank page.
Passport-style photo / selfieRecent passport-type photo uploaded to the eTA portal.
eTA online applicationApplication completed on etakenya.go.ke selecting the business purpose.
Company invitation letterInvitation from the Kenyan host company stating the purpose and duration of the visit.
Business registration of hostOptionalRegistration or incorporation details of the inviting Kenyan company.
Proof of accommodationHotel booking or host address for the stay.
Payment methodCard to pay the USD 30 eTA fee online.
Medical Treatment Visa
Kenya eTA — Medical Treatment
Travellers coming to Kenya for medical treatment apply for the Electronic Travel Authorisation on etakenya.go.ke and select the medical purpose. The fee is USD 30 and processing takes about three working days. The eTA must be used within 90 days of issuance and the Visitor's Pass issued on arrival allows a stay of up to 90 days, which can be extended in-country if longer treatment is required. Applicants provide a letter from the treating doctor or hospital in Kenya. The eTA covers the medical visit only and does not authorise work, study or residence.
PassportPassport valid for at least 6 months from arrival with one blank page.
Passport-style photo / selfieRecent passport-type photo uploaded to the eTA portal.
eTA online applicationApplication completed on etakenya.go.ke selecting the medical purpose.
Medical / hospital letterLetter from the treating doctor or hospital in Kenya confirming the appointment or admission.
Proof of fundsOptionalEvidence of ability to cover treatment and stay costs.
Proof of accommodationHotel, hospital or host address for the stay.
Payment methodCard to pay the USD 30 eTA fee online.
Not yet researched
Pilgrimage Visa
1 route
Study & Training
Universities, language courses, internships and exchanges.
Student Visa
Kenya Student / Research / Internship Pass
The Student Pass authorises foreign nationals to study, intern or conduct research in Kenya at an approved educational, training or research institution. Applications are made online on the eFNS portal using Form 30, signed by the admitting institution. The issuance fee is USD 100 per year for non-EAC nationals and gratis for East African Community member states. Passes are typically issued aligned to the course duration and are renewable. For research, a permit from the relevant national research authority is also required. The pass permits enrolled study/research only, not general employment.
Study: Authorises enrolled study, internship or research at the approved institution.
Government fee
$100
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (8)
Form 30 applicationCompleted online Student Pass application (Form 30), signed by the institution.
Institution cover letterDetailed signed cover letter from the institution to the Director of Immigration Services.
PassportCopy of the valid national passport bio-data page.
Admission / enrolment proofLetter of admission and academic certificates for the programme.
Police Clearance CertificateCertificate of good conduct.
Sponsor / proof of fundsSponsor commitment letter and passport copy, or proof of funds for self-sponsored students.
Research permit (research only)OptionalPermit from the national research authority for research applicants.
Not yet researched
Language Course Visa
Internship / Trainee Visa
Exchange Program Visa
5 routes
Work & Self-Employment
Digital nomad, freelance, skilled employment and company transfers.
Digital Nomad Visa
Kenya Work Permit Class N (Digital Nomad)
The Class N Digital Nomad Work Permit was introduced by the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration (Amendment) Regulations, 2024 and operationalised in 2025. It allows remote workers employed by, or providing services to, companies registered outside Kenya to live in Kenya while working remotely. Eligible applicants are employees of overseas firms, shareholders/representatives of foreign businesses, or self-employed people serving international clients, and must show an assured annual income reported at around USD 55,000 from sources outside Kenya. The processing fee is USD 200 (non-refundable) and the issuance fee is USD 1,000 per year. The permit is issued for one or two years and is renewable. Holders must not take employment or income-generating work for a company domiciled in Kenya. Applications are filed online through the eFNS portal.
Work: Remote work for a foreign employer/clients only; no work for a Kenya-domiciled employer.
Family: Accompanying family apply for Dependant Passes.
Government fee
$200
Validity
365 days
Min. income / month
$55,000
Document checklist (7)
Form 25 applicationCompleted online Work Permit application (Form 25).
