What you need to know about work permits categories in Kenya

Work permits Categories in Kenya

Do you wish to work, reside or travel to Kenya? The starting point is ensuring you understand the appropriate immigration authorization based on the activities you shall engage into while in Kenya. Seeking legal guidance on what to apply for and how to do so will help you to have a seamless experience in the application process.

The Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, 2011 and the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Regulations, 2012, as amended from time to time, govern Kenya’s immigration law.

The law provides the following categories of work permits in Kenya:

Class A – Prospecting and Mining

Purpose: For persons engaging in mining or prospecting activities.

Requirements:

• Applicant must demonstrate sufficient capital and resources for mining/prospecting.

• Must possess relevant technical qualifications or experience.

• Must show that the activity will benefit Kenya’s mining sector.

• Must comply with the Mining Act, 2016 and related regulations.

Class B – Agriculture and Animal Husbandry

Purpose: For engagement in the business of agriculture or animal husbandry.

Requirements:

• Acquire an interest in land of sufficient size and suitability for the purpose

• Proof of sufficient investment capital

• Relevant expertise or experience in agriculture/animal husbandry.

• Evidence that the investment will contribute to Kenya’s agricultural growth.

• Must comply with agricultural and veterinary laws.

Class C – Prescribed Professions

Purpose: For foreign professionals practicing regulated professions (e.g., doctors, engineers).

Requirements:

• Proof of registration/clearance with the relevant Kenyan professional body.

• Evidence of recognized qualifications in own country

• Proof of capital or resources necessary to practice the profession.

• Evidence that their work will benefit Kenya.

• Must comply with relevant professional laws and codes of conduct.

Class D – Employment

Purpose: For persons offered specific employment by a specific employer, who is in possession of skills or qualifications that are not available in Kenya and whose engagement in that employment will be of benefit to Kenya.

Requirements:

• Valid employment contract from a Kenyan employer.

• Demonstrated scarcity of the applicant’s skills in the Kenyan labor market.

• Employer must provide reasons for hiring foreign national over a Kenyan citizen.

• Proof of relevant qualifications and experience.

Class F – Manufacturing

Purpose: For individuals or companies engaging in a specific manufacture in Kenya

Requirements:

• Proof of capital investment adequate to sustain manufacturing operations.

• Have the necessary licenses.

• Show benefits to Kenya’s economy.

Class G – Specific Trade, Business or Consultancy

Purpose: For persons engaging in specific trade, business or consultancy.

Requirements:

• Proof of sufficient capital and resources for the business. Current requirement is US$ 100,000/= capital in a Kenyan bank account or equivalent.

• Have relevant licenses or registrations including being a director/shareholder of a company in Kenya.

• Relevant experience or qualifications.

• Demonstrate economic benefit to Kenya.

Class I – Religious or Missionary Activities

Purpose: For clergy or missionaries involved in religious worship and rituals.

Requirements:

• Proof of membership in a religious organization registered under the Societies Act.

• Evidence of role involving preaching or conducting religious rituals.

• A letter of invitation from the religious organization in Kenya.

Class K – Ordinary Residents

Purpose: For residence in Kenya only without working.

Requirements:

• Not less that thirty-five years of age

• Proof of stable income from outside Kenya sufficient to support the applicant.

• Undertaking not to engage in paid employment in Kenya.

Class M – Refugees

Purpose: For persons who have been granted refugee status in Kenya and any spouse of such a refugee who intends to take up employment or engage in a specific occupation, trade, business or profession.

Requirements:

• Valid refugee status recognized by the Kenyan government.

• Compliance with Kenyan refugee laws and regulations.

• Evidence of registration with the Refugee Affairs Secretariat.

Class N – Digital Nomads

Purpose: For remote workers employed by foreign companies or freelancing while residing in Kenya.

Requirements:

• Minimum annual income of USD 24,000.

• Employment contract or proof of freelance work with foreign clients.

• Valid travel documents and health insurance covering Kenya.

Class P – Staff of Diplomatic Missions & International Organizations

Purpose: For employees of diplomatic missions, the UN, and accredited international or inter-governmental organizations.

Requirements:

• Accreditation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

• Letter of employment from the respective diplomatic or international organization.

• Must be based in Kenya or neighboring hardship countries.

• Compliance with diplomatic privileges and immunities protocols.

Class Q – Professionals in Religious or Charitable Organizations

Purpose: For professionals working in charitable or religious organizations excluding preaching roles.

Requirements:

• Proof of professional qualifications

• Employment contract with a registered charitable or religious organization.

• Must not participate in religious rituals or preaching.

Class R – Citizens of East African Community (EAC) Member States

Purpose: To facilitate residence and work for EAC citizens in Kenya.

Requirements:

• Proof of citizenship of an EAC member state.

• Intention to reside, work, conduct business, or engage in professions beneficial to Kenya.