Following the amendments to the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration (Amendment) Regulations, 2024 published under Legal Notice No. 198 on December 16, 2024, the Immigration Department has operationalised the following permit categories, in addition to the existing permit classes, effectively April 2025:
1.Class N: Digital Nomads
Allows persons to work remotely within Kenya for a company registered outside the country.
Fees: Processing Fee: USD 200 | Issuance Fee per Year: USD 1,000.
2.Class P: Staff of Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations
Applicable to staff of the United Nations, Diplomatic Missions, Inter-Governmental Organisations and International NGOs accredited to neighbouring hardship countries and whose presence is of benefit to Kenya.
Fees: Processing Fee: USD 200 | Issuance Fee per Year: USD 1,000.
3.Class Q: Professionals working for Religious or Charitable Organisations
Applicable to professionals working in prescribed roles for religious or charitable organisations not involved in direct worship activities and whose presence is of benefit to Kenya.
Fees: Processing Fee: KES 20,000 | Issuance Fee per Year: KES 100,000
4.Class R: Citizens of the East African Community (EAC)
Exclusively for citizens of EAC member states who intend to reside, engage in employment, business, trade or engage in any prescribed profession and whose presence is of benefit to Kenya.
Fees: Processing Fee: Gratis | Issuance Fee per Year: Gratis.
Additionally, the Regulations revised Class I: Approved Religious Activities to clarify that eligibility is limited to missionaries registered under the Society’s Act, whose activities are directly involved in preaching or conduct of religious worship and whose presence is of benefit to Kenya.
Fees: Processing Fee: Gratis | Issuance Fee per Year: KES 20,000.
These reforms signify Kenya’s proactive approach to adapting its immigration framework to contemporary needs. Stakeholders should familiarise themselves with these changes to leverage the opportunities they present while ensuring compliance.
This alert serves the purpose of general guidance and is not intended to constitute specific legal advice. For legal advice concerning this alert and assistance in securing any of the above-mentioned permits and/or all immigration needs, please contact our Partner Victoria.Muya@CMS-DI.com.
*Contributors
• Nancy Muturi - Associate
• Wambui Kariuki - Associate
