Explore Visa Options for Foreign Workers, NGOs, and Missionaries
Kenya is East Africa鈥檚 most influential hub for business, commerce, and tourism. English is the second working language (the first is Kiswahili) in this multicultural, multilingual country, and there are abundant opportunities in multiple fields. Plus, the country is beautiful, and the animals are amazing. No wonder so many expats want to move to Kenya. However, as with all destinations, you need a visa to work in Kenya. These are some of the most common Kenya visa options, along with practical tips for applying for one.
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Who Needs a Visa for Kenya?
Nearly every nationality needs a visa to work, live, and travel in Kenya. However, people from Tanzania and Uganda do not need a visa in order to enter Kenya for a short-term stay. They can obtain a visitor鈥檚 pass at the airport immigration counters.
Most tourists can obtain a visa upon arrival in Kenya. However, the government is slowly moving towards a system in which the visa-on-arrival system. All non-tourist foreigners must have an appropriate work or business visa.
Applying for a Kenyan Visa
When applying for a visa, your passport must have at least 2 blank pages for the visa to be affixed. Your passport must also be valid for at least 6 months beyond the validity of your chosen visa.
In addition to your passport, you鈥檒l also need the following:
- The official visa application form.
- At least two recent passport-sized photographs.
- A copy of the flight itinerary or similar proof of travel.
- Additional paperwork as needed. Examples include a copy of your marriage certificate or an invitation from your future employer.
- Method of payment for the visa fees.
Business Visa Options
Those going to Kenya for non-tourist activities require a business visa or a work/residence visa. Business visas are valid for 90 days, with a possible 90-day extension.
This visa is best for an expat spending a short time in Kenya. You cannot work with a Business visa.
However, it does allow you to attend conferences, workshops, seminars, or discussions. As with all visas, applications will require supporting documentation, such as a letter of invitation from a local business.
Work and Residence Visas in Kenya
Work/residence visas are intended for people who need to spend more than six months in Kenya and want to work, live, or volunteer.
Employers or charitable partners usually spearhead efforts to submit these applications on behalf of their employees and partners. However, you can apply on your own.
Typically, would-be expats apply for their work/residence visa before arriving in Kenya. Processing time can take up to three months, which is an extra motivation to start the process early.
These visas are typically valid for one to two years, with the option to renew. There are several different types of work/residence visas depending on the kind of work you will do.
Visas are organized by 鈥渃lass鈥�, which ranges from 鈥淎鈥� to 鈥淢鈥�. These are some of the most common categories.
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Class C Visas
Class C visas are for 鈥減rescribed professions鈥�. The government defines this as lawyers, engineers, accountants, architects, and medical professionals, among others.
If your profession requires you to register with a regulatory body or institution, you probably require a Class C visa.
Class D Visas
Class D visas are often referred to as employment permits. They鈥檙e used for specific job offers with specific employers.
This also includes expats coming to Kenya on intra-company transfers and humanitarian workers with an approved NGO. The hope is that this visa will attract expats with skills that are in short supply in the local job market.
Expats with a firm job offer outside the Class C prescribed professions will need their employer to submit the paperwork for a Class D visa.
Alternatively, your employer can provide a written contract, and you can apply directly with copies of your resume and other qualifications.
Class G Visas
The Class G visa permits specific types of consulting, including for entrepreneurs looking to invest or launch a new company.
Class I Visas
The Class I visa (formerly Class E visa) is reserved for foreign missionaries wanting to work in Kenya.
Post-Arrival Procedures
Obtaining a visa is just one part of the process. Once you arrive in Kenya, you still have to register with the Immigration Department or with the local police.
You must do so within three months. This rule applies to all foreign adults who plan on staying in the country for more than 90 days.
In addition to visiting the appropriate authorities, you must also present your valid travel documents and identification, two recent passport-sized photos, and a registration fee. Your fingerprints will be taken during this visit.
Resident Permits for Kenya
Not everyone visiting Kenya requires a business or work permit. There are many categories of residency permits for people who don鈥檛 fit any of the work visa classifications. Some of the most common ones include:
Class K Visas
Sometimes called the 鈥渙rdinary residents鈥� visa, applicants for a Class K visa are anything but ordinary. This is a visa category reserved for highly wealthy applicants with an independent annual income.
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Spouses of Kenyan Citizens
If you鈥檝e been married to a Kenyan citizen for at least three years, this is the visa for you.
Permanent Residence for Work Permit Holders
If you鈥檝e lived in Kenya for at least three continuous years and have held work visas for at least seven, applying for permanent residency may be your best move for the future.
How to Choose the Right Visa for Kenya
Moving to Kenya is a big step, and naturally, you鈥檒l want the right visa or permit for your specific situation. If you aren鈥檛 sure, visit or call your nearest Kenyan embassy or high commission.
They will be able to explain things in detail and provide helpful local information, such as which photographer they prefer.
There are many third-party visa processing agencies that profess to expedite your application process and make it as painless as possible.
Unfortunately, it鈥檚 not always easy to tell legitimate agencies from scam artists. Your nearest embassy can tell you if there鈥檚 a preferred agency they recommend.
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Vanessa Chiasson is an award-winning Canadian travel writer with over ten years of experience. Her work has appeared in major publications, and she draws on living in France, Ireland, England, and Malawi to bring global insight to her stories.
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