Kenya

Class C Prescribed Profession Permit

Kenya's Class C Prescribed Profession Permit (KEP/C) allows qualified foreign professionals to practice independently in the country across 17 designated fields. Unlike the Class D employment permit which ties holders to a specific employer, the Class C permit enables self-employed practice "whether alone or in partnership," making it Kenya's primary pathway for independent professionals. The permit is governed by the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, 2011 and administered by the Directorate of Immigration Services.

• Foreign national not classified as a prohibited immigrant under Kenyan law
• Member of one of the 17 prescribed professions listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Immigration Regulations
• Possess the prescribed qualifications for the relevant profession
• Registered with the professional body, association, or institute in home country
• Demonstrate sufficient capital and resources at full and free disposition to practice the profession
• Practice must be of benefit to Kenya (assessed by the Permit Determination Committee)

• Completed Form 25 (online via eFNS portal)
• Two detailed cover letters addressed to the Director of Immigration Services
• Valid passport copies (bio-data page)
• Two recent colour passport-size photographs
• Current immigration status documentation (if in Kenya)
• Previous permits or passes (if any)
• Proof of professional membership and registration with home country professional body
• Certified academic and professional qualification certificates
• Curriculum vitae
• Individual KRA PIN certificate copy
• Tax Compliance Certificate from KRA (for renewals)
• English translations of all foreign-language documents

Applicants register for a KRA PIN and create a Government Single Sign-On account through the eCitizen portal, then access the eFNS portal to submit Form 25 and pay the non-refundable KES 20,000 processing fee. The Permit Determination Committee, an inter-ministerial body, reviews the application to verify qualifications and assess whether the applicant's practice would benefit Kenya. Upon approval, an issuance invoice of KES 250,000 per year is generated. A financial security bond of approximately KES 100,000 from a licensed Kenyan insurance company must be provided before the permit is printed.

Processing time: 2-6 months.

Fees: KES 20,000 processing (non-refundable) + KES 250,000/year issuance + KES 100,000 security bond + KES 1,000/year alien card. EAC nationals are exempt from processing and issuance fees.

The permit is issued for up to 2 years per issuance, with no restriction on the number of renewals. Renewal applications must be submitted at least 3 months before expiry through the eFNS portal with the same documentation plus Tax Compliance Certificates. The permit becomes invalid if the holder fails to engage in the authorized profession within 90 days of issuance or entry into Kenya.

Spouse and children may apply for a Dependant's Pass using Form 28 through the eFNS portal. The main permit holder must have at least 6 months remaining on their permit. Required documents include relationship evidence (marriage or birth certificates), proof of sufficient income, and a sworn affidavit of dependency. The issuance fee is KES 10,000 per year. Dependants cannot work in Kenya on a Dependant's Pass and must obtain a separate work permit for employment.

Kenya operates a source-based tax system, but individuals present for 183 or more days in a year are considered tax resident and taxed on worldwide income under the Income Tax Act. Progressive individual income tax rates apply. All individuals with a KRA PIN must file annual returns via iTax. Kenya has double taxation agreements with 15 countries including Canada, France, Germany, India, South Korea, UAE, and the UK.

Holders who maintain the permit for at least 7 years and have been continuously resident in Kenya for 3 years preceding the application may apply for permanent residence (Category B). An in-person interview is mandatory. Permanent residence fees are KES 50,000 processing plus KES 750,000 issuance.

Links

• https://immigration.go.ke/work-permits-passes/class-c-prescribed-profession/
• https://fns.immigration.go.ke/infopack/permits/classC/
• https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/act/2011/12/eng@2022-12-31

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