Kenyan Class N Digital Nomad Permit

The Kenyan Digital Nomad Permit provides a unique opportunity for remote workers to reside legally in Kenya while remaining employed by a foreign company. Designed specifically for individuals who work online and do not engage in local employment, this Permit allows foreign nationals to live and work remotely in Kenya for an initial period of 1 or 2 years, with the option to renew.

Key Benefits:

• Legal residence in Kenya for up to two years, with the possibility of renewal.
• Live in a culturally rich, diverse environment while continuing your foreign-based employment.
• Explore Kenya’s vibrant cities, wildlife reserves, and coastal regions while maintaining remote work commitments.

Why Choose Kenya’s Digital Nomad Permit?
Kenya offers a balance between productivity and lifestyle. Whether you’re based in Nairobi’s modern digital hubs or exploring the country’s breathtaking landscapes, the Digital Nomad Permit allows you to work remotely with full legal status.

Enjoy:

• Stable and modern internet infrastructure
• Affordable living costs
• Proximity to nature, adventure, and global travel connections
• A warm climate and a welcoming communities

Kenya’s strategic location, thriving innovation ecosystem, and strong expatriate networks make it a top destination for global remote professionals.

Eligibility for the Kenyan Digital Nomad Permit

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Occupation:
   Must be employed in a remote role by a company registered outside of Kenya.
2. Income Threshold:
   There is currently no official minimum salary requirement. However, applicants must demonstrate financial stability and the ability to sustain themselves (and their dependants, if applicable) during their stay.
3. Pay Slips / Bank Statements:
   Applicants must submit financial documentation such as the most recent three months’ payslips or bank statements showing consistent income.
4. Criminal Record:
   A Letter of No Objection from the applicant’s home country embassy is required. This serves as a form of background clearance.
5. Proof of Accommodation:
   Applicants must provide evidence of accommodation in Kenya, such as a hotel booking, lease agreement, or rental confirmation.
6. Permit Validity & Duration:
   Initial validity is either 1 year or 2 years, based on the applicant’s preference and documentation. The Permit is renewable following the expiration of the initial term.
7. Dependants:
   Spouses and dependants may be included in the application. Additional documentation and government fees will apply.

Last updated: 30/09/2025

Required Documents for Kenyan Digital Nomad Permit

Main Applicant
Applicants must submit the following documents when applying for a Kenyan Digital Nomad Permit:

• Completed and signed Online Application Form 25
• Letter of No Objection from the applicant’s embassy
• Three months’ payslips or bank statements showing income from a foreign employer

Supporting Documents:

• Certified copy of the passport bio-data page (with at least two blank pages)
• Letter of No Objection from the embassy (if not already submitted)
• Proof of accommodation in Kenya (e.g. hotel reservation, rental agreement)
• Detailed and signed cover letter from the applicant addressed to the Director General of Immigration Services, stating the nature of employment, business location, and intended duration of stay
• Signed cover letter from the employer addressed to the Director General of Immigration Services
• Copy of the employment contract
• Three months’ recent payslips or bank statements (if not already submitted)
• Police Clearance Certificate from the country of origin and, if applicable, from any country of residence during the past 12 months
• Company contact details: physical address, telephone number, email address, and contact person’s name, job title, and direct contact information

Accompanying Dependant
Required documents:

• Completed and signed Application Form 28
• Certified evidence of the relationship (e.g. birth certificate, marriage certificate, or death certificate where applicable)

Supporting Documents:

• Copy of passport bio-data page with at least two blank pages
• Copy of immigration status if applying from within Kenya, or status after departure if previously in Kenya on a tourist visa
• Letter of Undertaking from the main applicant outlining responsibility for the dependant’s care
• Bank statement showing sufficient and assured income to sustain the dependant
• Recent passport photograph on a white background
• Certified evidence of relationship (repeated only if not already provided above)

Once the permit application has been submitted via the eFNS platform, processing times typically range from 1 to 3 months, depending on the complexity of the application and the workload of the Directorate of Immigration Services.

