Kenya’s Class N permit lets foreign remote workers live in Kenya while working for employers or clients outside Kenya. It is the right status for digital nomads staying longer than a visit - working remotely on a visitor’s entry is not allowed.

For internet, power and coworking, see Working remotely from Nairobi.

Who qualifies

  • You work remotely for an employer outside Kenya, or run your own business with clients outside Kenya.
  • You earn at least about US$ 24,000 a year from outside Kenya, as reported in 2026.
  • You do not plan to work for Kenyan employers or clients.

Documents

Usually:

  • Passport valid for at least six months, and a passport photo.
  • Proof of remote work - an employment contract or letter from a foreign employer, or contracts with foreign clients and business registration.
  • Proof of income - bank statements for recent months.
  • Police clearance from your home country or country of residence.
  • Proof of accommodation in Kenya.
  • Health insurance covering your stay.

Fees

The permit has a processing fee and an annual issuance fee, charged in US dollars, as shown on the eFNS portal when you apply. Reported fees in 2026 are around US$200 to process and US$1,000 a year. Check the portal, which is what counts.

Applying

  1. Create an account on eFNS, the Directorate of Immigration Services’ foreign nationals portal on eCitizen.
  2. Choose the Class N permit and complete the form.
  3. Upload the documents and pay the processing fee.
  4. Wait for the decision, then pay the issuance fee.
  5. Have the permit endorsed and register as a foreign national for a foreigner certificate. See eCitizen, KRA PIN and IDs.

Apply from outside Kenya, or before your visitor’s entry runs out, and allow several weeks.

What you cannot do

  • Work for Kenyan employers or clients, or earn from the Kenyan market. That needs a different permit, such as a Class D or Class G.
  • Bring family on the same permit - spouses and children need dependant passes. See Dependant passes.

Tax

Living in Kenya for 183 days or more in a year can make you tax resident here. Get advice from someone who knows both Kenyan tax and your home country’s rules before you arrive.

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