Class G Work and Investment Permit in Kenya: Requirements, Process & Costs (2026 Guide)

A Comprehensive Legal Guide for Foreign Investors – WKA Advocates

Kenya has established itself as one of Africa’s fastest-growing investment destinations. With a strategic location, strong regional trade links, and a diversified economy, the country continues to attract foreign investors across sectors such as energy, technology, infrastructure, manufacturing, agribusiness, and professional services.

However, foreign nationals who wish to actively run or manage a business in Kenya must obtain the appropriate immigration authorization.

This guide explains Class G Work and Investment Permits in Kenya, including the legal requirements, eligibility criteria, documents, costs, application process, and compliance obligations.

At WKA Advocates, we assist foreign investors with business immigration, company registration, regulatory compliance, and work permit applications in Kenya.

What Is a Class G Work and Investment Permit in Kenya?

A Class G Work Permit, commonly known as the Investor Permit, is issued to foreign nationals who intend to engage in business, trade, consultancy, or professional activities in Kenya.

The permit is issued under the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act and administered by the Directorate of Immigration Services.

A Class G Work and Investment Permit in Kenya allows a foreign investor to:

Establish a new business in Kenya

Invest in an existing Kenyan company

Operate as a sole proprietor

Participate in a business partnership

Provide professional or consultancy services

The permit grants both work authorization and legal residence, tied to the specific approved business activity.

Who Needs a Class G Work Permit in Kenya?

A Class G Investor Permit is required for foreign nationals who:

Own shares in a Kenyan company and actively manage the business

Operate an independent business in Kenya

Provide consultancy or professional services locally

Generate income in Kenya through business activities

Passive investors who do not participate in daily operations may not require a Class G permit but must ensure compliance with Kenyan immigration regulations.

Eligibility Requirements for a Class G Work and Investment Permit in Kenya

To qualify for a Class G Investor Permit in Kenya, applicants must meet several legal and financial requirements.

1. Minimum Capital Investment

Applicants must demonstrate a minimum capital investment of USD 100,000 in the Kenyan business.

The investment may include:

Share capital contributions

Cash investment

Machinery or equipment

Commercial assets

Working capital

Immigration authorities require verifiable financial documentation, including:

Bank statements

Asset valuation reports

Share allotment records

At WKA Advocates, we assist investors in structuring their capital investment to comply with both Kenyan corporate law and immigration requirements.

2. Registered Kenyan Business Entity

The business must be legally incorporated through the Business Registration Service (BRS).

Required corporate documentation includes:

Certificate of Incorporation

CR12 (shareholding structure)

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) PIN

Relevant business permits and licenses

Improper company registration is one of the most common reasons for permit delays.

3. Economic Contribution to Kenya

Immigration authorities assess whether the investment contributes to Kenya’s economy.

The business should demonstrate:

Employment opportunities for Kenyan citizens

Skills or technology transfer

Contribution to economic growth

Compliance with industry regulations

A well-prepared business plan is essential.

Documents Required for a Class G Work Permit in Kenya

Applicants must prepare the following documents when applying for a Class G Work and Investment Permit:

Completed Form 25

Cover letter addressed to the Director General of Immigration

Copy of passport bio-data page

Passport-size photographs

Detailed business plan

Proof of capital investment

Company incorporation documents

CR12 company search

Tax registration certificates

Police clearance certificate

Academic and professional certificates

Incomplete documentation is one of the leading causes of permit delays.

Class G Work Permit Application Process in Kenya

The process for obtaining a Class G Work and Investment Permit in Kenya involves several steps.

Step 1: Company Incorporation

Step 2: Capital Investment

Deposit or demonstrate the required USD 100,000 investment.

Step 3: Submit Application Online

Submit the permit application via the Kenya Immigration eFNS portal.

Step 4: Immigration Review

Applications are reviewed by the Permit Recommendation Committee, which evaluates:

Capital investment

Business viability

Regulatory compliance

Security clearance

Step 5: Permit Approval

Once approved:

Permit issuance fees are paid

The permit is endorsed in the passport

Step 6: Foreigner Certificate (Alien Card)

The investor must apply for a Foreigner Certificate, confirming lawful residence.

Processing times typically range from 2 to 6 months.

Cost of a Class G Work and Investment Permit in Kenya

Foreign investors should budget for several costs, including:

Government application fees

Annual permit issuance fees

Company registration costs

Business licensing fees

Legal advisory fees

At WKA Advocates, we provide clients with a transparent cost breakdown before beginning the application process.

Validity and Renewal of Class G Permits

A Class G Work and Investment Permit in Kenya is typically issued for one or two years.

Renewal requires:

Continued business operations

Proof of maintained capital investment

Updated financial statements

Tax compliance certification

Failure to meet compliance requirements may lead to permit non-renewal.

Compliance Obligations for Foreign Investors

Permit holders must:

Operate only within the approved business activity

Maintain accurate financial records

File tax returns with the Kenya Revenue Authority

Comply with labour laws and sector regulations

Avoid unauthorized employment

Maintaining compliance ensures continued legal residence and business operations in Kenya.

Common Reasons Class G Permit Applications Are Rejected

Applications may be rejected due to:

Insufficient capital documentation

Weak or unrealistic business plans

Incomplete company registration

Regulatory non-compliance

Security concerns

Professional legal guidance significantly improves approval chances.

Why Work with WKA Advocates?

Securing a Class G Work and Investment Permit in Kenya requires navigating immigration law, corporate law, and regulatory compliance.

WKA Advocates provides:

Company incorporation and restructuring

Capital structuring advisory

Business plan review

Immigration permit applications

Compliance monitoring

Permit renewals and appeals

Our team ensures investors enter the Kenyan market legally, efficiently, and strategically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Class G Permit holder run multiple businesses?

The permit is typically tied to the approved business activity. Additional activities may require authorization.

Can family members live in Kenya?

Yes. Dependents may apply for Dependent Passes once the permit is issued.

Does a Class G Permit lead to permanent residence?

Long-term lawful residence and economic contribution may support future permanent residence applications, subject to statutory requirements.

Class G Work and Investment Permit in Kenya