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🇰🇪 Kenya

Visa & Residency

Kenya introduced the Class N Digital Nomad Permit in April 2025 — one of Africa's first fully formalised digital nomad visa programmes. With a $55,000/year minimum income requirement and proof of remote work for non-Kenyan entities, it targets senior professionals and established freelancers.

April 2025

Class N DN Permit

Africa's most formal nomad visa

$55,000/yr

Minimum Income

Must be from non-Kenyan sources

1 year

Permit Duration

Renewable

90 days

Tourist Visa

Most nationalities; e-Visa online

None

Tax on Foreign Income

Under DN visa; 183-day rule applies

Overview

Kenya introduced the Class N Digital Nomad Permit in April 2025 — one of Africa's first fully formalised digital nomad visa programmes. With a $55,000/year minimum income requirement and proof of remote work for non-Kenyan entities, it targets senior professionals and established freelancers. Tourist entry is straightforward for most nationalities via e-Visa, and multiple longer-term pathways exist for investors, retirees, and employed expats.

Key Takeaways

  • Minimum income of $55,000 USD per year from non-Kenyan sources (employer or clients)
  • e-Visa available online at evisa.go.ke for most nationalities
  • Sponsored by the Kenyan employer — company applies on your behalf
  • Class I Investment Permit: for those investing $100,000+ in a Kenyan business
1

Class N Digital Nomad Permit

Launched in April 2025, the Class N Permit is Kenya's official digital nomad visa — one of the most structured on the African continent. It is designed for remote workers whose income derives entirely from outside Kenya.

  • Minimum income of $55,000 USD per year from non-Kenyan sources (employer or clients)
  • Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
  • Proof of remote employment or freelance contracts with non-Kenyan entities
  • Comprehensive health insurance covering Kenya required
  • Duration: typically 1 year, renewable
  • Foreign income earned under this permit is not subject to Kenyan income tax
  • Tax residency is triggered at 183 days in Kenya — plan your stays accordingly
  • Higher income threshold than most African and many European DN visas — selective by design
  • Apply through the Kenya Department of Immigration Services portal
2

Tourist Visa & Short-Term Stays

Most nationalities can enter Kenya on an e-Visa for tourism or short business trips. The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda — an excellent option for regional explorers.

  • e-Visa available online at evisa.go.ke for most nationalities
  • Standard single-entry tourist visa: $51 USD, valid 90 days
  • East Africa Tourist Visa: $100, covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda
  • Citizens of some East African Community member states enter visa-free
  • Extension of stay possible at immigration offices in Nairobi
  • Do not work commercially on a tourist visa — Class N or Work Permit required
3

Work Permit (Class G)

Expats employed by a Kenyan company require a Class G Work Permit. This is employer-sponsored and requires significant documentation, but is the standard route for relocating with a job offer.

  • Sponsored by the Kenyan employer — company applies on your behalf
  • Requires proof that no qualified Kenyan citizen is available for the role
  • Valid for up to 2 years, renewable
  • Processing time: 1–3 months; apply before arriving if possible
  • Separate dependent passes available for spouses and children
  • Required for any paid employment within Kenya's borders
4

Investor, Business & Retirement Permits

Kenya offers targeted permit classes for investors, self-employed individuals, and retirees. Each has specific financial thresholds and documentation requirements.

  • Class I Investment Permit: for those investing $100,000+ in a Kenyan business
  • Class A Permit: for self-employed professionals with a specific trade or business
  • Retirement Permit: for those aged 55+ with a monthly income of at least $1,000
  • Special Passes available for short-term specific purposes (consulting, projects)
  • All permits processed through the Department of Immigration Services
  • Kenya Citizenship by Naturalisation: available after 7 years of legal residency
FAQs

Common Questions — Visa & Residency in Kenya

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