Eligibility quiz
Do you plan to work for yourself or with partners in a specific business or profession in Kenya?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in Kenya
You can enter and live in Kenya for the period printed on your permit, as long as your required assured income remains available.
Your permit can be renewed for a fee, but renewal is not automatic.
Each permit or renewal can last for no more than five years from its issue or renewal date.
How to apply
From outside KenyaFrom outside Kenya
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for your permit application.
See required documentsFill in the application online
Create or sign in to your eCitizen account on the eFNS portal. Choose Apply now, then Submit Applications and Permit Issuance/Renewal, select Class G or Class A, and fill in Form 25.
Fill in the applicationSubmit your application
Upload your required documents and photographs, then submit your application through eFNS.
Submit your applicationPrint your application
Print and sign your submitted Form 25 from your eFNS account.
Print your applicationWait for your invoice
Follow your application in your eFNS account and wait for an invoice. You may also receive progress notices by email.
Follow your applicationPay the fee online
In eFNS, open Dashboard, then Payments, and pay the processing fee using an available card or mobile-money method. If you cannot pay online, take your printed application and required documents to an immigration counter or regional office for payment and processing.
Pay the feeWait for the decision
Follow your application in eFNS and respond to any requests from immigration for more information or documents.
Follow your applicationPrint your permit
Once your application is approved, print your issued permit from your eFNS account.
Print your permitEnter Kenya
Arrange any separate entry permission you need and enter Kenya within 90 days after your permit is issued, unless the Director of Immigration Services gives you a written extension.
Find entry requirementsSearches DuckDuckGo for “What entry permission do I need to travel to Kenya with a Class G or Class A permit?”
Once in KenyaOnce in Kenya
Get your permit endorsed
Take your printed application and permit, and your original or supporting documents as directed, to an immigration office for endorsement. You can then use the endorsed permit for the work it authorises in Kenya.
Find an immigration officeSearches DuckDuckGo for “Where can I get my Kenya Class G or Class A permit endorsed at an immigration office?”
Documents needed
Required to applyRequired to apply
Proof of investment
Provide proof that you have at least USD 100,000 in capital or funds available for your investment. For a new Class G application, include the receipt or slip showing the transfer from abroad.
Tax compliance certificates
Provide a valid tax compliance certificate for your organisation. If you are renewing your permit, also provide your own valid certificate.
Copy of your passport
Provide a copy of your valid national passport.
Passport photos
Provide two recent colour passport photos.
Application form
Submit a completed and signed Form 25 for your permit application. If you are applying for a Class G permit and the immigration office asks for an employment report, also provide Form 27 from the Class G information pack.
Cover letter
Provide two copies of a detailed letter addressed to the Director of Immigration Services. Sign the letter.
Business registration records *
Provide your company’s certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles of association, and CR 12 or shareholding certificate.
* Only if you are applying for a Class G permit as a company or business investor.
May need translationPIN certificates *
Provide the relevant PIN certificates for your application.
* Only if you are applying for a Class G permit as a company or business investor or renewing a Class A permit.
May need translationCurrent immigration status *
Provide proof of your current immigration status in Kenya.
* Only if you are already in Kenya.
May need translationPrevious permit copies *
Provide copies of your previous permits or passes.
* Only if you previously held a Kenyan permit or pass.
May need translationBank verification forms *
Provide two bank-statement verification forms for your investment.
* Only if you are making a new Class G application.
May need translationBusiness or mining licences *
Provide the licences, registrations, rights or permissions needed for your business or mining activity. For a Class A renewal, include your current prospecting licence.
* Only if your activity requires a licence or you are renewing a mining permit.
May need translationInstitutional clearance *
Provide clearance from the institution responsible for your activity.
* Only if you are applying for a Class G permit and your activity needs clearance from an institution.
May need translationAudited accounts *
Provide signed, current audited accounts. For a Class A renewal, provide the accounts for the last year.
* Only if you are renewing your permit.
May need translationEmployee list *
Provide a list of the Kenyan citizens you already employ.
* Only if you are renewing a Class G permit.
May need translationConsiderations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Limits on work
This permission does not allow you to work, whether paid or unpaid, or run a business, trade or practise a profession.
You need separate permission for work or another income-generating activity, including remote work.
Doing so without the necessary permission is an offence and can also end your permit.
Family passes can end
A family member’s dependant’s pass can end if they stop relying on you, you can no longer support them, or you die.
It can also end if you leave Kenya in circumstances suggesting your absence is not temporary, or if they work.
The pass does not allow them to work, trade or carry out an income-generating activity.
A child’s pass ends at 21, with exceptions for full-time education or incapacity.
Permit can be cancelled
Your permit can end if you stop living in Kenya, work without the required permission, or break its conditions or immigration rules.
It can also end if you are barred from entry or considered undesirable, or if you are convicted and sentenced to at least three years in prison.
Fraud, false statements or hiding information when obtaining it can make it invalid and lead to its cancellation.
The immigration director can revoke it on the recommendation of the permit committee.
Other legal grounds can also make it invalid.
Permit expiry and entry
Your permit ends when its validity period expires unless it is renewed.
It can also end if you no longer have the required assured income.
If your permit was issued while you were outside Kenya, it becomes invalid if you do not enter within 90 days.
The immigration director can give you a written extension of up to another 90 days.
Your permit can also end if you do not take up residence within 90 days without written approval.
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