Digital Nomad & Residency - Kenya

A purpose-built digital-nomad permit (Class N / KEP-N) was created for non-citizens who work remotely from Kenya for an employer or clients based outside the country; permit holders are barred from local employment or income-generating activity in Kenya's domestic market.

Introduced on 1 October 2024 by the Cabinet Secretary for Interior via the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration (Amendment) Regulations, 2024, amending the 2012 Regulations (Legal Notice No. 155); online applications via the eFNS portal followed in 2025.

Reporting differs: early guidance cited an assured annual income of USD 55,000 from non-Kenyan sources, while later legal commentary cites a reduced threshold of about USD 24,000/year (≈USD 2,000/month). Applicants should confirm the current figure on the official eFNS infopack.

Granted for one or two years and renewable; a non-refundable processing fee of USD 200 plus an issuance fee of USD 1,000 per year. Required documents include passport, proof of remote employment/contracts, income/bank statements, proof of accommodation, health insurance and a police clearance certificate.

Relocators investing in business can use the Class G investor permit, generally requiring a minimum investment of around USD 100,000 and a viable business; after about seven years of lawful business operation a holder may apply for permanent residency.

Kenya does not operate a 'golden visa' citizenship-by-investment programme; residency for investors runs only through the conventional Class G permit and standard permanent-residence rules, not a dedicated investment-for-passport route.