PassportCopies of the valid national passport bio-data page and photos.
Proof of remote workEmployment contract, business verification or evidence of self-employment with foreign/international clients.
Proof of incomeThree months of bank statements or payslips evidencing income (around USD 55,000/year) from outside Kenya.
Proof of accommodationEvidence of accommodation arranged in Kenya.
Embassy no-objection / clean recordNo-objection or clean criminal-record letter from the country of habitual residence.
Company contact detailsOptionalContact details of the foreign employer or business.
Startup / Entrepreneur Visa
Class G Permit (specific trade, business or consultancy)
Available
Foreign entrepreneurs investing in a specific trade, business or consultancy in Kenya (typically proof of about USD 100,000 capital) can obtain a Class G work permit, issued for 1-2 years and renewable (KES 250,000/year).
The Class D Work Permit is the main employee permit, issued to a person offered specific employment by a specific Kenyan employer where the applicant has skills or qualifications not available locally and the employment will benefit Kenya. The employer must justify the position, including details of a Kenyan understudy where applicable. The non-refundable processing fee is KES 20,000. Permits are normally issued for one or two years and are renewable; applications are filed online through the eFNS portal using Form 25, with an employment report on Form 27. The permit authorises the holder to work only in the specified employment with the named employer.
Work: Authorises work only in the specified employment with the named employer.
Residency after 7 years
Family: Spouse and children apply for Dependant Passes linked to the permit holder.
Government fee
KES 20,000
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (8)
Form 25 applicationCompleted online Work Permit application (Form 25).
Employer cover lettersTwo signed cover letters from the employer justifying the appointment.
PassportCopies of the valid national passport bio-data page.
Academic / professional certificatesCertified copies of academic and professional qualifications, plus CV.
Kenyan understudy detailsOptionalDetails and credentials of a Kenyan understudy where the role requires one.
Company registration & Tax ComplianceEmployer's registration certificate and KRA Tax Compliance Certificate.
Form 27 employment reportCompleted employment report (Form 27).
Skilled Work Visa
Kenya Work Permit Class C (Prescribed Profession)
The Class C Work Permit is issued to members of a prescribed profession — such as medicine, law, engineering or accountancy — who intend to practise in Kenya. Applicants must hold the required qualifications, be registered with the relevant Kenyan professional body, control sufficient capital, and show their practice will benefit the country. The non-refundable processing fee is KES 20,000. Permits are normally issued for one year (renewable) and applications are filed online through the eFNS portal. The permit authorises the holder to practise the named profession.
Work: Authorises practice of the named prescribed profession.
Residency after 7 years
Family: Spouse and children apply for Dependant Passes.
Government fee
KES 20,000
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (8)
Form 25 applicationCompleted online Work Permit application (Form 25).
PassportCopies of the valid national passport bio-data page.
Professional registrationProof of registration with the relevant Kenyan professional body.
Academic / professional certificatesCertified copies of academic and professional qualifications.
Curriculum vitaeApplicant's CV.
Tax Compliance CertificateKRA Tax Compliance Certificate and PIN certificate.
Processing fee receiptProof of payment of the KES 20,000 non-refundable processing fee.
Seasonal Work Visa
Kenya Special Pass (Short-Term Work / Interim)
The Special Pass is a short-term authorisation that lets a foreign national enter or remain in Kenya temporarily to conduct business, trade or a profession, to await the outcome of a permit/pass application, or to seek review of a refused permit. It is commonly used for short-term assignments before a full Work Permit is in place. Applications are made online on the eFNS portal using Form 32. The fee is USD 200 per month for non-East Africans, and gratis for EAC member states; payment must be made within 30 days of approval or the approval lapses. It is issued for short periods (commonly up to six months) and is not a long-term work authorisation.
Work: Permits short-term business, trade or professional activity for the approved period only.
Government fee
$200
Max stay
180 days
Validity
180 days
Document checklist (7)
Form 32 applicationCompleted online Special Pass application (Form 32).
Cover letterCover letter to the Director of Immigration Services stating the purpose and duration.
