Entry & airport welcome
eTA eligibility and application guidance, trip preparation and coordinated meet-and-greet / arrival assistance where arranged.
Plan your arrival →Your journey should begin with possibility, not paperwork. WKA Advocates helps investors, professionals, companies, retirees and families enter, work, live and settle in Kenya—with trusted local lawyers by your side, from first enquiry to renewal.
One responsive Kenyan legal partner for entry formalities, work and residence applications, renewals and the practical questions that follow a move.
eTA eligibility and application guidance, trip preparation and coordinated meet-and-greet / arrival assistance where arranged.
Plan your arrival →Class D, Class G, relevant professional classes and business-related immigration applications, with careful documentation and follow-up.
Explore permit classes →Class K and other eligible residence routes, digital nomad Class N advice, permanent residence pathways and stay compliance.
Find your route →Coordinated applications for eligible spouses, children and qualifying dependants, including renewals and practical family planning.
Family FAQs →Special passes, renewals, endorsements, Foreign National Certificates (Alien Cards), status changes and compliance calendars.
Ask about renewals →Trusted real estate introductions, immigration-linked business setup assistance and guidance on getting a Kenyan driving licence.
Explore relocation help →Opportunity in Nairobi. Peaks at Mount Kenya. Indian Ocean beaches in Watamu and Mombasa. Dawn balloon flights over the Maasai Mara. We help you make the move legally, confidently and with peace of mind.
Maasai Mara / Daniel Case ? Mount Kenya / Commons contributor ? Watamu / N Beenay
Relocation assistance does not stop at immigration. We help newcomers navigate NTSA driving licences, recognition of overseas licences and the documentation required to drive legally in Kenya.
Whether you are an expatriate executive, investor, retiree or accompanying spouse, WKA can coordinate practical guidance for obtaining the correct driving authorisation. We review your immigration status, existing licence and proposed stay, then explain the applicable NTSA application route.
Government guidance: NTSA individual services ↗ · Kenyan driving licence conditions ↗ · AA Kenya International Driving Permit ↗
Ask WKA About Driving-Licence Support ↗We check whether an existing overseas licence may be converted through NTSA, coordinate passport, status and authentication documentation and assist with application follow-up.
Guidance for temporary visitors using a foreign licence and accompanying IDP where relevant, and for Kenyan-licence holders who need an authorised IDP for travel abroad.
Where conversion does not apply, we guide you through provisional driving-licence (PDL) arrangements, an approved driving school, appropriate vehicle classes and NTSA tests.
Support with NTSA portal administration, renewals, licence categories and checking that your legal status and motor insurance align with your driving arrangements.
Kenyan immigration is not one-size-fits-all. Our lawyers assess the purpose of your stay, the company or sponsor involved, your family and the regulatory requirements before filing.
WKA also assesses other statutory permit classes A–P, where applicable. Appropriate class depends on current government rules and individual eligibility.
From Class A mining investors and Class D expatriate employees to Class G business founders, Class K retirees, Class N digital nomads and specialist EAC, charity and diplomatic classes.
WKA helps you choose the correct legal permission, organise proof of eligibility and submit a complete application to the relevant authorities. Explore every class currently listed by Kenya’s eFNS portal below, with clear checklists and links to the government’s detailed requirements.
Who qualifies: For a foreign national undertaking licensed mineral prospecting or mining in Kenya, individually or with partners. Legal approval for the mineral activity is distinct from the immigration permission.
Key published requirements: Passport and photographs; signed Form 25 and explanatory cover letter; mining/prospecting licence or rights; business registration and KRA documents; evidence of at least USD 100,000 available investment capital; tax compliance and audited accounts for applicable renewals.
How WKA helps: We assess mining authorisations and business structure, check the investment evidence, prepare the immigration submission and manage follow-up.
