Work VISA application in Kenya.
Quick Answer
What is the Class D Work Permit? A Class D Work Permit (Employment) allows a foreign national with a confirmed job offer from a Kenyan-registered employer to legally live and work in Kenya for the sponsoring employer and approved role. Applications are submitted via the eFNS portal and must include understudy/skills-transfer details unless formally exempted.
Overview — Why Class D matters (2026)
Kenya remains a regional hub for multinationals, creative industries, and specialised professional roles. The Class D permit is the standard route for employers to bring foreign professionals when the required skills are not available locally. Employers must demonstrate need and commit to skills transfer through a Kenyan understudy. This guide pulls together official eFNS requirements, costs, and step-by-step application best practice.
What is a Class D Work Permit?
The Class D permit is issued for employment. It is employer-specific, role-specific and typically valid for 1–2 years (renewable). The employer must generally show the position cannot be filled by a Kenyan national and supply an understudy plan for skills transfer.
Eligibility criteria
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity recommended)
- Confirmed job offer from a Kenyan-registered employer
- Relevant academic and professional qualifications
- Evidence role cannot be filled locally
- Compliance with Kenyan immigration & tax requirements
Application requirements (core checklist)
Submit clear, certified copies where indicated. Incomplete uploads are the most common cause of refusal/delay.
Applicant documents
- Passport biodata page (scanned)
- Two recent passport-size photos
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copies of academic & professional certificates
- Duly completed Immigration Form 25 (eFNS prints Form 25 at completion)
- Employment contract and cover letter from employer
Employer documents
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Company PIN certificate
- Valid Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC)
- Evidence that the role cannot be filled by a Kenyan (advertisements, recruitment attempts)
Understudy / Skills transfer (mandatory)
Most Class D applications require an understudy. Provide the understudy's CV, copies of academic certificates, Kenyan ID copy and a training plan. If not applicable, include a clear written justification and supporting business reasons.
Step-by-step: How to apply (eFNS)
- Compile documents — PDF scans, certified copies as required.
- Employer initiates application on the eFNS portal (fns.immigration.go.ke) and uploads documents.
- Pay the non-refundable application (processing) fee as indicated by eFNS.
- Immigration review — requests for clarifications or extra documents are common.
- Upon approval, eFNS issues an approval invoice; issuance fees and security bond are paid to complete issuance.
- Passport endorsement & alien card registration — final endorsement may require the applicant to present passport in Kenya for stamping/endorsement.
Note: eFNS is the authoritative system of record; always follow the eFNS-generated invoices and forms. (See official eFNS guidance.)
Post-approval & issuance requirements
- Pay issuance fee as invoiced by eFNS (pay within time allowed).
- Execute and submit the security bond (KES 100,000 typical) — either bank or insurance instrument.
- Present original passport for endorsement and complete alien card formalities if required.
- Comply with any conditions stated on the permit (employer-specific, role-specific).
How much does a Class D work permit cost in Kenya
The Directorate of Immigration publishes processing and issuance fees; all payments must be made through the eFNS portal and you must rely on the eFNS invoice as the final source of truth.
| Item | Amount | When paid |
|---|---|---|
| Application processing fee (non-refundable) | KES 20,000 | At application (eFNS payment) |
| Permit issuance fee (per year) | KES 500,000 | After approval (per eFNS invoice) |
| Security bond (typical) — supplier/bank/insurance | KES 100,000 (bond value) + bond issuance cost (bank/insurer fees) | Before permit issuance |
Important:Official eFNS class page lists KES 500,000 as the issuance fee. always use the eFNS invoice as authoritative for the exact fee charged to a particular application.
Source: Directorate of Immigration — eFNS Class D info & official permit checklist (see Class D info and the permit checklist (PDF)).
Special note — East African Community (EAC) nationals
East African Community nationals must still apply for Class D but issuance fees are often waived (gratis) on approval—confirm on eFNS and the official Directorate guidance for the particular case.
Benefits & Limitations
Benefits
- Legal right to work for the sponsoring employer
- Access to Kenyan tax registration (PIN), bank accounts and business services
- Permits are renewable subject to continued employment and compliance
Limitations
- Employer & role specific — changing employer usually requires a fresh application
- Understudy requirement and skills-transfer obligations
Practical application tips
- Prepare certified copies and clear scans before starting eFNS submission to avoid delays.
- Provide detailed understudy selection and a realistic training plan — this speeds approval.
- Keep tax & company documents up-to-date (TCC, PIN) — immigration checks tax compliance.
- If you see conflicting fee figures, trust the eFNS invoice for the case at hand.
Frequently Asked Questions – Class D Work Permit Kenya
What is a Class D Work Permit in Kenya?
A Class D Work Permit authorises a foreign national to legally live and work in Kenya for a specific employer and role after approval by the Department of Immigration Services.
Who qualifies for a Class D work permit?
Foreign nationals with a confirmed job offer from a Kenyan-registered company and relevant qualifications may qualify, provided the employer demonstrates the role cannot be filled locally.
How much does a Class D work permit cost in Kenya?
The official processing fee is KES 20,000 (non-refundable). Issuance fees typically range between KES 250,000 and KES 500,000 per year, as shown on the eFNS invoice.
Is the application fee refundable if the permit is declined?
No. The application processing fee is strictly non-refundable, regardless of the outcome.
How long does it take to process a Class D work permit?
Processing usually takes 4–8 weeks, depending on document completeness, understudy compliance, and immigration workload.
Can I start working before the permit is approved?
No. Working in Kenya before the Class D permit is approved and issued is illegal and may result in penalties or rejection.
Is an understudy mandatory for a Class D permit?
Yes. Most applications require a Kenyan understudy to support skills transfer unless immigration formally grants an exemption.
What documents are required for the understudy?
The understudy’s CV, academic certificates, Kenyan ID copy, and an employment or training arrangement must be submitted.
Can a Class D work permit be renewed?
Yes. Class D permits are renewable if the employment relationship continues and immigration requirements remain satisfied.
Can I change employers while on a Class D permit?
No. The permit is employer-specific. Changing employers requires a new Class D application.
Do East African Community (EAC) citizens need a Class D permit?
Yes. EAC nationals must apply, but issuance fees are often waived upon approval.
Where is a Class D work permit application submitted?
All applications are submitted online through the Kenya immigration eFNS portal.