Invest and Work in Kenya: How to Get a Class G Work Permit as a Foreign Entrepreneur

Your Trusted Legal Partner in Immigration, Investment & Corporate Compliance

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🌍 Why Kenya Is East Africa’s Investment Powerhouse

Kenya has become the economic gateway to East Africa, attracting investors from Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
With its strategic location, world-class ports and airports, and membership in the East African Community (EAC), Kenya offers direct access to a market of more than 300 million consumers.

Its strengths include:

• Stable governance and pro-investment policy framework;

• Dynamic startup ecosystem led by fintech, logistics, energy, and agri-tech;

• Investor-friendly institutions such as the Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest); and

• A strong legal foundation under the Companies Act 2015 and the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act 2011.

To trade or invest legally, foreign nationals must obtain the Class G Work Permit, issued by the Directorate of Immigration Services (DIS).

At WKA Advocates, we help foreign investors navigate every phase — from company incorporation and KRA tax registration to permit application, renewals, and ongoing compliance.

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🧾 Understanding the Class G Work Permit

A Class G Work Permit (also called the Investor or Business Permit) authorizes foreign nationals to:

• Engage in trade, consultancy, or self-employment in Kenya;

• Establish or expand a company;

• Manage and draw income from a Kenyan-registered enterprise.

It is the most common permit for investors and entrepreneurs and forms the legal bridge between immigration status and business ownership.

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⚖️ Benefits of Holding a Class G Permit

• Legal authority to live and work in Kenya as a business owner.

• Eligibility to open bank accounts with licensed banks regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya.

• Tax registration and corporate banking privileges under the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

• Facilitates repatriation of profits through formal bank channels.

• Provides a path to Permanent Residence or Citizenship after seven years of lawful stay.

Without this permit, foreigners risk fines, deportation, or business closure under Section 56 of the Immigration Act.

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🧩 Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

To qualify, you must:

1. Be a business owner or director of a registered Kenyan company.

2. Invest a minimum capital of USD 100,000 (≈ KES 15 million) verifiable through bank statements or capital remittance records.

3. Prove economic benefit to Kenya, such as job creation or technology transfer.

4. Hold a valid business licence issued by the relevant county or national authority.

5. Possess a KRA PIN and be compliant with Kenya’s tax laws.

WKA Advocates assists clients in registering companies through the Business Registration Service (BRS) and securing all sectoral approvals before filing immigration applications.

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📋 Documents Required

• Completed Form 25 (download from the eFNS Portal )

• Cover letter to the Director General of Immigration detailing investment purpose

• Certificate of Incorporation / Business Registration Certificate

• CR12 listing directors and shareholders

• KRA PIN Certificates (company & individual)

• Bank statements or proof of capital investment

• Business plan with projected revenue and employment plan

• Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC) from KRA

• Copy of passport (bio-data page) and valid visa

• Passport-size photographs

• Office lease agreement or title deed

• Processing and issuance fee receipts

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🧭 Step-by-Step Application Process

1️⃣ Business Structuring & Legal Consultation

We assess your goals and advise on entity type (limited company, branch, or partnership).
Registration is completed via the BRS Portal.

2️⃣ Proof of Capital Investment

Demonstrate USD 100,000 in a Kenyan bank account with statements authenticated by your bank.
Foreign capital remittance is governed by CBK foreign exchange rules.

3️⃣ Document Compilation & Verification

We draft letters, verify documents, and compile Form 25 and supporting attachments.

4️⃣ Online Submission via eFNS Portal

Our team creates your account, uploads documents, and pays the KES 20,000 processing fee.

5️⃣ Evaluation by Immigration Authorities

The Directorate of Immigration Services reviews your application, verifying business legitimacy and capital source. We handle all follow-ups.

6️⃣ Approval and Issuance

Once approved, pay the permit issuance fee (approx. KES 250,000 per year). The permit is endorsed in your passport and linked to your Foreign National Certificate (Alien Card).

7️⃣ Post-Approval Compliance & Renewal

We monitor permit validity, file tax returns, obtain dependent passes, and renew licences every two years.

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📆 Validity & Renewal

• Validity: 1–2 years.

• Renewal: Apply ≥ 90 days before expiry with updated TCC and bank proof.

• Dependents: Spouse and children require separate Dependent Passes.

WKA Advocates tracks expiry dates and handles renewal pre-filing to avoid penalties or permit lapsing.

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💰 Tax & Corporate Compliance for Investors

A Class G permit holder is considered a tax resident if present in Kenya for ≥ 183 days per year. Compliance includes:

• Corporate Income Tax filing at 30 %.

• Value Added Tax (VAT) registration for turnover above KES 5 million.

• Annual returns to the Registrar of Companies.

• Employment compliance: PAYE, NSSF, NHIF.

WKA Advocates’ Tax Division offers audit support, double tax agreement (DTA) advisory, and corporate structuring for foreign investors.

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🧠 Key Investment Sectors Open to Foreign Entrepreneurs

1. Renewable Energy and Green Tech — solar, geothermal, and wind projects.

2. Manufacturing & Processing — leveraging the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI).

3. ICT & Digital Infrastructure — supported by Konza Technopolis.

4. Agribusiness & Agri-Processing — for export under EAC and COMESA markets.

5. Real Estate & Construction — commercial and industrial zones.

6. Tourism & Hospitality — investment in hotels and eco-lodges.

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⚠️ Common Challenges and Our Solutions

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💼 Why Choose WKA Advocates

• Licensed Immigration & Corporate Law Firm with over a decade of experience.

• Direct liaison with Immigration Services and KenInvest.

• End-to-End Support — company setup, banking, tax, and immigration.

• Multilingual Team serving clients across Africa, Europe, and Asia.

• Renewal & Compliance Management via dedicated tracking systems.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ What is the minimum capital required?
USD 100,000 or equivalent KES in a Kenyan bank account.

2️⃣ Can I register my company before the permit?
Yes — through the BRS Portal . WKA Advocates handles this for you.

3️⃣ How long is the processing period?
6 – 10 weeks depending on verification time.

4️⃣ Can dependents join me?
Yes — apply for Dependent Passes for your spouse and children.

5️⃣ Can I own 100 % of my business?
Yes — foreign ownership is permitted except in regulated sectors (e.g., telecom & insurance).

6️⃣ Can I apply for Permanent Residence?
Yes, after seven years of continuous lawful residence.

7️⃣ What happens if I fail to renew?
Late renewal may result in fines or permit revocation. WKA Advocates tracks renewals for you.

8️⃣ Are profits repatriable abroad?
Yes — under CBK Foreign Exchange Rules and Investment Protection Agreements.

9️⃣ Do I need a local partner?
Not mandatory, though local partnerships can ease operations and licensing.

🔟 Which agencies will I interact with?

• Directorate of Immigration Services — Permit issuance.

• Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) — Tax compliance.

• Business Registration Service (BRS) — Company registration.

• Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest) — Investment facilitation.

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🏁 How to Get a Class G Work Permit in kenya

Kenya’s Class G Work Permit is the cornerstone for foreign investors seeking to enter one of Africa’s most vibrant markets. It not only grants legal residence but also builds credibility with banks, tax agencies, and business partners.

However, success requires professional guidance, accurate documentation, and continued compliance.

At WKA Advocates, we simplify the journey — from company formation and capital verification to permit issuance and renewal — so you can focus on growing your enterprise in Kenya’s thriving economy.