Class D work permit in Kenya.
A Class D Permit or a Work Permit in Kenya, also commonly referred to as a Work VISA is a permit issued to Foreign Nationals who wish to Work and reside in Kenya or seek specific employment in Kenya. Work Permits are also issued to Businesses and organizations wishing to employ foreign nationals to work and reside in Kenya.
The application of a Work permit is tedious and is specifically monitored to encourage Businesses and organizations to seek employees from qualified Kenyans locally in order to protect the local job market. However, strategically qualified foreign Nationals or Key Employees for Foreign Companies qualify to apply for a Work Permit in Kenya.
Kenya work permit application requirements.
To make an application for a Class D Work Permit in Kenya, you shall require the following.
- Certified Copies of academic qualification certificates and professional certificates of the applicant.
- Detailed resume of the applicant.
- Copy Registration certificate of the employing company or organization.
- Company PIN registration certificate of the company or organization.
- Documented evidence that the position to be filled cannot be filled by a Kenyan citizen.
- Tax compliance certificate of the employer company.
- Executed immigration application Form 25.
- Passport photo of the applicant.
- Copy of passport of the applicant.
- Cover Letter from the company or organization offering employment.
- Contact information of the applicant. Email, Phone number, postal address and residential address.
- Contact information of the employer. Email, Phone number, postal address and residential address.
- Employment contract from the employer to the applicant.
- Employment contract of the understudy.
- Resume of the understudy.
- Contact information of the understudy. Email, Phone number, postal address and residential address.
Who can apply for a work permit in Kenya.
Before you apply for a work permit in Kenya, it is important to ensure that you are eligible to make the application. The eligibility criteria varies depending on the type of work permit you are applying for, including
- You must have a valid Passport form your country of origin.
- You must have a Job or employment offer from a Kenyan employer.
- You must have relevant qualifications and experience for the proposed job / Employment offer.
- You must provide evidence the Job cannot be filled by a Kenyan citizens or supporting information.
To be able to live and work in Kenya, a foreign national who qualifies has to make an application for a work permit via the department of immigration in Kenya.
Work Permit procedure in Kenya.
After compilation of all the required information and documents, The application for a work permit is made to the Director of Immigration Services Kenya.
- There is an Non refundable application fee of KES 20,000.
- All the application requirements are uploaded into the immigration eFNS system for process.
- Once the application has been submitted and is successful an Approval certificate shall be issued containing the terms of the permit.
- A payment invoice shall also be generated with permit payment instructions.
Work permit issuance documents
The following documents will be reuqire for issuance you a work permit,
- Proof of permit payment bank reciept.
- Security Bond.
- Security Bond receipt
- Certificate of approval.
- The eWork permit is then issued.
Benefits of a Work Permit in Kenya.
Upon a successful application for a work VISA, you shall be issued with a two year Work Permit. Some of the benefits include
- The applicant is free to work like a local in Kenya.
- The applicant upon issuance of an alien certificate can apply for a PIN and be registered as a tax payer.
- The applicant may enter and exit Kenya without any VISA requirement or fees
- The applicant may purchase or invest in leasehold property in Kenya.
- The investor is free to open and operate bank accounts in Kenya.
What is the Cost of a Work Permit in Kenya.
The official cost of work permit in Kenya include the following,
- Application fee KES 20,000
- Permit Fee KES 500,000 per year. Paid max 2 years at a time.
- Security Bond worth KES 100,000. Cost of Bond varies with the Insurance company or Bank
- Consultation fee on request.
FAQs - Kenya Class D work permit application Frequently Asked Questions
The overall timeline for getting a work permit in Kenya, including document preparation, submission, and approval, typically takes 3 to 7 months. The exact time depends on the type of permit applied for, the completeness of your documents, and the workload at the Immigration Department.
Kenya offers different classes of work permits based on the nature of the job or business. Common types include:
- Class D Work Permit: Issued to individuals offered specific employment in Kenya.
- Class G Investor Permit: For investors in specific trade, business, or consultancy in Kenya.
- Class I Permit: For religious leaders, missionaries, or members of charitable organizations.
- Class K Ordinary Permit: For retirees who wish to settle in Kenya without seeking employment.
- Class M Permit: For refugees permitted to work in Kenya.
Each type of permit has specific requirements, so it is important to apply under the correct category..
To apply for a work permit in Kenya, you need to follow these steps:
- Determine the correct class of work permit: Kenya offers several types of work permits depending on the nature of the work, such as Class D for employment, Class G for investors, and others.
- Prepare the required documents: These may include a completed application form, passport-size photographs, a copy of the passport, cover letter and an employment contract (for employees).
- Submit the application. Applications are submitted to the Directorate of Immigration Services through Kenya’s electronic portal, eFNS (Electronic Foreign Nationals Services).
- Payment of application fees. Pay the required work permit fees and submit the application for processing.
- Wait for approval. Once the application is submitted, you will wait for processing and final approval by the Immigration Department.
- Once the permit is approved you are required to pay the Permit fees and your permit will be issued thereafter.
No, you are not allowed to work in Kenya while your work permit application is being processed. You must wait for the permit to be issued before commencing any employment or business activity.
To expedite Class D work permit application, you must ensure that all the required information and documents are complete and in order. You may Consult with Biz Brokers Kenya to help with your application. We provide a fast and reliable work permit application process.
Yes, work permits in Kenya can be renewed.
Renewal applications should be made before the current permit expires, and you must meet the necessary requirements similar to the initial application. Renewal periods and fees are are similar to a work permit application.
Yes, a Class D work permit pass be applied for online via the immigration eFns portal. We can assist you with this process process.