Kenya offers 20 visa and residency pathways for foreign nationals. This page compares all available routes side by side with current requirements.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Visa Programme | Min. Income | Savings | Processing | Difficulty | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class G Permit (Investor) | N/A | €92,000 | 120-180d | 6.0/10 | Yes |
| Class A Work Permit (Mining) | N/A | N/A | 40-60d | 5.5/10 | Yes |
| Class B Work Permit (Agriculture) | N/A | N/A | 40-60d | 5.5/10 | Yes |
| Class C Work Permit (Professional) | N/A | N/A | 40-60d | 5.5/10 | Yes |
| Class D Work Permit (Employment) | N/A | N/A | 40-60d | 5.5/10 | Yes |
| Class F Work Permit (Manufacturing) | N/A | N/A | 40-60d | 5.5/10 | Yes |
| Class G Investor Work Permit | N/A | €92,000 | 20-30d | 7.5/10 | Yes |
| Class I Work Permit (Religious/Charitable) | N/A | N/A | 40-60d | 5.5/10 | Yes |
| Class K Residence Permit (Ordinary Resident) | €1,833/mo | €7,692 | 40-60d | 5.5/10 | Yes |
| Class M Work Permit (Refugee) | N/A | N/A | 40-60d | 5.5/10 | Yes |
| Class N Digital Nomad Permit | €1,833/mo | N/A | 40-60d | 5.0/10 | No |
| Dependent Pass | N/A | N/A | 40-60d | 5.5/10 | Yes |
| Class D — Formal Employment (Skilled Worker) | N/A | N/A | 15-30d | 4.2/10 | Yes |
| Class G — Business / Self-Employment | €9,231/mo | €1,923 | 15-30d | 6.0/10 | Yes |
| Class C — Prescribed Professions (Specialist) | N/A | N/A | 15-30d | 4.7/10 | Yes |
| Class F — Manufacturing | N/A | N/A | 15-30d | 4.2/10 | Yes |
| Class K — Retiree | €9,231/mo | €7,692 | 15-30d | 6.2/10 | Yes |
| Class A/B — Mining/Agriculture (Investor) | N/A | €92,000 | 15-30d | 5.7/10 | Yes |
| Digital Nomad (via Class D or G) | €9,231/mo | N/A | 15-30d | 5.2/10 | Yes |
| Seasonal / Short-Term Work Permit | N/A | N/A | 10-20d | 4.5/10 | No |
Get Your Kenya Deep Dive Report
Detailed visa pathways, cost analysis, and a step-by-step relocation plan for Kenya.
Get Deep Dive — €19Frequently Asked Questions
How many visa pathways does Kenya offer?
Kenya offers 20 distinct visa and residency pathways for foreign nationals, including skilled worker, family, investor, and other categories.
What is the easiest visa to get for Kenya?
The easiest pathway depends on your profile. Working holiday visas (if available) have the lowest barriers. For professionals, employer-sponsored visas are the most common route.
How long does it take to get permanent residency in Kenya?
The path to permanent residency in Kenya typically takes 2-5 years depending on the visa category. Some skilled worker pathways offer faster PR routes.
Can I bring my family to Kenya?
Most long-term visa categories in Kenya allow family reunification for spouses and dependent children, though specific requirements vary by pathway.
Do I need a job offer to move to Kenya?
Not all pathways require a job offer. Kenya may offer self-employment, investment, digital nomad, or points-based pathways that don't require employer sponsorship.
Related: Kenya Guide · Cost of Living · All Countries