Everything You Need to Know About Kenya’s New Class N Work Permit (2025 Update)

Dreaming of working remotely from a vibrant, sunny destination? Whether you’re a digital nomad, freelancer, or remote employee, Kenya is calling. With its fast-growing tech infrastructure, cultural richness, and scenic landscapes, Kenya is one of Africa’s top destinations for remote workers — and the Class N Work Permit is your legal key to making it happen.

At WKA Advocates, we specialize in helping international professionals navigate Kenya’s immigration landscape. We make the Class N Work Permit process smooth, compliant, and stress-free so you can focus on what matters — living and working in Kenya.

What is the Class N Work Permit?

Kenya’s Class N Work Permit allows foreign nationals to reside in Kenya while engaging in non-salaried remote work or operating an online business. It’s the ideal permit for:

🌐 Freelancers
💻 Remote employees
🧑‍💼 Entrepreneurs running online-based businesses
🌍 Digital nomads working for foreign companies

This permit is designed for individuals earning income from outside Kenya, who want to legally reside in the country while continuing their work remotely.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

The Class N Work Permit is open to professionals from across the globe:

• North America: USA, Canada, Mexico

• Europe: UK, Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, and more

• Asia: India, China, Philippines, South Korea, Japan

• Australia & New Zealand

• Africa & the Middle East

• Latin America

If you’re a remote worker with independent income and are looking to live in Kenya for an extended period, the Class N Permit is the perfect fit.

2025 Class N Work Permit Updates

The Department of Immigration Services has streamlined the Class N application process for 2025 to enhance speed, transparency, and compliance:

✅ Fully Online Application
Applications must be submitted via the eFNS portal (Electronic Foreign Nationals Services) to minimize paperwork and expedite review.

💵 Official Fees

• Processing Fee: USD 200 (non-refundable)

• Issuance Fee: USD 1,000 per year (standard permit issued for two years)

🌍 East African Citizens
Citizens from East African Community (EAC) countries — Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, and DR Congo — are not exempt from paying Class N permit fees. There is no gratis (free) status for EAC residents under this permit category.

💰 Income Requirement Clarification
Contrary to earlier reports, the minimum income threshold of USD 24,000 annually is not a mandatory requirement for the Class N permit in 2025. Applicants are only required to demonstrate a stable and consistent income from outside Kenya through recent bank statements or payslips.

Application Requirements for Remote Workers (2025)

To qualify for the Class N Work Permit as a remote worker or digital nomad, you must submit:

🧍 Personal Identification

• Recent passport-size colored photo

• Copy of your valid national passport

• Current immigration status (if already in Kenya)

📄 Application Letters

• Signed cover letter addressed to the Director General of Immigration Services, outlining the nature of your remote work, employer country or business registration, intended stay location in Kenya, and planned duration

• Confirmation letter from your employer or business (if applicable) verifying that your income is earned outside Kenya

💰 Proof of Income

• Recent bank statements or payslips (last 3 months) indicating consistent foreign income

🏠 Proof of Accommodation

• Hotel booking, lease agreement, or tenancy agreement

🏛️ Embassy Clearance

• Letter of no objection from your home country’s embassy in Kenya

🏢 Business or Employer Details

• Company physical address, contact phone, email

• Contact person’s name, position, and contact details

Why Remote Workers Are Choosing Kenya

Kenya is quickly becoming a magnet for international remote workers. Here’s why:

🚀 Digital Infrastructure
Stable 4G/5G networks, fiber internet, and thriving coworking spaces across major cities.

🌍 Vibrant Lifestyle
Choose Nairobi’s cosmopolitan vibe, Mombasa’s coastal charm, or Naivasha’s nature-inspired calm — all rich in culture and convenience.

🏞️ Natural Beauty & Adventure
Spend your weekends on safari, hiking Mt. Kenya, or relaxing on the white sands of Diani.

🤝 Welcoming Community
A friendly population, strong expat networks, and safe neighborhoods await.

How WKA Advocates Helps Remote Professionals Like You

At WKA Advocates, we provide legal clarity and step-by-step support for foreign nationals seeking to relocate to Kenya under the Class N Work Permit. Our services include:

✅ Free eligibility assessments
✅ Drafting and reviewing all supporting documents
✅ Submission via the eFNS system
✅ Ensuring full legal compliance with immigration requirements
✅ Renewal support and appeal guidance if necessary

Start Your Remote Work Journey in Kenya Today 🌍💻

Whether you’re a software developer from Canada, a content creator from Germany, or a consultant from Japan — Kenya offers a perfect blend of modern infrastructure, natural beauty, and legal clarity.

Let WKA Advocates help you navigate the Class N Work Permit process confidently and efficiently. Live the dream of remote work in one of Africa’s most dynamic countries.