See official eFNS Class A requirements ↗Who qualifies: For a non-citizen proposing to operate an agricultural or animal-husbandry venture with lawful rights to the land and sufficient funding. Immigration approval does not override restrictions on foreign agricultural landholding.
Key published requirements: Passport/photos, Form 25 and cover letter; proof of lawful land interest, ownership or lease and necessary permissions; proof of USD 100,000 capital availability; relevant sector licences, KRA PIN and tax compliance; audited accounts for renewals.
How WKA helps: We coordinate land-rights screening with the immigration strategy, identify required regulatory consents and prepare the class-specific application.
See official eFNS Class B requirements ↗Who qualifies: For appropriately qualified members of regulated professions intending to practise in Kenya, individually or in partnership. Relevant professions include medicine, law, engineering, accounting, surveying and other professions specified under the regulations.
Key published requirements: Form 25, passport/photos and cover letter; certified academic and professional qualifications; CV; evidence of professional-body membership and local regulatory clearance where required; KRA PIN, business documentation and tax compliance where applicable.
How WKA helps: We review professional registration and licensing prerequisites before preparing the immigration application.
See official eFNS Class C requirements ↗Who qualifies: The principal work-permit route for an expatriate recruited by a specified Kenyan employer where the applicant’s qualifications and skills meet the prescribed test and the employment benefits Kenya.
Key published requirements: Form 25, employer cover letter, valid passport/photos, employment and employer particulars, certified academic/professional qualifications, CV, employer registration and tax compliance; particulars and qualifications of a suitable Kenyan understudy; Form 27 and relevant clearances.
How WKA helps: We liaise with HR and the employer on a complete employment dossier, understudy evidence, filing, requests for further information and renewals.
See official eFNS Class D requirements ↗Who qualifies: For a foreign entrepreneur or partner setting up or operating a particular manufacturing activity in Kenya with appropriate licences, capital and business approvals.
Key published requirements: Form 25 and cover letter; passport/photos; manufacturing licence; proof of at least USD 100,000 in investment funds; company incorporation records, constitutional documents, shareholder records (CR12), KRA PIN and tax compliance; signed audited accounts for renewal.
How WKA helps: We help align corporate registration, sector approvals and the manufacturing investment narrative before immigration filing.
See official eFNS Class F requirements ↗Who qualifies: The principal investor and business immigration route for a foreign national carrying on a specified trade, consultancy or business in Kenya, alone or jointly. The activity must be licensed where required and supported by accessible investment resources.
Key published requirements: Form 25 and Form 27; passport/photos and signed cover letter; documentary evidence of at least USD 100,000 investment capital; company incorporation documents, memorandum/articles, CR12, PIN and bank verification documentation, offshore remittance evidence and applicable tax compliance; audited accounts and Kenyan-staff information for renewals.
How WKA helps: We coordinate company setup, banking evidence, funds provenance documentation, KRA and the full investor permit filing.
See official eFNS Class G requirements ↗Who qualifies: For foreign missionaries conducting preaching, worship or religious rites through a qualifying registered religious institution in Kenya.
Key published requirements: Form 25, passport/photos and cover letter; Kenya religious society registration; sending society registration and support letter; evidence of religious training or ordination if applicable; local religious umbrella-body support where applicable; work-location and contact information; applicable tax compliance.
How WKA helps: We help religious institutions assemble local and overseas documentation and address the particular institutional endorsements.
See official eFNS Class I requirements ↗Who qualifies: For financially independent foreign nationals aged at least 35 who meet the prescribed income test. This is often relevant to retirees and people living on pension or assured overseas income; it does not authorise employment or income-generating activity without separate permission.
Key published requirements: Form 25, passport/photos, explanatory letter, immigration status, evidence of at least USD 24,000 annual assured income (such as pension, annuity or qualifying overseas income), supporting financial records and any applicable tax-compliance documents.
How WKA helps: We assess the lawful source and reliability of income, prepare evidence of financial independence and advise on permitted activities and accompanying family members.