PassportCopy of the valid national passport bio-data page.
Organisation registrationRegistration certificate of the hosting organisation.
Academic / professional certificatesOptionalRelevant academic and professional qualifications.
Receipts for pending applicationsOptionalOfficial receipts for any pending permit/pass application, where applicable.
Not yet researched
Freelancer Visa
Self-Employment Visa
Intra-Company Transfer Visa
5 routes
Invest & Capital
Golden visas, real estate, citizenship by investment, passive income.
Non-Lucrative / Passive Income Visa
Class K Permit (Ordinary Resident)
Available
Persons aged 35+ with assured annual income of at least US$24,000 from non-employment sources (pension, annuity, investments) remitted to Kenya can obtain an ordinary resident permit that prohibits any local work; serves both retirees and passive-income holders.
Kenya Work Permit Class G (Trade, Business or Consultancy / Investor)
The Class G Work Permit is the main investor permit, issued to a person intending to engage in a specific trade, business, consultancy or non-prescribed profession in Kenya. Applicants must obtain the necessary licences and registrations, control sufficient personal capital, and show the venture will benefit Kenya. The non-refundable processing fee is KES 20,000 and applicants must provide documentary proof of at least USD 100,000 in capital to be invested. Permits are normally issued for one or two years and are renewable; applications are filed online through the eFNS portal. The permit authorises the holder to run the named trade or business.
Work: Authorises the named trade, business, consultancy or profession.
Residency after 7 years
Family: Spouse and children apply for Dependant Passes linked to the permit holder.
Government fee
KES 20,000
Validity
365 days
Min. investment
KES 100,000
Document checklist (8)
Form 25 & Form 27Completed online Work Permit application (Form 25) and employment report (Form 27).
PassportCopies of the valid national passport bio-data page.
Bank statement verificationBank statement verification form.
Processing fee receiptProof of payment of the KES 20,000 non-refundable processing fee.
Business Investor Visa
Kenya Work Permit Class B (Agriculture and Animal Husbandry)
The Class B Work Permit is for investors who intend to engage in agriculture or animal husbandry in Kenya. Applicants must have acquired (or obtained permission to acquire) an interest in land of suitable size, control sufficient capital and resources, and demonstrate the venture will benefit Kenya. The non-refundable processing fee is KES 20,000 and applicants must show proof of at least USD 100,000 in capital. Permits are normally issued for one year and are renewable, with applications filed online through the eFNS portal. The permit authorises the holder to run the agricultural or animal-husbandry enterprise.
Work: Authorises the agricultural or animal-husbandry enterprise.
Residency after 7 years
Family: Spouse and children apply for Dependant Passes.
Government fee
KES 20,000
Validity
365 days
Min. investment
KES 100,000
Document checklist (7)
Form 25 applicationCompleted online Work Permit application (Form 25).
PassportCopies of the valid national passport bio-data page.
Proof of land interestEvidence of land ownership or leasehold of suitable size for the activity.
Proof of capitalDocumentary proof of at least USD 100,000 in capital available to invest.
Tax Compliance CertificateKRA Tax Compliance Certificate and PIN certificate.
Processing fee receiptProof of payment of the KES 20,000 non-refundable processing fee.
Business Investor Visa
Kenya Work Permit Class F (Specific Manufacturing)
The Class F Work Permit is for investors who intend to engage in specific manufacturing in Kenya. Applicants must hold the necessary licences, control sufficient capital in their own right, and show the manufacturing activity will benefit Kenya. The non-refundable processing fee is KES 20,000 and applicants must provide proof of at least USD 100,000 in capital available to invest. Permits are normally issued for one year (renewable) and applications are filed online through the eFNS portal. The permit authorises the holder to run the specified manufacturing enterprise.
Work: Authorises the specified manufacturing enterprise.
Residency after 7 years
Family: Spouse and children apply for Dependant Passes.
Government fee
KES 20,000
Validity
365 days
Min. investment
KES 100,000
Document checklist (7)
Form 25 applicationCompleted online Work Permit application (Form 25).
