Kenyan Retirement Permit (Class K Permit)

The Kenyan Retirement Visa (also referred to as a Class K Permit) is designed for retired foreign nationals who wish to reside in Kenya without engaging in any employment or income-generating activity within the country.

This permit is typically issued to individuals who earn a stable income from a pension or passive sources outside Kenya. Applicants must demonstrate that they can sustain themselves financially throughout their stay.

• Applicants must be at least 35 years old. However, those aged 45 and above are more likely to be approved. Applicants aged 35–44 must show proof of sufficient funds to support themselves for at least two to three years.
• The applicant must provide bank statements showing a minimum annual income of USD 24,000 (net), derived from non-employment sources such as pension payments.
• A police clearance certificate from the applicant’s country of origin is mandatory.
• The applicant must hold a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining at the time of application.
• Ownership or planned acquisition of property in Kenya can strengthen the application. Applicants are encouraged to include a lease agreement or proof of property purchase where applicable.
• The permit is typically granted for one or two years, though it may occasionally be issued for three years. It is renewable upon expiry.

The Class K Permit supports Kenya’s efforts to attract financially self-sufficient retirees who wish to enjoy long-term residency without competing in the local job market.

Last Updated: 30/09/2025

To apply for a Kenyan Class K Permit, applicants must submit the following forms and documentation in English, or translated into English by a sworn translator:

• Duly filled and signed Form 25 (available on the eFNS platform).
• Signed cover letter addressed to the Director of Immigration Services, outlining the applicant’s nationality, retirement status, intention to reside in Kenya, history of previous Kenyan permits or passes (if applicable), and property ownership or lease (if applicable).
• Copy of lease agreement in Kenya (if applicable).
• Copy of valid national passport.
• One recent passport-size colour photograph on a white background (required for both new applications and renewals).
• Current immigration status, if applying from within Kenya.
• Translations of any foreign-language documents by an Embassy, Public Notary, or recognised institution.
• Copies of any previously held permits or passes.
• Proof of annual assured income of at least USD 24,000 net, such as recent bank statements or letters from a pension scheme.
• Valid Tax Compliance Certificate from KRA for new applications, and both individual and organisational certificates for renewals.
• Copy of the Checklist (available on the eFNS platform).

For accompanying dependants (such as a spouse or children not yet of school age), the following documentation is required:

• Duly filled and signed Form 28 – Dependant Pass application (available on the eFNS platform).
• Cover letter from the main applicant addressed to the Director of Immigration Services, explaining the reason the dependant intends to reside in Kenya.
• One recent passport-size colour photograph on a white background.
• Copy of valid passport or national ID (bio-data page) for both the applicant and the dependant.
• Proof of relationship to the main applicant, such as certified copies of a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or other relevant documentation.
• Main applicant’s permit or proof of status in Kenya, along with bank statements demonstrating the ability to support the dependant.
• Proof of dependency if applicable (e.g. medical documentation, disability, or other conditions).
• Copy of the Checklist (available on the eFNS platform).

Preparation:
The application review process takes approximately 72 hours. If all documents are complete and in order, the application will be submitted to the Directorate of Immigration Services via the electronic Foreign National Services (eFNS) platform.

Submission:
The Kenyan Class K Permit application typically requires 1 to 3 months for processing from the date of submission. Timelines may vary based on internal verification steps and applicant-specific circumstances. All submissions must be made through the eFNS portal.

Post-Approval:
Once the permit is approved, the applicant has 30 days to pay the government fees and process the required security bond. Following payment, the permit will be issued, and the applicant must be physically present in Kenya to have the permit endorsed in their passport.

• Government processing fee: 20,050 KES – payable prior to uploading all required documents on the eFNS portal.
• Government fee after approval: 250,050 KES per year. Approval status is visible via the eFNS platform.
• If sufficient income is demonstrated, immigration authorities may approve a three-year validity period even if the applicant applied for two years. In this case, the applicant will be required to pay a higher government fee. Many applicants find this advantageous, as it reduces the need for a renewal application.
• Security bond: Required for this permit type. The bond typically covers a two-year period and can be arranged through local insurance providers such as Kenya Alliance or Jubilee Insurance. Costs range between 7,500 and 10,000 KES.

1. Confirm Eligibility:
   • Applicants must be at least 35 years of age and retired, meaning they do not earn income from employment.
   • They must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves and any dependants without working in Kenya.
   • A police clearance certificate from the applicant’s country of origin is required.
2. Gather Required Documents:
   • All documents must be properly certified. Non-English documents must be translated by a sworn translator and officially stamped.
   • Ensure all application forms are completed and signed, with signatures matching the one in the applicant’s passport.
3. Submit the Application via eFNS:
   • Create an account on the eFNS portal, upload all required documents, and complete Form 25.
   • Once documents are ready, pay the government processing fee and submit the application online.
   • After submission, it may take up to five working days for the Immigration Office to acknowledge receipt. After this point, no changes can be made to the submission.
   • If the application contains errors, it may be rejected. In such cases, the applicant may need to reapply. On rare occasions, applicants may be permitted to amend their documents. This will be communicated via the eFNS platform.
4. Wait for Processing:

   The typical processing time is 1 to 3 months, though delays may occur due to administrative backlogs or missing information.

   All documents are submitted online unless the Immigration Office requests physical copies. In such cases, no digital or email notice will be sent. The applicant must personally follow up at Nyayo House in Nairobi. If system errors prevent officers from printing documents, the applicant may be asked to bring printed copies in person. This may require travel to Kenya on an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).

5. Upon Approval:

   Once approved, the permit status will be updated on the eFNS portal. The applicant must then:

   • Pay the government fee as specified.
   • Download and print the ePermit document.
   • Visit the Immigration Office at Nyayo House to have the permit endorsed in their passport.
   • Issuance usually takes 5 to 10 working days.
6. Arrival in Kenya and Passport Endorsement:
   • If not already in Kenya, the applicant should travel using an eTA.
   • Bring the printed ePermit and passport (with at least six months’ validity) to Nyayo House for endorsement.

Official Resources:

• Republic of Kenya Electronic Foreign Nationals Services (eFNS) Portal
• Directorate of Immigration Services (DIS)