See official eFNS Class K requirements ↗Who qualifies: For persons granted refugee status in Kenya, and eligible spouses, who seek authorisation to work or conduct a qualifying trade, occupation or profession.
Key published requirements: Form 25, passport or accepted identity/travel documents, photos and cover letter, evidence of recognised refugee status, recommendation from the Department of Refugee Affairs and sponsor/organisation and tax documents as applicable.
How WKA helps: We review the applicant’s protected status, documentary route and appropriate employment or business activity.
See official eFNS Class M requirements ↗Who qualifies: For eligible people based in Kenya but working remotely for employers or clients outside Kenya, including qualifying employees, foreign-company principals and self-employed international service providers. eFNS states that this class is issued for one or two years and may be renewed.
Key published requirements: Form 25, passport/photos and signed letter explaining the foreign employment or business; overseas employer/company information and cover letter as applicable; bank statements or payslips for the preceding three months; Kenya accommodation evidence; home-country embassy no-objection letter; relevant overseas company contact details.
How WKA helps: We assess employment and client arrangements against Class N, coordinate remote-work evidence, accommodation and application follow-up.
See official eFNS Class N requirements ↗Who qualifies: For eligible staff of UN bodies, diplomatic missions, intergovernmental organisations and international NGOs accredited to or based in specified neighbouring hardship-country contexts.
Key published requirements: Form 25, passport/photos, organisation cover letter, employment evidence, laissez-passer or diplomatic passport as appropriate, organisation registration, posting letter to neighbouring country, proof of remuneration for previous three months and immigration-status documents.
How WKA helps: We coordinate with HR or mobility managers to align the posting documents and required organisational evidence.
See official eFNS Class P requirements ↗Who qualifies: For qualifying regulated professionals working for religious or charitable organisations, rather than staff whose principal role is preaching or conducting religious worship.
Key published requirements: Form 25, passport/photos, employment contract and sponsoring organisation letter; professional clearances and qualifications, CV, proposed Kenyan understudy, registration and physical address of institution and tax compliance/exemption documentation.
How WKA helps: We distinguish Class Q from missionary Class I and ordinary professional Class C and prepare the institution-supported file.
See official eFNS Class Q requirements ↗Who qualifies: For qualifying citizens of an East African Community partner state who wish to reside, work, operate a business or practise a regulated profession in Kenya. Government fees are listed as zero on the official class page.
Key published requirements: Form 25, passport/photos, sponsor/employer cover letter, business/organisation registration, academic or professional certificates where relevant, sectoral clearance and address/contact particulars; tax-compliance evidence and other renewal materials as applicable.
How WKA helps: We assist EAC nationals and employers with class selection, supporting records, renewal compliance and practical implementation.
See official eFNS Class R requirements ↗In addition to permit classes, we support the associated entry, family, education, registration and long-term status routes.
A time-limited pass for qualifying temporary business, trade or professional activities, applying for another permit/pass, or seeking review of a permit decision. It does not arise automatically from lodging a long-term permit application.
Key published requirements: Form 32, passport/photos, cover letter, current immigration status, organisation registration, qualifications, previous passes, pending-application receipts where applicable and relevant professional clearance.
See official eFNS requirements ↗Enables qualifying dependants of Kenyan citizens, permit holders, permanent residents and exempt persons to stay under the specific dependant framework. It does not itself authorise employment and may not replace a required student pass.
Key published requirements: Form 28, identity/passport copies and photographs, relationship evidence such as marriage/birth certificates, evidence of sponsor’s income, valid immigration status and sponsor permit with at least six months remaining if applicable.
See official eFNS requirements ↗For non-citizens admitted to recognised schools, colleges, universities or training institutions for education. A dependant pass does not by itself authorise study where a student/pupil pass is required.
Key published requirements: Institution-completed Form 30, institutional letter indicating course and duration, sponsor commitments/funding, passport, photos, current immigration status, school registration and academic documents; parental consent for minors.
