Quick summary: The Class G investor permit is for foreign nationals engaging in a specific trade, business or consultancy in Kenya. You typically need proof of at least USD 100,000 available for investment, plus company documents (including CR12), and the prescribed immigration forms.

Official fees (common): Processing KES 20,000 (non-refundable) and issuance KES 250,000 per year upon approval.

What is a Class G investor permit in Kenya?

A Class G permit is issued to a person who intends to engage (alone or in partnership) in a specific trade, business, consultancy or profession (other than a prescribed profession) in Kenya, and who has the necessary licences and sufficient capital/resources for the business.

Who qualifies for Class G?

  • You have a real business activity in Kenya (trade/business/consultancy) and the required licences/registrations.
  • You can show documentary proof of capital to invest (commonly at least USD 100,000).
  • Your business is structured properly (company documents and ownership records are consistent and verifiable).

Class G investor permit requirements (2026 checklist)

These are the commonly requested documents for a strong Class G submission (new applications):

  • Form 25 (completed online and printed at the end of the application)
  • Cover letter addressed to the Director of Immigration Services (signed; usually 2 copies)
  • Valid passport copy + passport photos
  • Current immigration status if the applicant is already in Kenya
  • Form 27 (Report on Employment) where applicable
  • Proof of capital to be invested: at least USD 100,000 (documentary proof)
  • Bank statement verification form (for new cases, where requested)
  • Proof of offshore transaction receipt/slip (where applicable)
  • Company documents: Certificate of Incorporation, Articles/Constitution documents
  • CR12 (shareholding/directorship evidence)
  • Company PIN certificate + relevant tax compliance certificates
  • Translations into English for any foreign-language documents (certified)
Practical tip: Most delays come from weak USD 100,000 evidence (unclear ownership/source) or mismatched company ownership records (CR12 vs. what’s stated in the application).

How to apply for a Class G permit on eFNS (step-by-step)

  1. Create a Government of Kenya Single Sign-On account.
  2. Log into the eFNS portal and select Submit Applications → Permit Issuance/Renewal.
  3. Complete the online form (Form 25 workflow), upload documents, and confirm details.
  4. An invoice is generated; pay via the eFNS dashboard payment options (or print and present for assisted processing where applicable).
  5. Track progress via your dashboard and email notifications.

Class G permit fees & costs in Kenya

Common official charges:

  • Processing fee: KES 20,000 (non-refundable)
  • Issuance fee (upon approval): KES 250,000 per year

Budget extras may include document certification/notarisation, translations, professional filing support, and case-specific compliance items (for example, a security bond depending on your profile and immigration instructions).

Processing time (what to expect)

Timelines vary. In practice, plan for 4–8+ weeks depending on document verification, completeness, and review workload. You can shorten timelines by submitting a clean package the first time (no mismatched names, dates, company records, or unclear capital proof).

Renewal requirements (what changes?)

Renewals commonly require additional evidence that the business is operating and compliant, such as:

  • Current audited accounts (where applicable)
  • List of Kenyans employed (where applicable)
  • Updated tax compliance certificates (organization + individual where required)
  • Valid company documents and updated CR12 if ownership changed

Common reasons for delay/refusal

IssueHow to fix
Weak/unclear USD 100,000 proofProvide bank evidence showing control/availability + verification where requested, and keep documents consistent across the file.
CR12 ownership mismatchAlign CR12, shareholding statements, company filings, and your cover letter narrative.
Missing Form 27 / cover letter formatUse the standard structure and sign properly; address the correct office.
Foreign-language documentsProvide certified English translations (embassy/notary/recognized institution).

FAQs: Class G investor permit Kenya

Is Class G the same as an investor permit in Kenya?

In practice, many people use “investor permit” to refer to Class G because it covers business/trade/consultancy with capital proof requirements.

Do I need a Kenyan company first?

Most Class G applications rely on a Kenyan entity and supporting company documents (including CR12). The exact structure depends on your investment model.

Can I include dependants?

Once your status is regularized, dependants may qualify through dependent pass processes (handled separately).

Can I work while waiting?

Do not engage in business/employment activities without the appropriate permit/pass—this is treated as an offence under immigration compliance rules.

Need help with your Class G application?

We support end-to-end: document review, cover letter drafting, eFNS filing, CR12 alignment, capital proof packaging, and compliance guidance.

Call: +254 700 176 096  |  Email: info@bieastafrica.com