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Key Takeaways
Kenya’s Class D Work Permit is the main employer-sponsored permit for hiring foreign professionals.
It’s tied to a specific employer and role, requiring justification that local talent isn’t readily available.
Employers must sponsor the application and provide company and role documentation.
Applications are submitted online and reviewed by Kenya’s immigration authorities.
Ongoing compliance—renewals, reporting changes, and record-keeping—is essential to avoid fines or permit cancellation.
What is the Class D Work Permit, and Who is it For?
The Class D Work Permit is Kenya’s main employment-based work permit for foreign nationals hired by a Kenyan-registered company. It allows non-Kenyan professionals to legally live and work in Kenya in a specific role, for a specific employer, for a defined period – typically one to two years, renewable.
For employers, the Class D permit is the standard route for hiring international talent into Kenya when the role requires skills or experience that are not readily available in the local labour market. It’s commonly used for senior management, technical specialists, engineers, ICT professionals, and sector-specific experts. The process is employer-led and overseen by the Department of Immigration Services. When handled correctly, the Class D Work Permit enables compliant hiring while supporting Kenya’s local workforce protection and skills-transfer objectives.
Basic Eligibility Requirements for the Class D Work Permit
The Class D Work Permit applies to foreign nationals who have a confirmed job offer from a Kenyan employer. The permit is role- and employer-specific and is issued only where immigration authorities are satisfied that the position cannot be easily filled by a qualified Kenyan citizen. Employers must justify the hire and, in many cases, demonstrate a commitment to skills transfer.
Employee Requirements
- A confirmed job offer from a Kenyan-registered employer
- Relevant qualifications and professional experience for the role
- Agreement to work only for the sponsoring employer in the approved position
- A valid passport with sufficient remaining validity
- Compliance with general immigration and character requirements
Required Documents for Employees
- Valid passport
- CV/resume and proof of professional experience
- Academic and professional certificates
- Signed employment contract or appointment letter
- Passport-style photographs
- Police clearance certificate (where required)
Required Documents for Employers
- Company registration and incorporation documents
- Tax compliance certificates
- Employment contract outlining role, salary, and duration
- Justification letter explaining the need for a foreign hire
- Organisation chart and skills-transfer plan (if requested)
Step-by-Step Process for Sponsoring a Class D Work Permit in Kenya
- The employer defines the role and confirms it meets Class D eligibility requirements.
- The employer gathers company documents and prepares a justification for hiring a foreign national.
- The employee submits the Class D Work Permit application online via Kenya’s eFNS immigration portal.
- Immigration authorities review the application and may request additional information.
- Once approved, the permit issuance fee is paid.
- The employee receives the Class D Work Permit and can legally begin work in Kenya.
Costs & Fees Employers Are Responsible For to Sponsor a Class D Work Permit
Kenya publishes standard government fees for work permits, but employers should also budget for administrative and compliance-related costs.
Government Fees & Who Pays What
- Class D Work Permit fee: Typically paid annually or for the permit duration.
- Processing/application fee: Paid at submission.
- Renewal fees: Apply when extending the permit.
Employer Costs vs. Employee Costs
Costs Born By the Employer
- Work permit application and renewal fees
- Internal HR and compliance resources
- Optional immigration or legal advisor fees
- Relocation or onboarding support (if offered)
Costs Born by the Employee
- Personal document preparation and certification costs
Costs Covered by Both
- Post-approval registration and onboarding steps
Renewal/Extension Fee
Class D Work Permits are usually issued for one to two years and can be renewed if employment continues. Employers should begin renewals early to avoid work authorisation gaps.
Employer Responsibilities to Ensure Compliance
Kenya’s immigration framework places ongoing obligations on sponsoring employers:
- Ensure the employee works only in the approved role and for the sponsoring employer.
- Maintain compliant employment terms, including salary and benefits.
- Report termination or significant role changes to immigration authorities.
- Track permit expiry dates and manage renewals on time.
- Keep accurate employment and immigration records.
- Understand penalties for non-compliance, including fines or permit cancellation.
Hire Global Talent Your Way with Playroll
Borders shouldn’t slow your hiring plans. Playroll gives you two flexible ways to hire globally. If relocation to Kenya is required, our visa sponsorship services support you through the Class D Work Permit process – from application to compliance.
If relocation isn’t required, Playroll’s Employer of Record solution lets you hire talent in their home country. We handle employment, payroll, taxes, benefits, and compliance so you can onboard quickly without setting up a local entity. Wherever your next hire is based, we make global employment simple.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Milani Notshe
Milani is a seasoned research and content specialist at Playroll, a leading Employer Of Record (EOR) provider. Backed by a strong background in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, she specializes in identifying emerging compliance and global HR trends to keep employers up to date on the global employment landscape.
Class D Work Permit FAQs
Can employers sponsor workers on the Class D Work Permit?
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Yes. Kenyan employers can sponsor foreign nationals for a Class D Work Permit by submitting a complete application, justifying the need for a foreign hire, and issuing a compliant employment contract.
What compliance checks or reporting are required from employers?
Employers must ensure the employee works only in the approved role, track permit validity, report termination or major role changes, and maintain accurate employment and immigration records.
What happens if the permit is denied or delayed?
If a Class D Work Permit application is delayed, the employee’s start date may need to be postponed. If denied, the individual cannot legally work in Kenya under that route, and employers may need to reassess the hiring plan.
Can I hire the worker as a contractor instead of an employee?
Usually no. If the individual is working in Kenya under your direction, a Class D Work Permit tied to an employment relationship is generally required. Misclassification can lead to immigration and labour-law penalties. For more details, see our Misclassification Guide.
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