Work Permits and Visas

The Directorate of Immigration and Registration of person is responsible for the issuance of the following:

Foreign national registrationAll foreigners who have been residing in Kenya for a continuous period of at least 3 months are required to be registered and issued with an alien card. The alien card serves as an identification document during their stay in the country.
Register as a foreign national

Work permitsThere are several classes of permits and passes which are all issued by the Immigration Department. Investors registered with KenInvest may use its facilitation services (click here to access facilitation procedures for work permits)
Obtain Class A work permitInvestors in prospecting and mining
Obtain Class B work permitInvestors in agriculture and animal husbandry
Obtain Class C work permitIndividuals who intend to engage in a prescribed profession
Obtain Class D work permitFor employees offered employment by a specific employer
Obtain Class F work permitInvestors in manufacturing sector
Obtain Class G work permitInvestors who intend to engage in specific business,trade or consultancy
Obtain Class I work permitFor a member of a missionary society approved by the Government of Kenya
Obtain a Special passForeign employees offered employment for not more than 3 months
Obtain a Student passFor students and pupils
Obtain a Dependant’s passThis is a document issued to a foreigner who is dependent on the applicant. The applicant must be a Kenyan or a holder of a valid entry permit or an exempted person under the Immunities Act

Entry visasSingle entry visa allows one to enter Kenya once for sightseeing and short term business purposes. The visa is valid for three months and allows a re-entry to Kenya from Tanzania and Uganda
Obtain a single entry visa