Kenya

Class G Investor Permit

Kenya's Class G Investor Permit enables foreign nationals to establish and operate a business in the country independently. The permit covers specific trade, business, consultancy, or non-prescribed professions and requires a minimum capital investment of USD 100,000. It is Kenya's most flexible investor category and the primary investment-based immigration route, as the country does not offer a separate golden visa or citizenship-by-investment program. The permit is governed by the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, 2011 and administered by the Directorate of Immigration Services, with facilitation support from the Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest).

• Foreign national intending to engage in trade, business, or consultancy in Kenya
• Minimum capital investment of USD 100,000 deposited in a Kenyan bank account
• Viable business plan demonstrating the business will benefit Kenya
• Company registered in Kenya with all necessary business licences
• Recommendation letter from the Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest)
• No specific educational or professional qualifications required

• Completed Form 25 (work permit application)
• Two cover letters addressed to the Director of Immigration Services
• Valid passport copies (bio-data page)
• Two recent colour passport photographs
• Company certificate of incorporation
• Memorandum and articles of association
• Shareholders certificate (CR 12)
• Company PIN certificate and individual PIN certificate
• Bank statement showing minimum USD 100,000 investment
• KenInvest recommendation letter and investment application form
• Completed Form 27
• Audited accounts for previous two years (renewals only)
• Employment list of Kenyan staff (renewals only)
• Tax compliance certificate for company and individual (renewals)

The application follows a multi-step process. First, register on the Government of Kenya Single Sign-On portal and access the eFNS portal to submit Form 25 with the KES 20,000 processing fee. Second, register with KenInvest and submit an investment application to obtain a recommendation letter. The Permit Determination Committee reviews the application and makes recommendations to the Director of Immigration. Upon approval, a permit fee invoice of KES 250,000 is issued, payable via RTGS within 30 days. A security bond from a licensed insurance company must also be obtained.

Processing time: 10-15 working days (total process including all steps: 13-19 days).

Fees: KES 20,000 processing (non-refundable) + KES 250,000/year issuance + approximately KES 10,000 security bond. EAC nationals are exempt from issuance fees.

The permit is typically issued for 2 years and is renewable unlimited times. Renewal requires the full application process with updated documentation including audited financial statements for the previous two years, current tax compliance certificates, and an employment list of Kenyan staff. Failure to provide evidence of ongoing business operations may result in non-renewal. The permit becomes invalid if the holder fails to engage in the authorized activity within 90 days of issuance.

Spouse and children may apply for a Dependant's Pass using Form 28. Required documents include valid passports, relationship evidence (marriage or birth certificates), proof of sufficient income, and a sworn affidavit of dependency. The sponsor's work permit must have at least 6 months' validity remaining. The issuance fee is KES 10,000 per year with a KES 5,000 processing fee. Dependant's Pass holders cannot engage in employment or business activity.

Kenya taxes residents on worldwide income and non-residents on Kenya-sourced income only. Individuals present 183 or more days per year, or averaging 122 or more days per year over three years, or maintaining a permanent home in Kenya are considered tax resident. Progressive individual income tax rates range from 10% to 35%. A personal relief of KES 28,800 per annum is available to residents. Kenya has double taxation agreements with several countries providing foreign tax credits.

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). After 7 years of permanent residence, holders may apply for Kenyan citizenship. Permanent residence processing fee is KES 50,000 with issuance fees of KES 100,000-750,000 depending on category.

Links

• https://immigration.go.ke/class-g-specific-trade-business-or-consultancy/
• https://fns.immigration.go.ke/infopack/permits/classG/
• https://eprocedures.investkenya.go.ke/procedure/print/40/step/0?showRecourses=true&showCertification=false&l=en&embed=true&includeSearch=false

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