Official fees
Processing (non-refundable): USD 200
Issuance: USD 1,000 / year
Validity
Issued for 1 or 2 years
Renewable if you still qualify
Who it fits
Remote employees, freelancers, foreign-company shareholders serving clients/employers outside Kenya
What is the Class N Digital Nomad Permit in Kenya?
Class N is issued to a foreign national who works remotely while physically in Kenya for a company registered outside Kenya, or who provides services as a self-employed person to clients located outside Kenya. The permit may be issued for one (1) or two (2) years and is renewable.
Important: Class N is designed for remote work tied to foreign income. If you intend to work for a Kenyan employer or run a Kenya-local income activity, you usually need a different status/class.
Eligibility: who qualifies for Class N?
- Remote employee under contract with a company registered outside Kenya.
- Shareholder / representative conducting business on behalf of a foreign company.
- Self-employed / freelancer serving clients located outside Kenya.
Kenya’s eFNS information pack frames eligibility around the remote-work relationship and supporting proof documents.
Class N permit Kenya requirements
These are the standard items listed in the official eFNS Class N information pack. Prepare clean PDFs and clear scans.
Forms & identity
- Online Form 25 (filled, signed; you print at the end of the application).
- Copy of valid passport.
- Two (2) passport photos (recent, color).
- Current immigration status if you’re applying while in Kenya.
Remote work proof
- Applicant cover letter addressed to the Director General of Immigration Services (nature of work, location, duration).
- Employer/company cover letter addressed to the Director General of Immigration Services.
- Bank statements/payslips (last 3 months) proving monthly income.
Residence proof & embassy
- Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or lease/rental agreement).
- Letter of no objection from the local embassy of your home country.
- Employer/company details: physical address, phone, email + contact person (name, job title, phone, email).
Tip: “Accommodation + income + employer letter + embassy no-objection” is where most weak applications wobble. Make them unusually clear.
Fees & payments (official)
- Processing fee (non-refundable): USD 200
- Issuance fee: USD 1,000 per year
Fees are displayed and invoiced inside the eFNS flow. Always rely on the portal invoice as the final payable amount.
Step-by-step: how to apply on eFNS (Form 25)
- Create Government of Kenya Single Sign-On (SSO), then access the eFNS portal.
- Select Apply Now → submit applications → permit issuance/renewal → choose Class N (Digital Nomad).
- Complete Form 25 online and upload the required documents.
- Invoice is generated (Dashboard → Payments) and you pay via available online methods.
- If online payment is not available, print the application and present it at Immigration HQ/regional office for payment and processing.
- Track progress via dashboard + email notifications.
The official eFNS guidance also stresses that incomplete applications are not accepted and the processing fee is non-refundable.
Timelines: how long Class N takes
The Immigration Service Delivery Charter lists work/residence permits at about 21 working days (and renewals about 10 working days) as service targets. Real-world timelines can stretch depending on queue load and document quality.
| Stage | What happens | Practical notes |
|---|---|---|
| Submission | Upload docs, submit Form 25, generate invoice | Clean PDFs + consistent names/passport numbers reduce delays |
| Review | Immigration checks eligibility & supporting evidence | Weak proof of remote work/income is the #1 slowdown |
| Approval → issuance payment | Pay issuance fee once approved | Keep proof of payment and download/print the permit |
| Endorsement (if required) | Present printout/passport for endorsement as directed | Plan for appointment availability |
After approval: issuance, printing & endorsement
- Pay the issuance fee as prompted on eFNS.
- Download/print your e-permit from the portal.
- Follow portal/office instructions on endorsement/appointments where applicable.
Immigration’s general guidance notes permits/passes are applied for online and printed from eFNS once issued, then presented to immigration for endorsement when required.
Common rejection causes (and how to fix them)
1) Employer letter is vague
Fix: letter should confirm remote role, salary/payment arrangement, and that the employer is registered outside Kenya + include full company contacts.
2) Income proof doesn’t “match the story”
Fix: bank statements/payslips should align with the employer letter (same employer name, consistent amounts, clear narration).
3) Accommodation proof is flimsy
Fix: use a dated booking confirmation or signed lease/rental agreement showing your name and stay period.
4) Missing embassy “no objection”
Fix: obtain the letter from your local embassy in Kenya before submission if it’s required for your case.
FAQs: Class N Digital Nomad Permit Kenya
What is Class N (Digital Nomad) in Kenya?
It’s a permit for foreigners working remotely while in Kenya for companies registered outside Kenya (or serving clients outside Kenya). It may be issued for 1–2 years and is renewable if you still qualify.
What are the official fees?
The eFNS Class N information pack lists USD 200 processing (non-refundable) and USD 1,000 issuance per year (payable on approval).
Do I apply on eFNS?
Yes. You create Government of Kenya Single Sign-On (SSO), access eFNS, complete Form 25, upload documents, and pay the generated invoice.
Do I need proof of accommodation?
Yes—proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or lease/rental agreement) is listed among the Class N requirements.
Can I include dependants?
Dependants are typically handled through the dependant pass framework. If your family needs to reside with you, plan dependants’ applications in parallel so timelines don’t collide.
Apply for Class N (Digital Nomad) in Kenya
Send: (1) passport bio page, (2) remote work proof (contract + employer letter), (3) 3 months bank statements/payslips, (4) accommodation proof, and (5) your nationality + current location (in Kenya / outside Kenya). We’ll confirm route, timeline, and a clean quote.
Phone: +254 723 281 732
Email: info@kazilegal.com
Office: Kose Heights, Argwings Kodhek Road, Kilimani, Nairobi
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