Why is Work Permit Needed?
In the last few years, Kenya has issued strict immigration laws for foreigners to obtain work permits and visas for working in the country. From submitting applications to limiting the number of hired foreign employees in favor of Kenyans, the native companies have to abide by the country’s policies. This can make it a more tedious process for people to start hiring a foreign team.
To legally work in Kenya, one must have an approved work permit in Kenya and a work visa. Therefore, the person must have an approved work permit and visa before entering the country for work.
About the Kenya Job Market
Number of Expats:
No data found.
Expats Job Websites:
Jobnetafrica, learn4good, Aetnainternational
Popular Industries for Expats:
Banking, Health Insurance, Travel Insurance, Teaching English
Types of Kenya Work Visa Available
Class A
This visa is issued to people willing to engage in prospecting for minerals or mining.
Class B
This work permit is issued to people who intend to invest in Agriculture or Animal Husbandry.
Class D
This is issued to people offered a specific role by a specific employer who is qualified to take that employment.
Class G
This work permit is issued to investors involved in a specific trade, business, or consultancy.
Class I
This work/residence permit is granted to a member of a missionary society. It is then approved by the Government of Kenya.
Class K
This residence permit is issued to a foreign national who has an assured income derived from multiple sources outside. The foreign national should also undertake to not accept paid employment of any other kind.
Class M
This work permit is issued to the Conventional Refugees.
Requirements for a Kenya Work Permit
- Required licenses and registrations.
- Renewed license held for prospecting minerals and must also submit a copy of the PIN.
- Sufficient capital and resources for investment.
- Proof of land ownership or the leasehold of the interest in land for the purpose.
- Evidence of the capital that is available for the purpose.
- A clearance from the authorized bodies.
- Renewals for a current license, which is held for prospecting minerals, and a copy of the PIN is required.
- Copies of the academic or professional certificates must be submitted along with the CV.
- Evidence that the organization was not able to fill the vacancy from the local labor.
- Form 25 should be duly filled, signed, and sealed by the respective company.
- A documentary proof of capital that is to be invested/ already invested with a minimum of 100,000 US dollars or maybe equivalent in any other currency.
- A registration certificate of the company or a certificate of incorporation.
- Copies of personal and company PIN (Personal Identification Number) if they are running the business.
- To renew the visa, one must submit audited accounts from the previous two years and a tax compliance certificate from the Kenya Revenue Authority.
Kenya Work Permit Application Process
- The amount of money invested and its impact on the economy of Kenya. This is determined by the auditor’s report and bank statement.
- The number of jobs created for Kenyans depends on the application letter submitted by the applicant’s agent.
- The applicant has more chances of getting approval if they come from a country with a more robust economy than Kenya and low criminal statistics.