Core Service Pathways

1. Long-Term Work and Residence Permits

Work permits are divided into specialized classifications based on the nature of the applicant's activity. The most frequent pathways accessed via the Consulate include:

• Class D (Employment Permit): Issued to foreign professionals offered specific employment by a corporate entity or institution registered in Kenya. It requires proof that the specialized skill set is not available locally in the Kenyan labor market.
• Class G (Investor / Business Permit): Issued to entrepreneurs intending to establish a new business or join an existing partnership in Kenya. It requires a verified minimum capital investment threshold of $100,000 USD alongside standard corporate registrations.
• Class K (Ordinary Residents / Independent Income): For financially independent individuals or retirees who derive a sustainable guaranteed offshore income or pension (minimum equivalent of approx. $24,000 USD per year) and will not seek local employment.

2. Short-Term Passes

• Special Pass (Form 32): For short-term professional consultants, technical engineers, or trainers executing urgent, temporary assignments or equipment installations. It is valid for up to 3 months (renewable once for a maximum cumulative period of 6 months) at a processing fee of $200 USD per month.
• Dependant’s Pass (Class M): A family reunification pass issued to the legally recognized spouse and dependent children (under 21) of a principal holder of a valid Class D or Class G permit. Note: A Dependant’s Pass does not authorize the holder to work in Kenya.
• Student / Internship / Research Pass: Issued to foreign nationals accepted into recognized Kenyan educational institutions, academic research programs, or corporate internships.

Mandatory Requirements

Applicants must ensure all documents are scanned in high-resolution .pdf or .jpeg formats for the portal upload. Documents not issued in English must be accompanied by an official, notarized English translation.

• Valid Travel Document: Passport with a minimum validity of six (6) months at the time of entry.
• Background Check: A certified Police Clearance Certificate (Certificate of Good Conduct) from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for applicants residing in the Philippines.
• Corporate Credentials: (For Class D & G) Certificate of Incorporation, current Shareholding Register (CR12), company Tax Compliance Certificate, and an official corporate cover letter.
• Academic Proofs: Certified copies of relevant university degrees, professional licensing, and a detailed Curriculum Vitae.

Step-by-Step Portal & Diplomatic Guide

Register an eFNS Account:

• Navigate to the Government of Kenya single sign-on platform or directly access the eFNS portal. Create a secure personal profile using your active email address.

Select Category and Upload Documents

• Select the specific permit class or pass relevant to your travel purpose. Fill out the digitized questionnaire and upload your compiled background clearances, corporate registries, and credentials.

Settle the Non-Refundable Processing Fee

• Generate the eCitizen payment invoice. Settle the initial non-refundable processing fee (typically KSh 20,000 or $200 USD depending on the category) using the integrated card or electronic gateway.

Await Vetting and Approval Notification

• The application will be systematically routed to the Immigration Committee in Nairobi for security vetting and eligibility validation. Processing timelines typically range from 4 to 8 weeks for long-term permits.

Pay Issuance Fee and Endorse Status

• Upon receiving an official approval notification via your portal dashboard, pay the specified annual statutory issuance fee. Present or courier your physical passport to the Consulate or designated Immigration headquarters to receive your official QR-coded permit endorsement.