1. Main Visa and Work Permit Types

These are the principal categories covered in this guide. They do not represent an exhaustive list of all Kenyan visa and work permit categories.

1.1 Short-Term Tourism and Business Visits

Unless an exemption applies, visitors generally need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation.

An eTA is an entry authorisation, not a work permit.

The traveller’s permitted period of stay is determined by the approval granted at entry. The validity period of the electronic authorisation should not automatically be interpreted as the period the traveller is permitted to remain in Kenya.

An individual who plans to accept local employment or perform activities requiring work authorisation must separately obtain a Class D Employment Permit or an applicable Special Pass.

Whether an activity qualifies as a business visit should be determined according to the work actually performed. Employers should not rely solely on the name of the trip or the location from which the visitor is paid.

Activities such as equipment installation, repairs, training, and on-site customer services should be carefully assessed to determine whether a work permit or a specific exemption is required.

1.2 Class D Employment Permit

A Class D Employment Permit applies to a foreign national employed by a specific Kenyan employer who possesses skills or qualifications that are not readily available in the local labour market.

An application will generally need to satisfy the following conditions:

1. The Kenyan employer is legally registered.
2. The employer complies with Kenya Revenue Authority tax requirements.
3. The employer can explain why a suitably qualified Kenyan citizen cannot be hired for the position.
4. The employer designates a Kenyan understudy.
5. The applicant possesses education and professional experience that correspond to the position.
6. The applicant has received a genuine offer of employment.

A Class D Employment Permit is linked to a specific employer and position. It cannot automatically be used to work for another employer or in a different role.

Class D permits are issued according to the circumstances of each approved case. They are commonly granted for one or two years, but the actual validity period is determined by the issued permit.

For renewal, the employer and applicant must continue to satisfy the position requirements, employer eligibility conditions, and local talent-development obligations.

The employee should obtain the appropriate new work authorisation before changing employers or positions.

When employment ends, the employee should promptly address the original work permit and establish a new lawful basis for residence where applicable. The original permit cannot be transferred to a new employer.

1.3 Special Pass

A Special Pass applies to temporary business, trade, or professional activities lasting no more than six months.

It may also be available as a limited transitional arrangement for eligible applicants waiting for another permit or pass to be processed.

An application will generally need to demonstrate:

1. A genuine and clearly defined short-term business, trade, professional, or work-related activity
2. A genuine receiving organisation in Kenya
3. Education and professional experience corresponding to the specific assignment
4. Any required professional qualifications

An applicant who plans to use a Special Pass to perform temporary work while a long-term permit is being processed should have an appropriate underlying long-term application.

However, submitting a long-term permit application does not itself grant employment rights under a Special Pass.

A Special Pass is valid for the approved number of months and the specific assignment. Its maximum duration is six months, and it does not automatically convert into long-term employment status.

If the assignment, employer, or occupation changes, the applicant should apply for the appropriate new authorisation.

An individual whose long-term permit has not yet been approved must not continue working after the Special Pass expires.

2. Entry, Dependants, and Other Arrangements

2.1 Entry and Stay

The applicant’s entry authorisation, work permit, and residence documents should correspond to the activities actually performed in Kenya. The validity periods of the relevant documents should also remain properly aligned.

A pending application, employment contract, or invitation letter does not by itself prove that the applicant has been authorised to enter, reside, or work in Kenya.

2.2 Dependants of Class D Permit Holders

Eligible family members of a Class D Employment Permit holder may apply for dependant passes when the applicable conditions are satisfied.

Dependant status does not automatically grant the right to work.

A family member who plans to accept employment in Kenya must obtain the appropriate work permit.

2.3 Dependants of Special Pass Holders

A Special Pass is a short-term immigration authorisation and does not generally provide a stable pathway for accompanying dependants.

The entry, stay, and employment rights of family members should be determined according to the independent authorisation obtained by each family member.

Dependants, students, transit passengers, and individuals holding other personal immigration statuses must separately satisfy the applicable requirements. The principal applicant’s permit cannot be used directly as a family member’s entry or employment document.

3. Renewals, Changes, Termination, and Status Maintenance

When the employer, position, work location, employment contract, or assignment arrangement changes, the applicable notification, amendment, or new application requirements should be reviewed according to the authorisation held by the applicant.

Amending an employment contract alone is not sufficient if the employee’s immigration status also needs to be updated.

If a statutory job-search period or another transitional arrangement is available, its application should be assessed according to the individual approval and the applicant’s remaining authorised period of stay.

4. How sailglobal Can Help

If your company plans to send personnel to Kenya for business visits, local employment, temporary professional assignments, or arrangements involving accompanying family members, sailglobal can help you understand the applicable pathways and application requirements.

The assessment can consider the applicant’s immigration status, job responsibilities, employer or receiving organisation, and proposed travel arrangements.

Visa, work permit, and residence applications are independently reviewed by the relevant authorities. sailglobal cannot guarantee an approval outcome or a fixed issuance date.