Kenyan Special Pass
KENYA SHORT-TERM WORK PERMIT APPLICATION COMPLETE GUIDE (SPECIAL PASS) -2026
A Kenyan Special Pass is a short-term immigration authorisation issued to foreign nationals who need to enter and remain in Kenya for temporary work, business, trade, consultancy, or professional assignments for a period not exceeding six (6) months. It is commonly used by individuals who must begin a short assignment quickly, or who need to start working while a long-term work permit is still being processed.
This guide explains who needs it, validity rules, requirements, costs, processing time, and how to apply—in a simple, practical format.
WHAT IS A SPECIAL PASS IN KENYA?
A Special Pass allows a foreign national to legally carry out short-term professional or commercial activities in Kenya for 1–3 months initially, with a possible renewal up to a total of 6 months.
It’s ideal for:
Short projects and assignments (technical work, training, consulting, installations)
Foreign professionals brought in for a limited engagement
Applicants awaiting a long-term Kenya work permit decision but required to start work immediately
Important: A Special Pass is not the same as a long-term Kenya Work Permit. It is temporary and strictly time-limited.
WHO IS ELIGIBAL FOR THE KENYAN SPECIAL PASS?
You may qualify if you are a foreign national who:
Has a contract/engagement or assignment with a Kenyan company/organisation
Needs to work or conduct professional duties in Kenya for a limited period (up to 6 months)
Is awaiting outcome of a long-term work permit but must begin work urgently
In practice, Immigration may assess whether your role requires foreign expertise—especially where local skills could reasonably cover the position.
KENYAN SPECIAL PASS DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS
Special Pass applications are submitted online through the eFNS portal and must include documents from both the Applicant and the Kenyan sponsoring organisation.
A. Applicant Documents:
Prepare the following:
Copy of valid national passport (bio-data page)
Current immigration status (if already in Kenya—visa page/entry stamp, etc.)
Recent passport-size colour photo (clear, professional)
Certified copies of academic and professional certificates
Curriculum Vitae (CV) (in English)
Copies of previous permits/passes held (if any)
Receipt/acknowledgement for pending work permit processing (if applicable)
B. Sponsoring Company / Organisation Documents:
Form 32 (Application Form 32) duly filled, signed, and stamped by the organisation
Detailed cover letter addressed to the Director General of Immigration Services
Certificate of Incorporation / Registration certificate
Clearance letter(s) from relevant regulatory bodies (where applicable)
Translation Requirement (Mandatory)
If any documents are in a foreign language, they must be translated into English by:
The Embassy, or
A Public Notary, or
An authorised/recognised institution.
KENYAN SPECIAL PASS FEES
Non–East Africans
USD 200 per month upon approval
(Usually billed in blocks based on the validity issued.)
East African Community (EAC) Member States
Gratis (no government fee)
Common fee blocks used on approval:
1 month: USD 201
2 months: USD 401
3 months: USD 601
(These same rates generally apply for renewals.)
KENYA'S CLASS G PERMIT FEES & COST
Government Processing Fee: KES 20,050 (paid before submission)
Government Permit Fee: KES 250,050 per year (paid after approval)
Security Bond: KES 7,500 – 10,000 (covers 1–2 years)
Alien ID Fee: KES 10,050 (mandatory after permit endorsement)
All payments must be made through the eFNS portal, and proof of payment should be retained for submission.
PROCESSING TIME
Document Preparation: up to 72 hours
Permit Approval: 1–3 months
Alien ID Issuance: 6–8 weeks after endorsement
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
