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Kenya Work Permits & Visas: Employer Guide to Types & Sponsorship

Looking to sponsor an international hire in Kenya? This guide breaks down what employers need to know — from visa types to employer obligations and timelines. Whether you're hiring locally or relocating international talent, we've got you covered.

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Capital City

Nairobi

Currency

Kenyan Shilling

(

KSh

)

Timezone

EAT

(

GMT +3

)

Payroll

Monthly

Employment Cost

8.40%

Milani Notshe

Research Specialist

Last Updated

July 11, 2025

In This Guide

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Sponsoring a Visa in Kenya: What Employers Need to Know

Are you an employer looking to sponsor international talent in Kenya? Navigating Kenya’s visa and work permit process can be complex — especially without a local legal entity or dedicated HR team.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about employer-sponsored work visas in Kenya, including processing times, documentation, and local compliance rules. Whether relocating a team member or hiring locally, Playroll simplifies visa sponsorship through an end-to-end employer of record platform.

Key Takeaways

Employers must be registered with the Department of Immigration Services to sponsor foreign workers.

Work permits generally take 2–4 months to process.

Common work permits include the Class A Work Permit (for business owners) and the Class D Work Permit (for employees), with fees starting from $100.

Independent contractors follow a separate process and typically do not require employer sponsorship.

Work permits are location-specific, and employees may need approval for job changes or moves.

Who Needs a Work Permit in Kenya

In Kenya, any foreign national who plans to work must obtain a work permit. Employers must secure work permits for foreign employees before they commence work. This requirement applies to both short-term assignments and long-term employment. Certain professionals, such as consultants, expatriates, and skilled workers in specialized industries, must also obtain the appropriate permits.

Failure to secure the correct work permit can lead to penalties or deportation, making it essential for employers to comply with local regulations.

Types of Work Visas in Kenya

Kenya offers several types of work visas depending on the nature and duration of employment. Employers should choose the correct visa type based on the employee's job role and duration of stay.

Visa Type	Description
Class A Work Permit	For individuals employed in mining, prospecting, and related industries.
Class D Work Permit	For foreign nationals in specific employment or consultancy roles, typically requiring professional qualifications.
Class I Work Permit	For religious or charitable workers associated with approved organizations.
Class G Investor Permit	For investors planning to start or expand businesses in Kenya.

Common Hiring Scenarios for Kenya

When hiring talent in Kenya, employers typically choose one of three pathways depending on the role, duration, & legal requirements. Below are the most common models.

Use Case 1: Sponsoring a Foreign Employee via Work Permit or Visa

This is the most common route for companies hiring full-time foreign talent in Kenya. To sponsor this visa, an employer (or Playroll as the Employer of Record) must have a registered legal entity in-country and issue a compliant offer of employment.

Key Employer Considerations:

Sponsorship is required — contractors or freelancers cannot apply under this visa.
Employees must remain in the approved work location unless authorized to relocate or change employers.
Processing timelines vary (approximately 2–4 months), depending on the consulate or embassy.

This is best for: Long-term roles with in-office or hybrid presence in Kenya.

Use Case 2: Hiring a Foreign Contractor in Kenya

Independent professionals in Kenya can legally work with international clients without employer sponsorship, but must comply with local tax registration and reporting laws.

With Playroll’s Contractor Management solution, you can:

Draft fully compliant local contractor agreements.
Automate contractor invoicing and cross-border payments, in Kyrgyzstani Som (KGS) or USD.
Mitigate risk of permanent establishment and contractor misclassification.

This is best for: Freelancers, consultants or project-based roles, especially if the worker already lives in Kenya.

Use Case 3: Relocating an Existing Employee to Kenya

Transferring an existing team member to Kenya? You’ll still need to navigate the same visa and payroll setup process. Even if the employee works for you elsewhere, a local employer of record is required to stay compliant.

EOR’s, like Playroll, handle all local steps, including:

Work permit sponsorship and immigration paperwork,
Registration with local authorities and payroll systems,
Enrollment in mandatory benefits and statutory schemes.

This is best for: Internal transfers or remote-first companies looking to expand into Asia, or talent retention offerings for global mobility programs.

Not Sure What to Pay in Kenya? Compare fair, local salaries with our free benchmarking tool.

Requirements For a Work Permit in Kenya

Employers must ensure that foreign employees meet specific eligibility criteria when applying for a work permit in Kenya. These requirements help the Kenyan government regulate foreign employment.

Valid Passport: A copy of the employee’s passport with at least six months' validity.
Employment Contract: A signed employment contract detailing the role, salary, and employment terms.
Company Registration Documents: Proof that the employer is a legally registered entity in Kenya.
Job Description: A detailed job description outlining the role and the need for a foreign employee.
Educational Qualifications: Copies of relevant degrees, certifications, or professional qualifications.