2. Arrival in Kenya
Upon receiving permit approval, the applicant may travel to Kenya using an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). Once in Kenya, the applicant must submit their passport to the Directorate of Immigration Services at Nyayo House for endorsement of the permit. This process generally takes one working day.

When applying for a Kenyan Digital Nomad Permit, applicants should be aware of several costs beyond the permit approval fee. These include both mandatory government charges and additional expenses related to relocation and integration into Kenya.

Permit Application Fees

• Department of Immigration Processing Fee: USD 201 (paid upon submission)
• Approval Fee: USD 1001 per year (payable only once the application has been approved)

Document Translation Costs
If any documents are not in English, they must be translated by an accredited translator or certified service provider. Charges vary depending on language and volume.

Other Potential Costs

• Flight and Moving Expenses: Applicants must budget for travel and shipment of any personal belongings.
• Accommodation: Proof of accommodation is required for the permit. Applicants should budget for rental deposits, leases, or temporary lodging as applicable.
• Integration Costs: Initial living expenses may include setting up utilities, SIM cards, transportation, and enrolling for any required registrations (e.g. Alien ID, health coverage).

While these are the most common costs associated with the Kenyan Digital Nomad Permit, total expenses will vary based on the applicant’s personal circumstances, length of stay, and preferred lifestyle in Kenya.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• The applicant must be under an employment contract with a company registered outside of Kenya.
• Applicants may also be shareholders or individuals conducting business on behalf of a foreign company.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

• Create an account on the Foreign Nationals Services (eFNS) platform.
• Gather all required documents, complete the appropriate online forms, and ensure all certifications and translations are up to date and legally valid.

Step 3: Submit Documentation on the eFNS Platform

• Upload all documents via the eFNS portal. Submission can be done while the applicant is still outside Kenya.
• It may take up to 10 working days for the Immigration Office to confirm receipt of submitted documents.
• Once received, changes cannot be made unless the Directorate explicitly reopens the application.
• If errors are made in the submitted application, it may be rejected. Appeals through legal representation can be lodged, but they are often lengthy (up to 12 months) and rarely successful.
• Amendments, if allowed, will be communicated via the eFNS platform.
• All documents are submitted online unless hard copies are specifically requested. However, such requests are never issued via email or the portal. The only way to confirm if hard copies are needed is through in-person follow-up at the Immigration Office in Nyayo House, Nairobi.
• If a system issue prevents officers from printing submitted files, applicants may be asked to bring printed copies in person. This requires travel to Kenya on an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), followed by physical submission at Nyayo House.

Step 4: Wait for Processing

• Standard processing time ranges from 1 to 3 months, depending on the complexity and workload.
• Once approved, the status of the Digital Nomad Permit (Permit Class N) will be updated on the eFNS platform.

Step 5: Upon Approval

• Applicants have 30 days to pay the permit fee after approval is granted.
• Upload the following to the eFNS platform:
  • Approved permit document
  • Proof of payment
  • Security bond and corresponding receipt
• Take hard copies of the above documents to the issuance department at Nyayo House.
• The permit is typically issued within 5 to 10 working days.

Step 6: Arrival in Kenya and Endorsement in Passport

• Once the e-permit is issued, print it out and present it at Nyayo House for passport endorsement.
• If outside Kenya, travel on an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). Where required, upload the issued or approved permit instead of a return flight ticket.
• Present the printed permit and a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity from date of application) to the Immigration Office for endorsement.

Step 7: Post-Endorsement Compliance

• Once endorsed, applicants must register for:
  • KRA PIN via the Kenya Revenue Authority iTax portal
  • National Social Security Fund (NSSF)
  • Social Health Authority (SHA)
  • Apply for Alien ID

Additional Resources

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

Disclaimer

At IBN Immigration Solutions, we adhere to Google’s standards for transparency. As a private immigration firm, we follow the regulations outlined in the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act 2011. We are not affiliated with the Kenyan Government. Our clients pay for our expertise in handling applications for both temporary, long-term and permanent residency.