A Class D Work Permit is the most common work permit class in Kenya and is issued to foreign nationals who are offered specific employment by a named employer in Kenya. It covers foreign employees in private companies, NGOs, government contractors, and other organisations. A key condition is that the employer must demonstrate that the role could not be filled by a suitably qualified Kenyan national, and in many cases an understudy arrangement is expected.
Class D Work Permit Fee Summary Table
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Processing fee (non-refundable) | KES 20,000 | Payable at application |
| Annual issuance fee | KES 500,000 per year | Payable upon approval for each year approved |
| Express permit | USD 10,000 per year | For urgent processing |
| Appeals reprocessing fee | KES 20,000 | On rejected application appeal |
| Financial security (bank guarantee / insurance bond) | KES 100,000 | Required post-approval |
Class D carries the highest annual issuance fee at KES 500,000 per year, revised upward from KES 200,000 under the 2024 gazette notice.
Key Requirements
Documents required include a signed employer cover letter addressed to the Director General of Immigration Services, a valid KRA Tax Compliance Certificate for the employer company, the company’s certificate of incorporation and CR12, the prospective employee’s academic and professional certificates, a job description justifying the need for a foreign national, and an understudy plan identifying the Kenyan national who will be trained to take over the role. KenInvest Investment Certificate holders may access up to three Class D permits automatically for management or technical staff.
