Visa Requirements for Kenya 2026 — All Visa Types
Not legal advice. This content is for educational and decision-support purposes only. It is not legal or immigration advice. Always verify requirements with the relevant official authority before making decisions.
Beyond tourist visas: every pathway to live and work in Kenya
20
Visa Types
1mo
Fastest Processing
€92,000
Lowest Investment
All Visa Types for Kenya
| Visa Programme | Who It's For | Key Requirement | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class N Digital Nomad Permit | Remote workers | €1,833/mo income | 3mo |
| Dependent Pass | Family members | Employment offer | 3mo |
| Class M Work Permit (Refugee) | Various applicants | Employment offer | 3mo |
| Class G Investor Work Permit | Various applicants | €92,000 investment | 2mo |
| Class K Residence Permit (Ordinary Resident) | Retirees | €1,833/mo income | 3mo |
| Class B Work Permit (Agriculture) | Employed professionals | €1,633/mo income | 3mo |
| Class A Work Permit (Mining) | Employed professionals | €1,633/mo income | 3mo |
| Class F Work Permit (Manufacturing) | Employed professionals | €1,633/mo income | 3mo |
| Class I Work Permit (Religious/Charitable) | Employed professionals | €1,633/mo income | 3mo |
| Class C Work Permit (Professional) | Employed professionals | €3,871/mo income | 3mo |
| Class D Work Permit (Employment) | Employed professionals | €3,871/mo income | 3mo |
| Class G Permit (Investor) | Business founders | €7,667/mo income | 4mo |
| Class D — Formal Employment (Skilled Worker) | Employed professionals | Bachelor'S Degree degree | 1mo |
| Class G — Business / Self-Employment | Freelancers | €9,231/mo income | 1mo |
| Class C — Prescribed Professions (Specialist) | Employed professionals | Master'S Degree degree | 1mo |
| Class F — Manufacturing | Employed professionals | Employment offer | 1mo |
| Class K — Retiree | Retirees | €9,231/mo income | 1mo |
| Class A/B — Mining/Agriculture (Investor) | Various applicants | €92,000 investment | 1mo |
| Digital Nomad (via Class D or G) | Remote workers | €9,231/mo income | 1mo |
| Seasonal / Short-Term Work Permit | Various applicants | Employment offer | 1mo |
Why whereTOemigrate? Most visa sites show tourist visa requirements. We cover the visas that let you stay — work permits, investor visas, digital nomad visas, family reunion, and retirement pathways. Our database covers 20 verified programmes for Kenya alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many visa types does Kenya offer for immigration?
Kenya offers 20 distinct visa programmes for long-term immigration, including work visas, investment pathways, and family reunion options. This goes far beyond the standard tourist visa that most websites cover. Each programme has different eligibility criteria, processing times, and requirements.
Does Kenya have a digital nomad visa?
Yes, Kenya offers a digital nomad or remote worker visa programme. This allows remote workers employed by foreign companies to live in Kenya while working remotely. Requirements typically include proof of remote employment or freelance income, health insurance, and a minimum monthly income threshold.
How long does it take to get permanent residency or citizenship in Kenya?
The fastest pathway to citizenship in Kenya takes approximately 1 year. Permanent residency can often be obtained sooner. The timeline depends on your visa type, continuous residence, language proficiency, and integration requirements. Some investment programmes may offer accelerated pathways.
Which Kenya visas do you qualify for?
Take our free assessment — we'll match your profile against all 20 programmes.
Check Your Eligibility →Visa requirements for other countries
Find Which Visa Routes Match Your Profile
Our free 3-minute assessment compares your background, savings, and goals against 2,500+ visa programmes across 190+ countries. Get a personalized Eligible / Almost verdict on the routes you actually qualify for.
Get Your Free Verdict