Kenyan Investor’s Permit (Class G Permit)

The Class G Work Permit, commonly referred to as the Kenyan Business Permit, is intended for foreign nationals who wish to establish and actively manage a business in Kenya.

• This permit is issued for an initial period of one to two years and may be renewed upon expiry, subject to continued compliance with immigration and tax regulations.
• Applicants who have operated their business in Kenya for over seven consecutive years may become eligible to apply for permanent residency based on investment.
• The first step is to register a legal entity in Kenya with the Business Registration Service.
• Applicants must submit verifiable proof of capital investment exceeding USD 100,000 (or the equivalent in another currency).
• The standard processing time is 1 to 3 months, assuming all documentation is complete and no delays are encountered.

Foreign investors are strongly encouraged to ensure their documentation is accurate, and that business plans clearly demonstrate the viability and economic benefit of the proposed enterprise.

Last Updated: 02/07/2025

To apply for a Kenyan Class G Work Permit (Investor Permit), applicants must submit the following documentation. All documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation issued by a sworn translator, embassy, public notary, or other recognised authority.

Required Documents for Class G Permit (New Applications and Renewals):

• Duly completed and signed Form 25 (available via the eFNS portal).
• Detailed and signed cover letter from the applicant or sponsoring organisation, addressed to the Director of Immigration Services.
• Copy of valid passport (bio-data page).
• Recent passport-size colour photograph on a white background (soft copy).
• Proof of current immigration status, if already in Kenya.
• Certified English translations of all foreign-language documents.
• Copies of any previous permits or passes held in Kenya.
• Documentary evidence of capital to be invested, with a minimum of USD 100,000 (or equivalent).
• Copy of the company’s Certificate of Incorporation.
• Memorandum and Articles of Association.
• CR12 (Shareholding Certificate) issued by the Registrar of Companies.
• Copy of company KRA PIN certificate.
• For renewal applications:
  • Signed and current audited financial statements
  • List of Kenyan employees currently employed
• Clearance letters from relevant regulatory bodies or professional authorities, where applicable.
• Completed Bank Statement Verification Form (for new applications).
• Proof of offshore capital transfer (e.g. bank receipt or transaction slip).
• Valid Tax Compliance Certificate:
  • New applicants: Organisation’s TCC
  • Renewals: Organisation’s and individual applicant’s TCC
• Copy of the official Class G Permit Checklist (available on the eFNS portal).

Accompanying Dependants must submit the following documents as part of the Dependant Pass application:

• Duly completed and signed Form 28 (available via the eFNS platform).
• Cover letter from the main applicant, addressed to the Director of Immigration Services, explaining the need for the dependant to reside in Kenya.
• Recent colour passport-size photograph of the dependant on a white background (soft copy).
• Copy of valid passport or national ID (bio-data page) for both the main applicant and the dependant.
• Proof of relationship, such as certified copies of:
  • Marriage certificate (for spouses)
  • Birth certificate (for children)
• Copy of the main applicant’s approved permit or proof of status in Kenya.
• Bank statements demonstrating the applicant’s ability to financially support the dependant.
• Where applicable, additional evidence of dependency such as:
  • Medical reports
  • Disability documentation
  • Proof of age or other relevant circumstances
• Copy of the official Dependent Pass Checklist (available via the eFNS portal).

Preparation

• If all required documents are complete and compliant, the internal review and preparation process typically takes up to 72 hours.

Submission

• Applications for the Kenyan Class G Investor’s Permit must be submitted electronically via the Foreign Nationals Services (eFNS) portal.
• The average processing time is 1 to 3 months, depending on the completeness of documentation and whether additional reviews or clearances are required.
• Delays may occur due to system backlogs, incomplete submissions, or requests for additional supporting documents.

Post-Approval Requirements

• Once the permit is approved, the applicant must pay the applicable government fees through the eFNS platform.
• After payment is made, the applicant must be physically present in Kenya to have the permit endorsed into their passport at the Immigration Office.
• Following endorsement, the applicant is required to apply for an Alien ID (Foreigner Certificate).
• Issuance of the Alien ID typically takes 6 to 8 weeks after the application is submitted.

