From requiring application submissions online and through the mail to limiting the number of international hires, companies have to follow the country’s policies to ensure compliance.
If you are planning an expansion to Kenya, here are a few considerations to ensure a smooth transition for your global team members.
Types of work visas in Kenya
Kenya organizes its work permits into different classes based on what activities an international worker will undertake in the country. The categories include:
- Class A: For anyone entering the prospecting and mining industries.
- Class B: For individuals interested in agriculture or animal husbandry.
- Class C: For anyone who is a member of a prescribed profession who will practice it alone or in a partnership in Kenya.
- Class D: For people offered specific employment with an employer, the Kenyan government, any authority under the Kenyan government, the United Nations (U.N.), or another approved agency. Anyone applying for a class D Kenya work permit must have skills and qualifications not available in the country.
- Class F: For people who want to engage in specific manufacturing activities.
- Class G: For anyone who wants to enter a certain trade, business, consultancy role, or profession.
- Class I: For individuals undertaking religious or charitable activities.
- Class K: For ordinary residents at least 35 years old with an annual income of a certain amount from sources other than employment.
- Class M: For anyone granted refugee status in the country.
Keep in mind that all work permits are typically valid for 2 years with the option to renew. Employees can renew their work permits an unlimited number of times, but they must do it at least 3 months before the permit expires.
Requirements to obtain Kenya work visas
Employers are required to apply for work permits on behalf of employees. Each type of Kenya work permit has its own specific documentation, but they all require the following:
- Filled out and signed application form
- Cover letter from the employer
- Copies of the international worker’s passport
- 2 color, passport-size photos
- Payment of the application fee
Kenya emphasizes hiring locals over nationals from other countries, which is why a committee decides whether to approve or reject a work permit application based on the impact the employment will have on the country’s economy. They also look at how many jobs it will create for Kenyans and check details about the applicant’s country of origin, such as its economy, criminal statistics, and security threats.
Work permit applicants do not have to reach a minimum salary level, but every applicant must have a Kenyan understudy trained to take the position. Keep in mind, though, that the work permit categories employees apply for can change without notice, which will also modify the requirements.
Application process
The first step to obtaining a work permit is applying at the Department of Immigration and submitting all the required documentation above. The department then presents the application to a committee for approval, which can take from 2 to 6 months. Once a decision has been made, the applying company will receive a notification of either approval, deferral or rejection. The work permit application may be deferred or rejected if the application does not meet the set criteria.
Any international worker planning to stay in Kenya for more than 3 months must register and get a Foreign Nationals Certificate (Alien Card) from the Department of Immigration. The Alien Card functions similarly to a residence permit. Keep in mind that a residence permit itself can take 2 to 4 months for approval.
Other important considerations
Kenya’s Citizenship and Immigration Act makes it illegal for any international worker to enter or work in the country without a valid work permit. Companies must wait for the application to be approved, as simply applying doesn’t entitle someone to work in Kenya.
Discover how G-P can help you manage your global teams.
At G-P, we’re committed to breaking down barriers to global business, enabling opportunity for everyone, everywhere, and helping companies tap into the fullest potential of their workforce. We help you maintain full compliance with local laws and ensure everything from hiring and onboarding to paying your employees is quick and easy, regardless of where they are in the world.
Find out more about how our global employment platform can help you grow your team across the globe.
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At this moment, G-P does not offer support processing work visas or permits in this particular location.
For any other inquiries about our global employment platform, contact us today.