Kenya

Digital Nomad Work Permit (Class N)

Kenya's Digital Nomad Work Permit (Class N / KEP/N) allows foreign nationals who work remotely for companies or clients outside Kenya to reside legally in the country. Introduced in October 2024 and made available for online applications in early 2025, it is Kenya's first dedicated visa category for remote workers. The permit targets remote employees, freelancers, and self-employed professionals including IT professionals, project managers, designers, developers, marketers, and consultants.

• Foreign national not classified as a prohibited immigrant under Kenyan law
• Work remotely under an employment contract with a foreign company, as a shareholder/representative of a foreign company, or as a freelancer serving foreign clients
• Minimum annual income of USD 24,000 from sources outside Kenya
• Health insurance covering the duration of stay in Kenya
• Clean criminal record certificate from country of habitual residence
• No specific educational or professional qualifications required

• Completed Form 25 (online via eFNS portal)
• Two recent coloured passport photographs
• Valid passport copies (minimum 6 months validity)
• Documentation of current immigration status
• Detailed cover letter from applicant to the Director General of Immigration Services
• Employer cover letter addressed to the Director General
• Three months of bank statements or payslips demonstrating income
• Proof of accommodation in Kenya (hotel reservation, lease, or rental contract)
• Letter of no objection from applicant's home country embassy in Kenya
• Company details with contact information
• Clean criminal record certificate
• Completed application checklist

Applicants create an account on the Government of Kenya Single Sign-On portal, then access the eFNS portal. Applications are submitted online with all supporting documents. Upon submission, an invoice is generated for the USD 200 non-refundable processing fee. Applications are reviewed by the Permit Determination Committee, and decisions must be issued within 14 days of the Committee's recommendation. Upon approval, the USD 1,000 annual issuance fee must be paid within 30 days.

Processing time: 6-10 weeks, depending on application completeness.

Fees: USD 200 processing fee (non-refundable) + USD 1,000/year issuance fee.

Declined applications may be reviewed by the Cabinet Secretary within 90 days and further appealed to the High Court.

Holders must not accept any form of employment (paid or unpaid) or engage in income-generating activities for an employer or company domiciled in Kenya. All work must be for foreign-based entities.

Kenya taxes resident individuals on worldwide income. Individuals present in Kenya for 183 days or more in a year are considered tax residents, with rates ranging from 10% to 35%. Double taxation agreements may provide relief. Digital nomad permit holders who become tax resident must register for a KRA PIN and file annual returns.

Spouse and children may apply for a Dependant's Pass. Requirements include: completed Form 28, passport copies, certified relationship documents, proof of sufficient income, and a sworn affidavit of dependency if applicable. Dependant's Pass holders are prohibited from education, training, or any form of employment without additional permits.

The Class N permit does not directly lead to permanent residency or citizenship. It is a work permit category, not a residence category leading to settlement.

Links

• https://fns.immigration.go.ke/infopack/permits/classN/
• https://fns.immigration.go.ke

Other Digital Nomad Visas in Africa