Kenya

Class K Ordinary Residents Permit

Kenya's Class K Ordinary Residents Permit, also known as the Retirement Permit, allows foreign nationals to reside in the country without engaging in employment, business, or any income-generating activity. It is designed for retirees, pensioners, and persons of independent means aged 35 and above who have an assured annual passive income of at least USD 24,000. The permit is established under the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, 2011 and administered by the Directorate of Immigration Services at Nyayo House, Nairobi.

• Foreign national aged 35 years or older
• Assured annual passive income of at least USD 24,000 from sources such as pensions, annuities, investments, or rental income
• Income must not be derived from employment, occupation, trade, business, or profession
• Income must be in the applicant's own right and at their full and free disposition
• Must not engage in any form of employment or income-generating activity in Kenya

• Completed Form 25 (signed, online via eFNS portal)
• Cover letter addressed to the Director General of Immigration Services
• Valid passport copies (biodata page)
• Two recent passport-sized colour photographs
• Documentary proof of annual income of at least USD 24,000 (bank statements, pension statements, annuity contracts, investment portfolio statements, rental income documentation)
• Current immigration status documentation (if already in Kenya)
• Organisation and individual Tax Compliance Certificates from KRA
• Previous permits or passes held (if any)
• Application checklist from eFNS portal

Applicants create an account on the Government of Kenya Single Sign-On portal, then access the eFNS portal and select Class K: Ordinary Residents. Form 25 is completed online with all required documents uploaded. An invoice for the KES 20,000 processing fee is generated, payable online or at Nyayo House. Upon approval, a further invoice for the KES 250,000 annual issuance fee is generated. Once paid, the permit is printed from the portal and must be endorsed at an immigration office.

Processing time: 4-12 weeks, some cases up to 6 months.

Fees: KES 20,000 processing (non-refundable) + KES 250,000/year issuance + KES 5,000/year alien card. EAC nationals are exempt from permit fees.

The permit is issued for 1 to 3 years depending on demonstrated financial stability. Renewal requires submitting updated proof of income, a valid Tax Compliance Certificate, and a current passport before the permit expires. Renewal fees are the same as the initial application. Those applying from abroad must enter Kenya within 90 days of approval to activate the permit.

Spouse and children (typically under 21, or older if dependent due to disability or full-time education) may apply for a Dependant's Pass using Form 28. Required documents include the principal permit holder's valid permit, certified marriage or birth certificates, proof of sufficient income to support all dependants, and a sworn affidavit of dependency. The issuance fee is KES 10,000 per year with a KES 5,000 processing fee. The dependant's pass is valid for the same duration as the principal permit.

Holders residing in Kenya for 183 or more days in a year become tax resident and are subject to tax on worldwide income, including foreign pension income under the Income Tax Act. Kenya has double taxation agreements with 15 countries that may provide relief. A Tax Compliance Certificate from the Kenya Revenue Authority is required for permit renewal. Tax residents must register for a KRA PIN and file annual returns.

The Class K permit strictly prohibits any form of employment or income-generating activity in Kenya. Holders who wish to take up employment or start a business must first obtain a separate appropriate permit. Investing in passive opportunities such as stocks, property, or other non-engaging investments is generally permitted, as these do not constitute engaging in a trade, business, or profession.

After 7 years of lawful residence on a valid permit, holders may apply for permanent residence under Category B (Lawful Residents), provided they have been continuously resident for the 3 years immediately preceding the application and can demonstrate contribution to Kenya's socio-economic development.

Links

• https://immigration.go.ke/class-k-ordinary-residents/
• https://fns.immigration.go.ke/infopack/permits/classK/
• https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/act/2011/12/eng@2022-12-31

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