All government fees associated with the Kenyan Class G Investor’s Permit must be paid through the official eFNS portal. Below is a breakdown of the required payments:

• Government Processing Fee: KES 20,050
  This fee must be paid prior to submitting the application and uploading required documentation.
• Government Permit Fee (upon approval): KES 250,050 per year
  This payment is made after the permit is approved and must be completed within the deadline of 30 days.
• Security Bond:
  A security bond is mandatory and must cover the applicant’s stay in Kenya for one or two years. The bond is issued by licensed insurance providers in Kenya, such as Kenya Alliance or Jubilee Insurance.
  Typical costs range between KES 7,500 and KES 10,000.
• Alien ID Fee: KES 10,050
  This is a mandatory government fee for the issuance of the Alien ID (Foreigner Certificate), which must be obtained after the permit is endorsed in the applicant’s passport.

Note: Applicants must retain all proof of payment and upload it to the eFNS portal as part of the processing and issuance workflow.

The following step-by-step guide outlines the official application process for obtaining a Kenyan Class G Investor’s Permit. This permit is designed for foreign nationals who intend to establish and operate a business in Kenya.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Register a business entity in Kenya through the Business Registration Service.
• Obtain a valid KRA PIN for the business from the Kenya Revenue Authority.
• Ensure access to capital investment of at least USD 100,000 (or its equivalent in another currency).
• Gather all required documentation in accordance with the Class G checklist.
• The applicant must open a company bank account, which can only be done in person with a bank in Kenya.
• The investment of 100,000 USD must be deposited in the company bank account.

Step 2: Prepare and Upload Required Documents

• Create an account on the Foreign Nationals Services (eFNS) portal.
• Complete the required online forms and upload all supporting documents.

Step 3: Submission via eFNS Portal

• Submit all documentation via the eFNS platform. Applicants may do so from outside Kenya.
• Document intake by the Directorate of Immigration typically takes up to five working days.
• After submission, changes cannot be made unless explicitly requested by Immigration via eFNS.
• If errors are detected in the application, it may be rejected. While appeals are possible, they are lengthy (up to 12 months) and often unsuccessful.
• In some cases, Immigration may allow document amendments, which will be communicated through a notification on the eFNS portal.
• Although submissions are digital, Immigration may request hard copies. This request is not sent via email or the eFNS portal. Applicants must follow up in person at Nyayo House, Nairobi.
• If a system error prevents internal processing, applicants will be asked to print and submit physical documents at Nyayo House. In such cases, applicants outside Kenya must travel using an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) and deliver the documents personally.

Step 4: Wait for Processing

• Permit processing typically takes between 1 to 3 months, provided there are no delays or requests for further documentation.
• Application decisions are published on the eFNS portal.

Step 5: Post-Approval Actions

• Upon approval, the applicant has 30 days to:
  • Pay the government permit fee via eFNS
  • Obtain and upload the security bond and proof of payment
  • Upload the official permit approval letter
• The applicant must then submit hard copies of all required documents to the issuance department at Nyayo House.
• The permit is typically issued within 5 to 10 working days after hard copy submission.

Step 6: Endorsement of Permit in Passport

• Once the permit is issued, a notification will appear on the eFNS portal. The applicant must print the e-permit and visit Nyayo House in person for passport endorsement.
• If the applicant is outside Kenya, they must enter using an eTA. Where the eTA portal requests a return ticket, applicants may upload either the approved or issued permit instead.
• To complete endorsement, the applicant must present:
  • The printed permit
  • A passport valid for at least six months from the date of application

Step 7: Post-Endorsement Compliance

• After endorsement, the applicant must:
  • Register with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF)
  • Register with the Social Health Authority (SHA)
• These registrations are mandatory for all foreign business owners residing in Kenya.

Additional Resources:

• Foreign Nationals Services (eFNS) Portal
• Directorate of Immigration Services (DIS)
• Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)
• Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA iTax Portal)
• Business Registration Service (BRS)

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