Kenya: Class D — Formal Employment (Skilled Worker) 2026

Kenya Class D: no fixed salary threshold. Employer-sponsored for skilled positions not available locally.

Best For

Mid-career professionals with a job offer and relevant qualifications

Not Ideal For

Freelancers without employer sponsorship or those without recognised qualifications

At a Glance

Visa Type
Skilled Worker Visa
Region
Africa
Visa Duration
2 years
Processing Time
1 months
Min Income (annual)
Min Investment
Application Fee
€270
Path to PR / Citizenship
PR · 10y to citizenship
Difficulty
4.2/10 — Challenging

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility Requirements
RequirementDetails
Age Range18+
Education RequiredBachelors
Job Offer RequiredYes
Sponsor RequiredYes
Remote Income AllowedNo
Family Accompaniment AllowedYes
Language RequirementEnglish (B2)

Application Process

  1. 1
    Confirm eligibility
    Verify you meet the age, education, and financial requirements above. Use our free eligibility quiz to score your fit against Kenya's Class D — Formal Employment (Skilled Worker).
  2. 2
    Gather documents
    Passport, recent photos, criminal record check, proof of accommodation, financial statements, health insurance, and any sponsor or employer letter.
  3. 3
    Submit application
    File the application with the relevant Kenya immigration authority — usually online or at the consulate in your home country.
  4. 4
    Pay fees & attend appointment
    Pay the application fee (€270). Some applicants are required to attend a biometrics or interview appointment.
  5. 5
    Wait for decision
    Typical processing: 1 months. Decision is communicated by email or via the official portal.

Cost & Financial Requirements

Financial Requirements
ItemAmount
Minimum Annual Salary
Minimum Monthly Income
Minimum Investment
Application Fee€270

Family & Long-term Rights

Family & Rights
RightDetails
Family AllowedYes
RenewableYes
Path to PRYes
Path to CitizenshipYes
Years to Citizenship10
Dual Citizenship AllowedYes
Spouse Work RightsYes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Class D — Formal Employment (Skilled Worker)?

Kenya Class D: no fixed salary threshold. Employer-sponsored for skilled positions not available locally.

Who is the Class D — Formal Employment (Skilled Worker) best for?

Mid-career professionals with a job offer and relevant qualifications

How long does the Class D — Formal Employment (Skilled Worker) take to process?

Processing typically takes 1 months. Times may vary based on nationality, completeness of documentation, and current processing volumes.

What does the Class D — Formal Employment (Skilled Worker) cost?

The application fee is €270. Total relocation cost depends on living costs, insurance, and document attestation.

Does the Class D — Formal Employment (Skilled Worker) lead to permanent residency?

Yes — this pathway has a path to PR.

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Official source: https://immigration.go.ke

Last verified: 2026-04-09

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