See official eFNS requirements ↗For admitted overseas interns and researchers undertaking approved projects in Kenya. A research project may separately require applicable science/research approvals.
Key published requirements: Form 30 endorsed by host institution, letter on the internship/research topic and duration, passport/photos, CV and academic credentials, police clearance and relevant research permit for research programmes.
See official eFNS requirements ↗For a person or category exempted from ordinary work-permit requirements by a lawful Gazette notice or applicable exemption. Exemption must be documented; it is not a general shortcut.
Key published requirements: Form 25, passport/photos, signed letters, current immigration status, official Gazette notice and any relevant host-country agreement, plus translated materials where appropriate.
See official eFNS requirements ↗Foreigners resident beyond 90 days generally require foreign national registration unless exempt. Online preparation is possible, but immigration requires the applicant’s physical presence for biometrics and registration.
Key published requirements: Form 50, passport, photos with white background, valid permit/pass for residents, previous Alien Card for renewals or police abstract for lost card; personal biometrics at the immigration office.
See official eFNS requirements ↗Distinct from renewable work permits. Categories include former citizens, qualifying work-permit holders (at least seven years of permits plus three years immediately preceding continuous residence), overseas-born children of Kenyan citizens, and spouses married to citizens for at least three years.
Key published requirements: Status-specific application evidence including prior permits/residence records, identity and family documents and documents required under the chosen permanent-residence category.
See official eFNS requirements ↗For eligible holders of a visitor’s pass seeking permission to remain longer; subject to immigration approval and the maximum permitted stay. Not a work authorisation.
Key published requirements: Signed online extension application, original and copy of visitor’s pass, valid passport copy and attendance/submission steps required by immigration.
See official eFNS requirements ↗A separate travel document for eligible holders of dependant passes, subject to the current government process.
Key published requirements: Online application; dependant’s original passport and copies, valid dependant pass and principal’s permit or Kenyan identity/passport documents.
See official eFNS requirements ↗Information based on the published eFNS information packs, reviewed October 2026. The descriptions are general and not a substitute for a personal eligibility assessment; official approvals rest with the Directorate of Immigration Services.
There is life beyond your first permit. WKA helps you plan for long-term status, assess your legal eligibility, build a robust application record and address deficiencies before submission or during a pending application.
Permanent residence is a distinct immigration status granted under the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act. WKA reviews whether you fall within an eligible statutory category, checks your status and supporting evidence, and coordinates the application through the appropriate eFNS process.
Eligibility and residence-history reviews; permit and entry/exit chronology; passport, Alien Card, tax, police-clearance and family-document checks where applicable; supporting submissions; filing coordination; interview preparation and authority follow-up.
Citizenship is not automatic upon obtaining a work permit or permanent residence. WKA provides legal review of planned, submitted or queried Kenyan citizenship applications, with an emphasis on eligibility, completeness, the appropriate statutory route and persuasive supporting records.
We scrutinise forms, permit and residence history, marriage or birth documents, citizenship records, police clearances, affidavits and statutory declarations; identify inconsistencies and missing evidence; advise on requested corrections or further information; and guide submission or lawful follow-up.
A clear, coordinated process for international clients, human resources teams and relocating families.
We understand nationality, location, purpose, timelines and family needs.
We assess eligibility, outline fees and issue a focused document checklist.
We prepare and submit through the relevant immigration process, often remotely.
We advise on entry, required personal formalities, endorsements and airport assistance.
We support dependants, Alien Cards, property referrals and renewal planning.
Supporting client enquiries from Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, North America, South America and Oceania.
Immigration planning alongside company incorporation, Class G investor permits, commercial setup and settling into the Kenyan market.
Coordinated applications for expatriate employees, executives, consultants, accompanying families, renewals and mobility compliance.
Class K residence assessments, Class N digital nomad routes, dependant passes, arrival planning and helpful introductions on the ground.
