Kenya has introduced revised work permit classes and associated fees for foreigners according to the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration (Amendment) Regulations, 2024.
The regulations aim at modernizing and streamlining work permit processes to advance national interests, promote digital jobs, foster regional integration, and ensure fairer practices.
In a press statement dated Tuesday, December 17, Acting Interior Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi explained that the revisions aim to address concerns raised by various stakeholders and enhance Kenya’s attractiveness as a destination for foreign professionals and investors.
“This is part of efforts to elevate Kenya’s role as a diplomatic and multilateral center,” Mudavadi stated.
Key Changes
- Class P (International Organizations): This new permit category is designed for employees of international institutions such as the United Nations and diplomatic missions.
- Processing Fee: USD 200
- Annual Fee: USD 1,000
- Class N (Digital Nomads): This category caters to foreign professionals working remotely for overseas companies.
- Eligible professionals include ICT professionals, project managers, editors, graphic designers, online teachers/tutors, virtual assistants, programmers, app developers, customer service representatives, bloggers, video editors, software developers, writers, marketers, consultants, and freelance workers.
- Income Requirement: Reduced from USD 55,000 to USD 24,000 per annum.
- Processing Fee: USD 200
- Annual Fee: USD 1,000
- Class Q (Religious/Non-Profit Organizations): Professionals working for religious or non-profit organizations will be issued this permit.
- Processing Fee: Ksh20,000
- Annual Fee: Ksh 100,000
- Class R (East African Community Citizens): This consolidated category encompasses all East African citizens, including investors, professionals, skilled and unskilled employees, traders, farmers, and manufacturers.
- Processing Fee: None
- Annual Fee: None
“With these progressive reforms, Kenya continues to champion regional cooperation, economic opportunity, and global engagement, making it a hub where partnerships, talent, and investment can flourish,” Mudavadi said.