PassportCopies of the valid national passport bio-data page.
Company registration documentsCertificate of incorporation, CR12 shareholding certificate, Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Proof of capitalDocumentary proof of at least USD 100,000 in capital available to invest.
Tax Compliance CertificateKRA Tax Compliance Certificate and PIN certificate.
Processing fee receiptProof of payment of the KES 20,000 non-refundable processing fee.
Business Investor Visa
Kenya Work Permit Class A (Prospecting and Mining)
The Class A Work Permit is issued to investors who intend to engage in prospecting for minerals or mining in Kenya. Applicants must hold the necessary prospecting or mining rights and licences, control sufficient capital and resources, and show the activity will benefit Kenya. The official non-refundable processing fee is KES 20,000, and applicants must provide documentary proof of at least USD 100,000 in capital available to invest. Permits are typically issued for one year and are renewable. Applications are filed online through the Directorate of Immigration Services eFNS portal. The permit authorises the holder to carry out the licensed prospecting or mining activity.
Work: Authorises the licensed prospecting or mining activity.
Residency after 7 years
Family: Spouse and children apply for Dependant Passes linked to the permit holder.
Government fee
KES 20,000
Validity
365 days
Min. investment
KES 100,000
Document checklist (7)
Form 25 applicationCompleted online Work Permit application (Form 25).
PassportCopies of the valid national passport bio-data page.
Prospecting / mining licencesCopies of the required mining rights, licences and registrations.
Proof of capitalDocumentary proof of at least USD 100,000 in capital available to invest.
Tax Compliance CertificateKRA Tax Compliance Certificate (organisation for new applications; organisation and individual for renewals).
Processing fee receiptProof of payment of the KES 20,000 non-refundable processing fee.
Not yet researched
Golden Visa (Residence by Investment)
Residence by Real Estate
Citizenship by Investment
1 route
Retire & Lifestyle
Retirement visas and working holiday schemes.
Retirement Visa
Kenya Work Permit Class K (Ordinary Resident — Private Means / Retirement)
The Class K permit is for ordinary residents of independent means — often used by retirees and people living off private income. Applicants must be at least 35 years old and demonstrate an assured annual income of not less than USD 24,000 from sources outside employment in Kenya (foreign-derived income remitted to Kenya, or a Kenyan pension or annuity). Holders must undertake not to take up employment or income-generating activity in Kenya without authorisation. The non-refundable processing fee is KES 20,000. Permits are normally issued for one year and are renewable; applications are filed online through the eFNS portal.
Residency after 7 years
Family: Spouse and children apply for Dependant Passes.
Government fee
KES 20,000
Validity
365 days
Min. income / month
KES 24,000
Document checklist (7)
Form 25 applicationCompleted online Work Permit application (Form 25).
PassportCopies of the valid national passport bio-data page.
Proof of assured incomeEvidence of assured annual income of at least USD 24,000 from non-employment sources.
Current immigration statusOptionalDocumentation of current immigration status in Kenya.
Tax Compliance CertificateKRA Tax Compliance Certificate (individual for renewals).
Processing fee receiptProof of payment of the KES 20,000 non-refundable processing fee.
Not yet researched
Working Holiday Visa
1 route
Family & Origin
Reunification, spouse routes and ancestry-based repatriation.
Family Reunification Visa
Kenya Dependant's Pass
The Dependant's Pass allows the spouse, child or other dependant of a person lawfully resident in Kenya — a Kenyan citizen, work permit holder, permanent resident or exempted person — to reside in Kenya. Applications are made online on the eFNS portal using Form 28, supported by certified relationship documents and proof that the principal can support the dependant. The issuance fee is KES 20,000 for a dependant of a Kenyan citizen, KES 10,000 for a dependant of a work permit or permanent residence holder, and gratis for EAC member states. The pass is tied to the validity of the principal's status. It does not by itself authorise the holder to work, or a child to study (a Pupil's/Student Pass is needed for education).
