At a glance
Kenya's Class N permit lets eligible remote workers live in Kenya while working for employers or clients outside the country. Before applying, confirm the income requirement with Immigration: the official sources reviewed do not give a consistent answer.
- Who can apply
- Remote workers with employers or clients outside Kenya
- Income requirement
- Confirm with Immigration; the reviewed Kenya Law text says USD $55,000 a year
- Documents
- Foreign-work and income evidence, accommodation, and required background records
Summary
Kenya's Class N permit lets eligible remote workers live in Kenya while continuing an established working relationship with employers or clients abroad. Applicants document that work, overseas income, accommodation and the required background checks. Employment for a Kenyan business is outside this permit's scope.
The reviewed official sources are inconsistent on the income minimum: Kenya Law states USD $55,000 annually, while the application page requests recent income evidence without naming an amount. Obtain Immigration's current requirement before relying on a lower figure. The published processing and annual permit fees are separate from the income test.
Eligibility
You need proof of remote work for foreign employers or clients, reliable income from abroad, accommodation, and the required background records.
The current application page asks for recent income evidence but does not state a minimum. The version of the rules published by Kenya Law that was reviewed states USD $55,000 a year. Ask Immigration which requirement currently applies before relying on a lower amount quoted elsewhere.
The permit page lists a USD $200 processing fee and a USD $1,000 fee for each year of the permit.
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Confirm work and income Check the current income rule with Immigration.
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Prepare your evidence Gather work, income, accommodation, and background records.
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Apply for Class N Keep your work within the permit’s foreign-work conditions.
Official sources differ on the income requirement. Confirm it before applying.
What This Route Allows
You can live in Kenya temporarily while doing the approved remote work for foreign employers or clients. The official page describes permits lasting one or two years, with renewal subject to approval.
What This Route Is Not
Class N does not let you work for a Kenyan employer or business. It does not grant permanent residence or citizenship. A lower income figure on another website is not proof that Immigration will accept it.
Next Steps
- Confirm that your foreign remote work qualifies and ask Immigration for the current income requirement.
- Gather your work contracts, income evidence, accommodation details, police records, and required embassy documents.
- Apply for Class N and follow its work restrictions and renewal conditions.
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