No property-linked Kenyan Golden Visa: buying property does not itself grant residence or a right to work.
Meet the WKA Advocates team assisting international clients, families, investors and employers navigating Kenya's immigration and relocation framework.
Provides leadership to WKA's cross-border immigration, investment and corporate advisory practice, guiding strategic matters for international clients.
Read William's profile ↗Part of WKA's client-focused legal team supporting the firm’s immigration and relocation engagements, from documentation to ongoing client coordination.
Read Melody's profile ↗Works within WKA’s legal team to provide practical support for client matters and a responsive point of contact throughout the immigration process.
Read Brenda's profile ↗From eligibility and remote processing to Classes A–R, eTA, dependant passes, Alien Cards, renewals and NTSA driving licences—find straightforward answers to common questions.
Yes. Most of the eligibility review, document preparation, online eFNS application and follow-up can be coordinated remotely. You may still need to appear personally for an endorsement, interview, verification or biometrics when required by the immigration authorities.
An approved permit or pass may require presentation for endorsement or other in-person formalities under the current immigration procedure. We explain the appropriate step for your class of permit and help you plan any necessary travel.
Validity depends on the permit class and the decision issued by the authorities. Some classes are approved for one or two years, renewable if the conditions continue to be met. Do not assume a fixed two- or three-year period; we will confirm the issued validity and diarise renewals.
Qualifying dependants can generally apply for a dependant pass supported by a Kenyan citizen, permit holder, permanent resident or other eligible sponsor. Proof of the relationship, legal status and financial capacity will typically be required. A dependant pass is not automatically a work authorisation.
Class D generally applies to foreign nationals offered specific employment in Kenya whose qualifications or skills meet the applicable statutory criteria. We assist employers and employees with eligibility, supporting documents, filings, renewals and compliance.
Class G covers certain foreign nationals conducting trade, business or consultancy in Kenya. It is not an automatic right to reside merely because money has been invested. Authorities assess the specific business, capital, documents and other eligibility criteria.
Potentially. Class K is a route for qualifying ordinary residents who meet the age and assured-income requirements. We assess your circumstances before advising on documents, lawful stay and arrangements for dependants.
Yes. Class N is a designated route for eligible remote workers serving employers or clients outside Kenya. WKA can assess your nationality, remote work arrangement, income evidence and supporting documents.
A Special Pass can authorise certain temporary business, trade or professional activity for a limited period, subject to approval and the applicable conditions. Official guidance describes a maximum of six months. It is not a substitute for a long-term permit when one is required.
Yes. We can advise on whether you require a Kenyan Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), coordinate documentation and help arrange airport meet-and-greet assistance where available. An approved eTA or valid exemption is not itself permission to work.
Yes. We support employers and global mobility teams with role-based immigration strategy, coordinated staff and dependant applications, document checklists, renewals and practical onboarding. We can also assist with related employment and corporate compliance.
It is the foreign-national registration document for non-citizens who meet Kenya’s registration criteria. The official rules generally require registration where a foreigner resides in Kenya for more than 90 days, subject to exemptions. A physical appointment and biometrics may be required.
No. Kenya does not automatically grant residence or work rights merely because you buy land, an apartment or a house. It is not a property-purchase Golden Visa scheme. WKA can advise separately on your acquisition and your immigration status.
We can offer priority internal document review, preparation and prompt filing or follow-up, subject to capacity. Official approvals remain with the Directorate of Immigration Services; government timelines and outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Yes. We handle permit and pass renewals, record reviews, accompanying dependant applications and status or role changes, with advice on when a fresh application or approval is needed.
Some applicants may qualify. For example, one official pathway covers people who have held work permits for at least seven years and have resided continuously in Kenya for the three years immediately preceding their application. It is not an automatic entitlement and other categories exist.
Yes. We can introduce suitable clients to trusted real estate agents, coordinate aspects of the relocation and explain the relevant Kenyan driving-licence recognition, conversion or application procedures, subject to the applicable transport authority requirements.
