Who qualifies for a Class R permit in Kenya

The Class R permit is for a person who is a citizen of a Member State of the East African Community, is not a prohibited immigrant, and intends to reside in Kenya while engaging in employment, activity, business, trade or a prescribed profession.

Class R permit Kenya requirements

Use this section as the main requirements answer block for search intent. The documents below track the official eFNS Class R checklist closely and add practical filing guidance for cleaner submissions.

Core requirements for most applicants

• Duly filled and signed Form 25 online form. You print the form at the end of the application.
• Two recent passport-size coloured photos.
• Copy of a valid national passport bio-data page.
• Current immigration status if already in Kenya.
• Cover letter addressed to the Director General of Immigration Services.
• Certificate of registration of the organisation or business, where applicable.
• Academic certificates or professional certificates, where applicable.
• Clearance letters or licences from relevant bodies for members of a prescribed profession.

Additional requirements for investors

• Proof of capital investment.
• Proof of land ownership or lease for farmers.
• Shareholding certificate or CR12 for investors.
• Proof of source of income for residents.

Additional requirements for missionaries

• Letter from the sending religious society in the home country.
• Proof of registration of the sending religious society in the home country.
• Head office details of the sending religious society, including physical address, telephone, email and senior contact details.
• Supporting letter from a local umbrella religious body such as SUPKEM, Hindu Council, Sikh Union or another recognised religious body.
• Documentary proof of training in the religious faith.
• Certificate of ordination, where applicable.
• Details of the proposed workstation in Kenya, including physical address and contact person.

Additional requirements for renewals

• Tax Compliance Certificate for the individual.
• Tax Compliance Certificate for the employer.
• Company Tax Compliance Certificate for investors.
• Police clearance certificate in Kenya for labourers and small-scale traders.

Class R permit Kenya fees

How to apply for a Class R permit in Kenya

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 the eFNS portal.
3. Once logged in to eFNS, select the Apply now link.
4. Click on the Submit Applications tab and select Permit Issuance/Renewal.
5. Complete the online Form 25 for Class R and upload all required supporting documents.
6. After completing the form, check the generated invoice under Dashboard > Payments.
7. Print the application from Dashboard > My Applications.
8. Present the application print-out together with supporting documents at Immigration Headquarters, Nyayo House, or another regional immigration office, as required.
9. Monitor progress through automatic email notifications and your online eFNS account.

Processing time and practical expectations

The official information pack does not promise a fixed turnaround time. In practice, timelines depend on how complete the file is, the workload at the time of submission, and whether officers request clarification or fresh documents.

• Expect a faster result where the category is clear and the document pack is complete.
• Renewals with tax and status documents already in order are usually easier to process than weak first-time files.
• Do not assume the online submission alone is enough; follow the print-out and presentation instructions.

Common mistakes that delay approval

• Uploading a passport scan that is cropped, dark or unreadable.
• Submitting a generic cover letter that does not match the activity stated in the application.
• Omitting professional licences or category-specific evidence.
• Using inconsistent names across the passport, certificates and support letters without explanation.
• Ignoring the requirement to print and present the application after filing online.

Frequently asked questions

1. Who can apply for a Class R permit in Kenya?

   An eligible citizen of an EAC Member State who is not a prohibited immigrant and intends to live in Kenya while carrying on employment, business, trade, investment or a prescribed profession.

2. What are the official Class R permit fees in Kenya?

   The official eFNS information pack currently shows Processing fees non refundable (KES 0/=) and Final fees (KES 0/=).

3. How do I apply for a Class R permit in Kenya?

   Apply through Government of Kenya Single Sign On and eFNS, complete Form 25, upload the required documents, review the generated invoice, print the application, and present the print-out with supporting documents as required.

4. Do I need to print the application after applying online?

   Yes. The official Class R disclaimer says application print-outs must be presented to Immigration Headquarters or any other regional offices.