Residency: A spouse/dependant of a permanent resident or citizen may have a separate route to residence under the relevant category.
Family: Issued specifically to a spouse, child or dependant of the principal.
Government fee
KES 20,000
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (7)
Form 28 applicationCompleted online Dependant's Pass application (Form 28).
Cover letterSigned cover letter to the Director of Immigration Services.
Passport / ID of both partiesBio-data page of the dependant's passport and the principal's passport or national ID.
Passport photographsTwo recent colour passport-size photographs of the dependant.
Relationship documentsCertified marriage, birth or other certificates evidencing the relationship.
Proof of support / incomeEvidence the principal can financially support the dependant.
Principal's permit copyOptionalCopy of the principal's current work permit or residence document, where applicable.
Not yet researched
Spouse / Partner Visa
Dependent Relative Visa
Ancestry / Repatriation
3 routes
Special Categories
Talent, religious, humanitarian, media, official and permanent residence.
Religious Worker Visa
Kenya Work Permit Class I (Approved Religious Activities / Missionary)
The Class I Work Permit is issued to missionaries and members of registered religious institutions whose activities involve preaching or conducting religious worship and rituals, and whose presence will benefit Kenya. It is intended for non-EAC nationals. The processing fee is gratis (free) and the issuance fee, payable on approval, is KES 20,000 per year. Permits are normally issued for one year and are renewable; applications are filed online through the eFNS portal. The permit authorises the holder to carry out the approved religious activity for the registered institution.
Work: Authorises approved religious work for the registered institution only.
Residency after 7 years
Family: Spouse and children apply for Dependant Passes.
Government fee
KES 20,000
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (7)
Form 25 applicationCompleted online Work Permit application (Form 25).
PassportCopies of the valid national passport bio-data page.
The Class M permit is issued to a person who has been granted refugee status in Kenya under the refugee law, and to their spouse, to enable them to take up employment or engage in an occupation, trade, business or profession. A recommendation letter from the Department of Refugee Affairs is required. The official information pack does not state an application fee for this class. Applications are filed online through the eFNS portal using Form 25, with supporting documents submitted to Immigration headquarters or regional offices. The permit authorises the refugee holder to work or engage in the approved occupation.
Work: Authorises employment or occupation for recognised refugees and their spouses.
Family: A refugee's spouse is covered; dependants' status follows refugee law.
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (6)
Form 25 applicationCompleted and signed online Work Permit application (Form 25).
PassportCopies of the valid national passport (or recognised travel/identity document).
Refugee Affairs recommendationRecommendation letter from the Department of Refugee Affairs confirming refugee status.
Cover lettersTwo signed cover letters from an employer or self-addressed to the Director of Immigration.
Tax Compliance CertificateOptionalKRA Tax Compliance Certificate where applicable.
Permanent Residence
Kenya Permanent Residence (Lawful Residents — Category B)
Permanent Residence allows a qualifying foreign national to live in Kenya indefinitely without renewing a work permit. Under the lawful-residents category, applicants must have held work permits for at least seven years and have been continuously resident in Kenya for the three years immediately preceding the application, and must show they are positioned to make a tangible contribution to Kenya's socio-economic development; an in-person interview is required. The non-refundable processing fee is KES 50,000 and the issuance fee on approval is KES 750,000 (lower fees apply to spouses of citizens, ex-Kenyans and certain children of citizens). Applications are filed online through the eFNS portal. Other routes (spouses of citizens, ex-Kenyans) exist under separate categories.
Work: Permanent residents may live and work in Kenya without a separate work permit.
Study: May study without a separate student pass.
Residency: This is the permanent-residence status itself; citizenship may be pursued separately under nationality law.
Family: Spouse and dependent children of an approved principal may apply individually.
Government fee
KES 50,000
Document checklist (8)
Online applicationPermanent Residence application submitted via the eFNS portal with proof of fee payment.
Some links are affiliate links — booking through them supports VisaPassage at no extra cost to you. Check fare and refund terms with the provider before you book.
Africa
