Kenya · long-stay visa routes and official sources
5 routes tracked · last reviewed · every route links to its official government source
Long-term visa difficulty for Kenya: Medium (48/100, lower is easier). Most practical route: Remote / work permit route.
Common questions
What is the most practical long-term visa route to Kenya?
Based on our July 2026 review, the most practical route is usually: Remote / work permit route. Overall difficulty is rated "Medium" (48/100, lower is easier).
Can I move to Kenya without a local job offer?
Yes — 2 of the 5 tracked routes do not require a local employer: Student pass; Digital nomad work permit. Each has its own income, funds, or admission requirements.
Requires employer and role proof; best with a local offer.
Typical timeline / duration: 3-8 months
Have a specific employment offer from a specific Kenyan employer and a role requiring skills or qualifications that are not available locally, with the engagement benefiting Kenya.
Provide the employer cover letter, passport biodata page, current immigration status if in Kenya, recent photograph, certified academic and professional certificates, and CV.
Provide the Kenyan understudy details and supporting documents, employer registration and tax-compliance evidence, and evidence of the local recruitment process or relevant institutional clearance where requested.
Submit the Class D application online through the eFNS portal and do not begin Kenyan employment until the required permit is issued.
Be accepted or admitted by an approved Kenyan education or training institution for the proposed course, research, or internship.
Submit the Student or Research or Internship Pass application through eFNS, with the institution's signed Form 30 and cover letter stating the course and duration.
Provide a valid passport, current immigration status if in Kenya, recent photographs, academic certificates where relevant, and the sponsor commitment letter and sponsor passport or proof of funds required by the checklist.
Keep the pass tied to the approved institution and programme; do not take employment unless a separate permission allows it.
For foreign-income remote workers wanting a Kenya base.
Typical timeline / duration: 1-4 months
Work remotely from Kenya for an employer or company based outside Kenya, or work as a freelancer remotely for a company based outside Kenya.
Hold a valid passport and provide proof of the remote-work arrangement, accommodation in Kenya, and a clean criminal record from the country of habitual residence.
Show assured annual income of at least USD 55,000 from sources outside Kenya under the 2024 Class N regulation.
Undertake not to accept paid or unpaid employment or other income-generating activity in Kenya for an employer or company domiciled in Kenya.
Use Permit Class G and include USD 100,000 capital requirement.
Typical timeline / duration: Permit; fees and renewal requirements apply.
Issued to a person intending to engage in a specific trade, business, consultancy or profession in Kenya, with required licences/permissions, sufficient capital/resources, and benefit to Kenya.
Checklist includes Form 25, cover letter, passport, photos, status, company incorporation, MOU/articles, CR12, PIN certificate, tax compliance and proof of offshore transaction.
A longer-stay route based on its specific eligibility requirements.
Typical timeline / duration: Permit duration/renewal per immigration authority.
Class K permit is for a person not less than 35 years old with assured annual income from sources outside Kenya remitted to Kenya, or from pension/annuity, and not from employment/occupation/trade/business in Kenya.
Requirements include Form 25, cover letter, passport copies, photos, current immigration status and documentary proof of income.
Visa rules change frequently. Figures and requirements above were reviewed on the dates shown; always confirm against the linked official source before applying.