Kenya
Corporate Guide

What are the requirements for obtaining a work permit in Kenya?

Each class of permits has varying requirements, but the following are the general requirements:

• Duly completed and signed Form 25.
• A detailed and signed cover letter from the employer / organisation, addressed to the Director of Immigration Services.
• Copies of valid national passport (bio page).
• A passport-size-coloured photo (soft).
• Current immigration status if in the country.
• Copy of any previous permit(s) and or pass(es) held (if any).
• Duly certified copies of academic and professional certificates.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Name of the Kenyan understudy (a Kenyan Citizen to work under their direct supervision and be trained by the foreigner).
• Certified copies of academic / professional certificates and full contracts of the Kenyan understudy. 
• Curriculum vitae for the Kenyan understudy.
• Full contact address, email, and cell phone, of the Kenyan understudy.
• Clearance letter from relevant institutions (if applicable). 
• Certificate of company / organisation registration.
• Valid organisation tax compliance certificate for new cases, and both the organisation’s and the individual’s tax compliance certificates for renewals cases from the KRA. 
• The non-refundable processing fee (KES 20,500).
• Duly completed and signed Report on Employment (Form 27), usually applicable for Class D permits.

The employer usually submits the work permit application on behalf of the expatriate who may engage an immigration expert to assist with the preparation and submission of the application with the immigration department.