We can review the decision, underlying application and supporting evidence, then advise on whether an appeal, review or fresh application is appropriate. There is no guarantee of reversal.
We provide a written professional-fee quotation after identifying your permit type and scope. Government filing or issuance fees, disbursements and related third-party costs are separate unless expressly included in the quotation.
We ask about your nationality and present location, purpose of travel, planned arrival, employer or investment plans and any accompanying family. We then explain the likely route, expected documents and next steps. Substantive advice and full engagement terms are confirmed separately.
We assess all current eFNS permit classes A, B, C, D, F, G, I, K, M, N, P, Q and R, as well as appropriate passes and exemptions. The route depends on the applicant’s actual activity, sponsor, nationality and supporting evidence.
Typically Form 25 and 27, passport and photos, the business case, Kenyan company documents including CR12, proof of at least USD 100,000 investment capital, bank and remittance verification, PIN and tax documentation. WKA checks the current eFNS requirements before filing.
The published eFNS checklist requests a suitable Kenyan understudy’s name, qualifications, CV and contact details, in addition to the foreign employee’s credentials and employer documents. WKA helps HR assemble and explain the required materials.
The eFNS information pack currently states a minimum age of 35 and assured annual income of at least USD 24,000 from qualifying sources, supported by documentary evidence. Class K is not permission to work or earn income locally.
Class N may be suitable for eligible foreign employees, foreign-company principals and independent service providers working for clients outside Kenya. eFNS asks for evidence of overseas work/income, accommodation and other supporting documents. WKA reviews eligibility before application.
A dependant pass is not a general work authorisation. The government states that it also does not replace a student/pupil pass where required for formal education. We can advise on a separate permit or pass for the proposed activity.
Temporary use depends on your home licence, international driving permit where appropriate, length and purpose of stay, applicable recognition rules and insurance terms. For a longer relocation, WKA can help assess whether NTSA foreign-licence conversion or a new Kenyan licence is appropriate.
We can advise on eligibility, check supporting documents, coordinate with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) process and follow up. NTSA—not WKA—decides whether a licence qualifies for foreign conversion and what verification or testing is needed.
Generally expect your existing valid foreign driving licence, passport, evidence of lawful immigration status, any Alien Card or registration particulars required by NTSA, and authenticity confirmation from the issuing authority or embassy if requested. The exact list depends on NTSA’s current portal requirements.
You may need to enrol in an approved Kenyan driving school, apply for a provisional driving licence (PDL) where required, complete training and take the NTSA tests before a Kenyan licence is issued.
No. An International Driving Permit is generally used with a valid domestic driving licence and does not create an independent right to drive indefinitely. Whether it may be used in Kenya depends on the circumstances; longer-term residents should check NTSA requirements.
We can guide clients on the correct issuing body and documentation. Kenyan IDPs are issued through the authorised Automobile Association channel to holders of valid Kenyan licences, not by WKA. We also assist with Kenyan driving-licence renewals and records issues through appropriate NTSA processes.
No. Immigration status and driving authorisation are distinct. Permit holders must separately comply with NTSA driving-licence, vehicle class and insurance requirements.
WKA can coordinate consolidated eligibility assessments, document checklists, Class D applications, dependent passes, arrival support, Foreign National Certificates, driving-licence guidance, and subsequent renewals for HR and mobility teams.
We offer priority legal preparation, responsive liaison and prompt follow-up. We cannot guarantee government priority, approval or a statutory processing time; any official accelerated option would be confirmed separately.
There is no universal two- or three-year term for all permit categories. For example, eFNS states Class N can be issued for one or two years, renewable. Other classes depend on the specific approval and prevailing practice. We advise on renewal dates once issued.
Tell us where you are, what brings you to Kenya and when you hope to arrive. WKA will identify the initial pathway, explain what we need and outline an engagement plan.