Work Visas and Permits in Kenya

Kenya has different work authorisation routes depending on the nature and duration of the proposed employment. These include the Special Pass for certain short-term activities and several classes of longer-term Work Permit.

A Special Pass may be appropriate for short-term work or assignments in Kenya. Longer-term employment generally requires the relevant Work Permit class, depending on the applicant’s role, profession, employer or proposed business activity.

Kenyan Work Permits are generally linked to the employment or activity for which they were issued. A foreign national who intends to change employer cannot simply transfer an existing Work Permit to the new employer.

Under an immigration directive implemented in December 2025, where a Work Permit holder changes employer, the existing permit must first be cancelled and the holder must exit Kenya. Proof of departure must be provided before a new Special Pass or Work Permit application for the new employer can be processed.

Last updated: 28/09/2026

• Short-Term Work Visa and Special Pass
• Class C for Professionals
• Class D for Existing Employment Contracts
• Class F for Manufacturing
• Class G for Investors
• Class I for those who belong to Organisations or Trusts
• Class M for Refugees

Basic Requirements for a long-term visa in Kenya include (but aren’t limited to):

Costs for special passes and long-term visas differ.

A special pass has fees totalling 15,050.00 or 45,050.00 Kenyan Shillings for a one-month or three-month short-term permit, respectively.

Costs for long-term visas depend on which type of Kenyan visa you’re applying for. For example, Class D permits’ costs and expenses differ from the fees inherent in Class I permits. Your Kenyan immigration consultant will advise you about the expenses specific to your application.

The application process depends on whether the applicant requires a Special Pass or one of Kenya’s longer-term Work Permit classes. The eligibility requirements, supporting documents, government fees and post-approval requirements differ between categories.

Step 1: Identify the Correct Work Authorisation

Determine whether the proposed activity requires a Special Pass or a longer-term Work Permit and, for long-term employment, identify the appropriate permit class.

Step 2: Prepare the Required Documentation

Compile the application forms and supporting documents required for the relevant immigration category. These may include documents from both the foreign national and the sponsoring Kenyan employer or organisation.

Step 3: Submit the Application

Applications are submitted through the applicable Kenyan immigration process. The specific submission requirements depend on the permit or pass being requested.

Step 4: Complete the Post-Approval Requirements

Once approved, applicants should complete any required payments, permit issuance, registration or endorsement steps before commencing work in Kenya.

Where an existing Work Permit holder is changing employer, the current permit must first be cancelled and the foreign national must exit Kenya. A new application under the new employer will not be processed until the previous permit has been cancelled and evidence of departure has been provided.