This page is built as the main Biz Brokers Kenya page for Class N Permit Kenya and is intentionally structured around the three strongest search intents: cost, requirements, and how to apply.

Author: , Immigration & Business Setup Consultant
Last updated: 23 April 2026
Requirements, forms, and payable amounts should always be confirmed on the live eFNS portal before submission.

Class N Permit Kenya digital nomad permit guide

Quick answer: what is Kenya's Class N Permit?

Kenya's Class N Permit is the permit route used for a person who works remotely within Kenya for a company registered outside the country. It is commonly described online as Kenya's digital nomad permit or digital nomad visa.

Direct answer: the official eFNS fee lines show a US$ 200 processing fee that is non-refundable and a US$ 1,000 issuance fee per year. Applications are made online through the Government of Kenya Single Sign On portal and eFNS.

Updated around current eFNS Class N wording and filing sequence
Class N permit Kenya digital nomad permit Kenya eFNS filing support renewals and dependants

Who qualifies for Class N according to eFNS?

The official eFNS Class N information pack states that this permit is issued to a person who works remotely within Kenya for a company registered outside the country. It is issued for one or two years and is renewable.

Official qualification logic

  • Work under an employment contract for a company registered outside Kenya.
  • Is a shareholder or conducts business on behalf of a foreign company.
  • Offers services as a self-employed to clients who are located outside Kenya.
Important: Class N should not be positioned as the permit for Kenyan local employment. If the applicant will work for a Kenyan employer, point them to the appropriate employment permit route instead.

Cost of Class N Permit in Kenya

If your target keyword is Class N permit Kenya cost or digital nomad permit Kenya fees, this is the section that should answer the query immediately.

Official fee lines on eFNS: Processing fees (Non-refundable) (US$ 200/=) and Issuance fees (US$ 1,000/=) per year.

Fee item Official amount When paid
Processing fee US$ 200 At submission
Issuance fee US$ 1,000 per year After approval, before issuance

Total government cost examples

Permit period Calculation Estimated government total
1 year US$ 200 + US$ 1,000 US$ 1,200
2 years US$ 200 + (US$ 1,000 ร— 2) US$ 2,200

Other cost drivers to budget for

Item Why it arises Typical note
Document certification or notarisation Where supporting documents need formal certification Varies by country and document type
Translation If any supporting document is not in English Budget separately
Embassy letter logistics Where embassy no-objection letters take time or courier cost Plan early
Professional filing support Optional if you want review and filing assistance Separate service fee

Always rely on the live eFNS invoice for the final payable amount at the time of filing.

Requirements for Class N Permit Kenya

This section is built around the exact eFNS document logic, then supported with practical filing notes.

Official eFNS Class N requirements

  • Duly filled and signed Form 25 online form. You will print out the form at the end of the application.
  • Two recent passport size colored photos (for both new and renewal).
  • Copies of valid national passport.
  • Current immigration status if in the country.
  • Detailed and signed cover letter from the applicant addressed to the Director General of Immigration Services stating the nature of employment or business location and duration of stay.
  • Signed cover letter from the employer, company or organization addressed to the Director General of Immigration Services.
  • Bank Statement or Payslips for last three months proving monthly income.
  • Proof of accommodation, for example hotel reservation or lease or rental agreement.
  • Letter of no objection from local embassy of home country.
  • Company details: physical address, telephone number, email address, and contact person name, job title, telephone and email.
  • Copy of checklist.

Practical filing notes

  • Make sure names, passport number, nationality, and dates match across the passport, cover letters, contract, and income evidence.
  • Where the applicant is self-employed, use a strong cover letter plus client evidence that clearly shows the clients are outside Kenya.
  • Where the applicant is a shareholder or business representative, make the foreign company relationship easy to verify from the supporting documents.
  • Use clear PDF file names so the reviewing officer can identify each upload quickly.
Common reason for delay: incomplete applications are not accepted. Weak income proof, vague cover letters, or missing embassy letter items can slow the file down.

How to Apply for Class N Permit on eFNS

This section follows the official portal sequence as closely as possible so it matches how to apply for Class N permit Kenya search intent.

Official eFNS portal steps

  1. Create a log in account within the Government of Kenya Single Sign On portal.
  2. Log in using the account you have created above to access eFNS portal.
  3. Once logged in the eFNS portal, select the Apply now link.
  4. Click on the Submit Applications tab and select the Permit Issuance/Renewal tab.
  5. After completing the application form, an invoice will be generated which you can see by clicking on Dashboard then Payments.
  6. If unable to pay using any of the online modes, print your application form by clicking on Dashboard then My Applications and present your application with all the requirements at Immigration headquarters (Nyayo House) for payments and processing.
  7. You shall receive automatic notifications via email and on your online account about the progress of your application.

Recommended working checklist before you click submit

  1. Create a folder for the application and save passport copy, photos, letters, proof of income, accommodation proof, embassy letter, and company contact details as separate PDFs.
  2. Review the applicant cover letter and the employer or company cover letter line by line for consistency.
  3. Confirm whether the applicant is filing as remote employee, shareholder or foreign business representative, or self-employed person serving clients outside Kenya.
  4. Submit the application, save the invoice, and keep a PDF copy of the completed file and payment records.
  5. Check email and the eFNS dashboard regularly so that any additional document request is answered quickly.
Useful distinction: entry travel authorization and permit approval are separate compliance layers. Keep that explanation on the page, but lower down, so the main intent remains cost, requirements, and how to apply.

Processing Time and Validity

The official Class N information pack clearly states the permit is issued for a period of one (1) or two (2) years and is renewable. It does not publish a single guaranteed processing SLA for every application.

Item What the page should say
Processing time Processing time varies by file quality, verification checks, and current review workload.
Permit validity Usually one year or two years, renewable.
Avoid publishing a rigid timeline promise unless you are quoting a current official service-level statement. A realistic page usually performs better than one that over-promises.

Renewal and Dependants

  • Class N is renewable where the applicant continues to meet the relevant criteria.
  • Renewal files should be prepared early, ideally well before expiry, with updated income proof, accommodation proof, and current supporting letters.
  • Dependants are usually handled through separate dependant processes and should not be mixed into the main Class N cost answer unless separately explained.

Class N Permit Kenya FAQ

What is the Class N Permit in Kenya?

It is Kenya's permit for a person who works remotely within Kenya for a company registered outside the country.

How much does the Class N Permit cost?

The eFNS fee lines show a US$ 200 processing fee that is non-refundable and a US$ 1,000 issuance fee per year.

What documents are required?

Form 25, passport photos, passport copy, current status if in Kenya, applicant and company cover letters, income proof, accommodation proof, embassy no-objection letter, company details and contact details, plus a copy of the checklist.

How do I apply?

Create an account through the Government of Kenya Single Sign On portal, log in to eFNS, choose Apply now, go to Submit Applications, select Permit Issuance or Renewal, generate the invoice, pay, and track progress through the dashboard and email.

Can I use Class N for Kenyan employment?

No. If the applicant will work for a Kenyan employer, direct them to the appropriate employment permit route instead.

Need help with a Class N application?

We can help review eligibility, prepare the document pack, and support the eFNS filing process from start to finish.

Office: Kose Heights, Argwings Kodhek Road, Kilimani, Nairobi, Kenya