Migrate to Kenya

East Africa's economic powerhouse, Kenya offers a structured work permit and residency framework for skilled professionals, investors, business owners, and persons of independent means, administered through NWI's licensed Kenyan law firm partner.

Overview

Your Complete Guide to Kenya Immigration

Kenya is the leading economy in East and Central Africa, home to a rapidly growing technology sector, a vibrant financial services industry, and a strategic gateway to the wider East African Community (EAC). With Nairobi establishing itself as the continent's premier tech hub, Kenya attracts a growing pool of international skilled professionals, investors, consultants, and executives.

Kenya's immigration framework is regulated by the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act of 2011, the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Regulations of 2012, and administered by the Department of Immigration Services. Work permits are classified by purpose, Classes A through R, with the Class D (Employment), Class G (Trade, Business & Consultancy), and Class C (Prescribed Professions) permits among the most commonly sought by foreign nationals. A structured pathway to Permanent Residence also exists for long-term permit holders and family members of Kenyan citizens.

New World Immigration has partnered with a licensed Kenyan law firm to deliver a fully managed, end-to-end immigration service for individuals and corporate clients. Our partnership combines NWI's international immigration expertise with on-the-ground legal representation in Nairobi, ensuring applications are prepared, filed, and followed up to the highest standard.

• Class D Work Permit — The primary employment authorisation for skilled foreign nationals taking up a specific role with a specific Kenyan employer. The Class D permit is for professionals whose qualifications and skills are not readily available in Kenya. The employer sponsors the application and must identify a Kenyan citizen understudy who will be trained during the permit period. (5–10 weeks)
• Class G Work Permit — For investors, company directors, consultants, traders, and business owners operating a specific trade, business, or non-prescribed profession in Kenya. The Class G permit authorises the holder to reside in Kenya and actively manage their commercial activities. Applicants must hold the required business licences and demonstrate sufficient capital. (6–12 weeks)
• Class C Work Permit — For qualified members of a prescribed profession who wish to practise in Kenya, either independently or in partnership. Prescribed professions include medicine, nursing, engineering, law, architecture, pharmacy, accountancy, ICT, and several others listed under the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Regulations. Applicants must be registered with their professional body. (5–11 weeks)
• Class N Digital Nomad Permit — For location-independent professionals who work remotely from Kenya for a company or clients based outside the country. Three categories qualify: employees of foreign-registered companies, shareholders or directors of foreign-registered businesses, and self-employed professionals serving exclusively foreign clients. Government fees are denominated in USD. (4–8 weeks)
• Class K Residence Permit — For persons of independent means aged 35 or over who wish to reside in Kenya without working. Applicants must demonstrate an assured annual income of at least USD 24,000 from sources outside Kenya. Permit holders may not engage in any employment or income-generating activity in Kenya without obtaining a separate work authorisation. (8–13 weeks)
• Dependent Pass — For spouses and dependent children (under 21) of valid work permit holders, permanent residents, and Kenyan citizens. The Dependent Pass confers residence rights only, it does not permit the holder to work. A dependent spouse who wishes to take up employment must obtain a separate work permit. The pass expires automatically when a child turns 21. (5–8 weeks)
• Special Pass — A short-term work authorisation valid for up to 3 months (renewable once). The Special Pass serves two purposes: it bridges the gap while a formal work permit application is being processed, and it authorises temporary business, trade, or professional activities in Kenya. The government issuance fee is USD 200 per month. (1–2 weeks)
• Business Visa / eTa — For foreign nationals visiting Kenya for short-term business meetings, conferences, negotiations, or commercial activities without taking up employment. Kenya's eTa (Electronic Travel Authorisation) system has streamlined the application process for most nationalities, with approvals typically within 24–72 hours. (24–72 hours)

Why Kenya?

Why Kenya for Business and Residency

• East Africa's largest economy, Kenya is the commercial and financial hub for the East African Community (EAC) bloc.
• Nairobi is Africa's leading technology hub, home to Silicon Savannah, a thriving ecosystem of start-ups, multinationals, and innovation centres.
• Strategic access to the East African Community (EAC) market of over 300 million people across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and DRC.
• English is an official language and the language of business, law, and government, no language barrier for international professionals.
• Competitive corporate tax environment with a standard rate of 30%, reducing to 15% for new manufacturers and companies listing on the Nairobi Securities Exchange.
• Growing demand for skilled professionals in technology, healthcare, engineering, finance, and agriculture sectors.
• Major international organisations and NGOs have their African headquarters in Nairobi, a significant employer of international talent.
• Excellent air connectivity, JKIA is one of Africa's busiest international airports with direct flights to major global hubs.
• Rich natural environment including world-renowned national parks, a vibrant cultural scene, and an outstanding quality of life.