Kenya Class D - Employment Permit
KENYA CLASS D EMPLOYMENT PERMIT - APPLICATION PROCESS & ELIGIBILITY
The Class D Work Permit is a long-term employment permit issued to foreign nationals with a confirmed job offer from a registered Kenyan employer. It targets professionals whose specialized skills or qualifications are not readily available in Kenya, ensuring their employment benefits the country’s economy.
WHAT IS A KENYAN CLASS D WORK PERMIT?
A Class D Employment Permit allows foreign professionals to live and work legally in Kenya for an initial period of one to two years. The permit can be renewed if the employee’s skills remain essential to the role.
Important note: This permit is different from the Kenyan Special Pass, which is designed for short-term or temporary assignments.
Key benefits include:
Legal authorization to work in Kenya
Ability to bring dependants under Dependant Passes
Recognition of your professional skills by the Kenyan government
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Valid job offer: You must have a confirmed employment contract from a registered Kenyan company or organization.
Unique skills: Your qualifications and experience should be specialized and not easily found in Kenya.
Kenyan understudy: A local employee must be assigned for knowledge transfer purposes.
Regulatory compliance: Both the employer and employee must meet all immigration, tax, and professional standards.
At Greentod Visas & Travel Solutions, we make sure all eligibility criteria are met correctly, improving your chances of a successful application.
DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS
We guide applicants in preparing all the necessary documents to avoid delays or rejections.
Applicant’s Documents:
Form 25: Work Permit Application Form, completed and signed.
Cover letter: From the employer, explaining why hiring a foreign professional is necessary.
Passport copy: Bio-data page.
Photographs: Recent passport-size colored photos.
Proof of current status: If you are already in Kenya.
CV and certificates: Academic and professional credentials that demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Translations: Any documents in a foreign language must be certified in English.
Employer’s Documents:
Certificate of registration: Proof that the company is legally registered in Kenya.
Tax compliance certificates: Issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) for both the company and the employee (for renewals).
Evidence of local recruitment efforts: Demonstrates that the role could not be filled by a Kenyan candidate.
Clearance letters: From relevant professional or regulatory bodies.
Kenyan Understudy Documents:
Personal details: Full name, ID, and contact information.
CV and qualifications: Certified copies of academic and professional certificates.
Employment agreement: Confirming the understudy role.
Additional Forms:
Form 27: Report on Employment, required to show compliance with employment regulations.
KENYA CLASS D PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS
Confirm eligibility: Our team reviews your job offer, qualifications, and employer details.
Prepare documents: We ensure all forms, translations, and CVs are accurate and complete.
Submit online via eFNS: Applications are filed through the Foreign Nationals Services portal.
Immigration processing: Usually takes 1–3 months, depending on completeness and case complexity.
Approval and payment: After approval, the issuance fee is paid and the security bond is submitted.
Permit issuance and passport endorsement: You must visit Immigration (Nyayo House) for final endorsement.
Post-approval compliance: Register for Alien ID, KRA PIN, NSSF, and SHA/NHIF, all required for foreign workers in Kenys.
KENYA'S CLASS D PERMIT FEES & COST
Applicants are required to pay government fees through the eFNS portal:
Processing fee: KES 20,000 (non-refundable), covering initial review.
Issuance fee: KES 500,000 per year, payable after approval.
Security bond: Around KES 7,500–10,000, obtained through approved insurers.
Alien ID (Foreigner Certificate): KES 10,000, required after approval.
Citizens of East African Community (EAC) countries may qualify for certain fee exemptions.
PROCESSING TIME
The typical approval period is 1–3 months, depending on internal verification and applicant-specific factors
All submissions are handled online unless the Immigration Office requests physical copies
CONTACT GREENTOD VISA SOLUTIONS TODAY FOR ASSISTANCE WITH YOUR PERMIT APPLICATION IN KENYA
Greentod Visa Solutions assists applicants through the entire permit or visa application process – from initial registration and document preparation to submission and post-approval compliance. Our team ensures that your application is accurate, complete, and increases the likelihood of a smooth and timely approval
Disclaimer
Greentod Visas & Travel Solutions is a Kenyan-based visas and Immigration consultancy dedicated to supporting clients through every step of their visa application & Immigration journey. While we work independently and are not affiliated with any embassy, our role is to provide guidance, document support, and application assistance. Visa issuance is solely at the discretion of the relevant embassy or immigration authority, and we do not guarantee approval or denial of any application.