Kenya Work Permit Application Process

Step 1: Submit the completed work permit application form to the Department of Immigration Services.
Step 2: Provide all required supporting documents, including the employment contract and proof of qualifications.
Step 3: Pay the required application fees.
Step 4: Await review and approval from the immigration department.
Step 5: Receive the work permit and ensure the employee carries a copy at all times.

Process for Visa Sponsorship in Kenya

Visa sponsorship in Kenya involves an employer supporting a foreign employee's work permit application. The employer must provide detailed information about the company, job role, and why a foreign national is needed. The employer must also commit to ensuring the employee abides by all Kenyan labor regulations.

What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in Kenya

Fees for work permits in Kenya vary depending on the type of permit.

Visa Type	Application Fee
Class A Work Permit	$1,000
Class D Work Permit	$2,000
Class G Investor Permit	$3,500

Note: The above fees reflect government fees for work permits and visas in Kenya, and is not associated with Playroll's fees for visa support services. Please contact our team for detailed information on our visa support services.

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Processing Time for a Work Permit Or Visa in Kenya

The processing time for work permits in Kenya typically ranges from 2 to 4 months. The timeline may vary based on the complexity of the application and the type of permit.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Kenya

Work permits in Kenya are generally valid for 1 to 2 years and can be renewed upon application before expiration. Employers should initiate the renewal process at least three months before the permit expires.

Visa Requirements For Digital Nomads in Kenya

Kenya currently does not have a specific digital nomad visa. Digital nomads can enter on tourist visas or business visas for short stays.

Valid Passport: With at least six months' validity.
Proof of Funds: Bank statements showing sufficient funds.

Common Challenges and Tips for Employers Hiring in Kenya

Bureaucracy: Lengthy application processes.
Bureaucracy: Lengthy application processes and complex documentation can delay hiring timelines. Employers should plan ahead and ensure all documents are accurate and complete.
Compliance Issues: Staying compliant with local labor laws is essential. Employers should stay updated on Kenyan immigration policies and work with legal professionals to avoid violations.
Quota Restrictions: Certain industries have restrictions on the number of foreign workers allowed. Ensure that your business meets quota limits before hiring foreign talent.
Renewal Delays: Renewal applications can take time. Start the renewal process early to avoid work interruptions for your employees.

Hire Global employees without hassle with an EOR solution

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be a logistical nightmare to hire and pay employees in different countries. That’s the advantage of using a trusted Employer of Record like Playroll. They can:

Handle your international payroll: An EOR will act as your payroll provider, paying your employees on your behalf in the local currency. The company will also have in-depth knowledge of local tax codes, regulatory practices, and everything else that goes into managing global payroll.
Alleviate compliance concerns: Different countries each have their own federal and local laws governing employee payments. An EOR helps ensure that you are compliant with the unique set of laws for any country in which your company operates. This is extremely important since a compliance slip-up can result in heavy fines or even a lawsuit.
Hire and pay international contractors: Sometimes a particular project or role doesn’t require hiring a full-time employee. An EOR gives employers the flexibility to also hire contractors as needed, and avoid the potential for misclassification under local labor law.

Disclaimer

THIS CONTENT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE. You should always consult with and rely on your own legal and/or tax advisor(s). Playroll does not provide legal or tax advice. The information is general and not tailored to a specific company or workforce and does not reflect Playroll’s product delivery in any given jurisdiction. Playroll makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this information and shall have no liability arising out of or in connection with it, including any loss caused by use of, or reliance on, the information.

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.

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FAQs about Work Permits & Visas in Kenya

Can Playroll sponsor a visa in Kenya?

Yes, Playroll can sponsor work visas in Kenya. As the legal employer, we manage the full visa process with local authorities — from documentation to approvals — ensuring your hire is compliant and ready to work. Whether you're relocating a team member or hiring in Kenya, our experts will guide you step by step.

Want to get started? book a demo and we’ll walk you through the process.

What is the difference between a work permit and a work visa in Kenya?

A work permit is a document that allows a foreign national to work in Kenya legally. A work visa, on the other hand, grants entry into the country for employment purposes. Typically, a work permit must be obtained before applying for a work visa.

How long does it take to process a work permit or visa in Kenya?

The processing time for a work permit in Kenya usually takes 2 to 4 months. The timeline may vary depending on the type of permit and the complexity of the application.

What are the requirements for sponsoring a work permit or visa in Kenya?

Employers must provide a valid employment contract, proof of company registration, a detailed job description, the employee’s passport, and evidence of the employee’s qualifications.

>What types of work permits and visas are available in Kenya?

Kenya offers various types of permits, including the Class A Work Permit for mining, Class D for employment roles, Class I for religious workers, and Class G for investors.