Kenya Class K Retirement Permit
KENYA CLASS K RETIREMENT PERMIT - APPLICATION PROCESS & ELIGIBILITY GUIDE
The Kenya Class K Permit, commonly called the Retirement Permit, allows foreign nationals aged 35 and above to live in Kenya without engaging in employment, running a business, or earning income locally. It is designed for retirees who have a reliable and ongoing income from sources outside Kenya, such as pensions, savings, investments, or other passive earnings.
The permit is typically issued for one or two years, with the possibility of renewal as long as applicants continue to meet the financial and legal requirements set by the Kenya Directorate of Immigration Services (DIS).
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible for a Kenyan Retirement Permit, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Minimum Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 35 years old. While younger retirees can apply, approval chances increase significantly for those aged 45 and above.
Financial Independence: Applicants must demonstrate a stable annual income of at least USD 24,000 (net) from non-employment sources. Acceptable sources include pensions, dividends, rental income, or other passive earnings.
Police Clearance Certificate: Applicants must provide a certificate from their country of origin confirming a clean criminal record.
Valid Passport: The passport must have at least six months’ validity remaining at the time of application.
Property Ownership or Lease (Optional but Recommended): Having property in Kenya, either through ownership or a lease agreement, strengthens the application and shows commitment to long-term residency.
DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must submit the following documents, all in English or officially translated by a certified translator:
For Main Applicant:
Completed Form 25 from the eFNS portal
A cover letter to the Director of Immigration Services stating retirement status, nationality, intended duration of stay in Kenya, prior permits held (if any), and property ownership or lease details
Coloured Copy of national passport
One recent passport-size photograph on a white background
Proof of current immigration status if applying from within Kenya
Certified translations for any foreign-language documents
- Police Clearance certificate form home country
Proof of annual assured income (bank statements, pension letters, investment statements)
Copy of the eFNS Checklist
Copies of any previous permits or passes
For Dependants (spouse/children):
Completed Form 28 – Dependant Pass
Cover letter explaining the purpose of stay
Passport-size photograph
Valid passport or national ID
Proof of relationship to the main applicant (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)
Proof of financial support from the main applicant
Proof of dependency if applicable (medical conditions, disability, etc.)
Copy of Checklist from eFNS
COMPLETE APPLICATION PROCESS
1. Verify Eligibility
Before applying, ensure you meet the age, income, and retirement criteria, and obtain a police clearance certificate from your country of origin.
2. Prepare Documentation
All documents must be certified and translated into English where necessary. Make sure forms are fully completed and signed, matching the signature in your passport.
3. Submit Online via eFNS
Create an account on the eFNS portal
Upload all required documents
Pay the pre-submission government fee
Once submitted, the portal typically acknowledges receipt within five working days
Note: Applications with missing or incorrect documents may be rejected, requiring a resubmission. Occasionally, minor corrections can be allowed as instructed via the portal.
4. 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
5. After Approval
Once approved:
Pay the government fee via the eFNS portal
Download and print the ePermit document
Visit Nyayo House, Nairobi for passport endorsement (usually 5–10 working days)
6. Arrival in Kenya
If not already in Kenya:
Travel using an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Present the printed ePermit and passport for final endorsement
KENYA'S CLASS K PERMIT FEES & COST
Fees and Costs
Government Processing Fee (Pre-submission): 20,050 KES
Government Fee (Per Year After Approval): 250,050 KES
Security Bond: 7,500–10,000 KES through approved local insurers (e.g., Kenya Alliance, Jubilee Insurance)
In some cases, applicants with sufficient income may receive a three-year permit, which reduces the frequency of renewals but requires a higher government fee
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
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Class K Permit encourages financially independent retirees to enjoy long-term residency in Kenya without entering the local job market.
Owning or leasing property strengthens your application and may demonstrate commitment to residing in Kenya.
Dependants can accompany the main applicant if all legal and financial requirements are met.
The permit is renewable as long as financial stability and compliance with Kenyan immigration laws are maintained.
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.
