A practical, step-by-step guide for retirees and financially independent foreigners who want to live in Kenya
without working or running a business.
Key takeaways (fast answers)
- What it is: A non-working residence permit for ordinary residents (often retirees) living in Kenya using stable income.
- Core eligibility: 35+ years old + assured annual income of at least USD 24,000 + you must not work or do business in Kenya.
- Official government fees: KES 20,000 processing (non-refundable) + KES 250,000 per year issuance after approval.
- Where to apply: Online via the eFNS portal (Form 25 is completed online).
Important: Immigration can request additional supporting evidence depending on your nationality, history, and documentation.
1) What is the Class K Ordinary Permit in Kenya?
The Class K permit (Ordinary Residents) is issued to foreign nationals who want to live in Kenya
long-term using assured income (commonly from pensions, annuities, investments, or other stable sources),
and who undertake not to accept employment or engage in business in Kenya.
Common search terms:
“Class K permit Kenya”, “Class K ordinary permit”, “Kenya retirement permit”, “non-working residence permit Kenya”, “ordinary resident permit Kenya”.
Is Class K the right permit for you?
- Yes if you want to reside in Kenya and you have stable income but you will not work or run a business.
- No if you plan to work, consult, invest actively, operate a company, or do remote work — you should consider the relevant permit class (e.g., Class D, G, N, etc.).
2) Class K eligibility requirements (Kenya)
To qualify for a Class K permit, Immigration focuses on three pillars:
- Age: Applicant must be not less than 35 years.
- Income: Applicant must have an assured annual income of at least USD 24,000 (or equivalent) that is at their full and free disposition.
- Non-working: Applicant must undertake not to accept employment (paid or unpaid) or engage in any income-generating activity in Kenya without the relevant permit.
“Benefit to Kenya” — what it means in practice
Immigration guidance commonly references that the applicant’s presence should be of benefit to Kenya. In practice,
this is usually satisfied by demonstrating lawful, stable residence plans (housing, financial self-sufficiency, clean immigration history),
and credible documentation.
3) Requirements & documents checklist (Class K)
Your approval odds improve dramatically when your file is clean, legible, consistent, and “complete on first submission”.
The following items are the core Class K checklist.
- Form 25 (Entry Permit application) — completed online via eFNS and printed at the end.
- Cover letter addressed to the Director General / Director of Immigration Services explaining:
intent to reside, income source, and confirmation you will not work or do business in Kenya.
- Passport biodata page copy + current immigration status if already in Kenya.
- Two recent passport-size color photos.
- Documentary proof of assured annual income (minimum USD 24,000 per year).
- Translations: if any document is not in English, attach certified English translations.
- Renewals: include copies of any previous permits/passes held.
Pro tip for eFNS uploads: name files clearly (e.g., Passport_Biodata.pdf, Income_Proof_2025.pdf) and ensure scans are readable.
4) Proof of income (USD 24,000): what works best
The core decision question is simple: Can you support yourself in Kenya without working?
Your evidence should show source, stability, and amount.
Strong evidence examples
- Pension / annuity: award letter + payment statements + bank statements showing credits.
- Investments: brokerage/account statements showing dividends/interest + bank credits.
- Rental income: lease agreements + bank statements showing consistent rental deposits.
- Bank statements: ideally 6–12 months, highlighting recurring credits and balances.
Avoid these “income proof” mistakes
- Uploading a single bank statement with a large lump sum but no history.
- Income documents in another language with no certified translation.
- Statements that don’t match the applicant name/passport details.
- Unclear source of funds (no pension letter, no investment account evidence, etc.).
5) Cost of Class K permit in Kenya (official fees)
The government fee structure typically includes:
| Fee |
Amount (KES) |
When you pay |
Notes |
| Processing / application fee |
20,000 |
At submission / invoicing |
Non-refundable |
| Issuance fee |
250,000 per year |
After approval |
Payable per year granted |
Note: East Africa Community (EAC) member state nationals are commonly shown as “Gratis” for processing/issuance on official guidance, where applicable.
Quick total estimate:
- 1 year: KES 20,000 + (KES 250,000 × 1) = KES 270,000
- 2 years: KES 20,000 + (KES 250,000 × 2) = KES 520,000
- 3 years: KES 20,000 + (KES 250,000 × 3) = KES 770,000
Always confirm the amount shown on your eFNS invoice before paying (fees can change).
6) How to apply for Class K on eFNS (Form 25) — step-by-step
- Create / access your Government of Kenya Single Sign-On account (eCitizen SSO).
- Log into the eFNS portal and select Permit Issuance/Renewal.
- Choose “Class K (Ordinary Residents)” and complete Form 25 online.
- Upload documents: cover letter, passport biodata, photos, current status (if in Kenya), income proof, translations.
- Generate invoice and pay the processing fee (KES 20,000).
- Track progress via eFNS notifications (email + portal updates).
- If you cannot pay online: print the application from your dashboard and present it with requirements at Immigration HQ (Nyayo House) for payment/processing.
7) Processing time (and how to avoid delays)
Processing time varies by workload and the quality of your submission. As a practical expectation,
many applicants see decisions in the 1–3 month range, but delays are possible if Immigration requests clarification.
How to avoid delays
- Provide 6–12 months bank statements and a clear source (pension letter / investment statement).
- Ensure your cover letter matches your documents (amount, currency, source).
- Upload clean scans (no blurred photos, no cut-off passport biodata page).
- Translate any non-English documents with certified translations.
- Ensure lawful status if applying while in Kenya (valid visa/pass/permit during processing).
8) After approval: payment, endorsement & compliance
- Pay issuance fees shown on the approval/invoice (KES 250,000 per year granted).
- Print your permit from eFNS once issued and present to Immigration for endorsement where required.
- Stay compliant: do not work or run a business under Class K (that requires the relevant permit class).
Compliance tip:
If your plans change (you decide to consult, invest actively, or work remotely), switch to the correct permit class
before you start activity. Class K is strict on “non-working residence”.
9) Can a spouse/children join on Class K?
Yes — family members typically apply separately for a Dependant Pass (spouse and eligible children).
Each dependant application is lodged separately and requires its own documentation and fees.
Related guide: Dependent Pass Application in Kenya
10) FAQs — Class K permit Kenya
-
Who is eligible for a Class K Ordinary Permit in Kenya?
Age 35+ with assured income of at least USD 24,000/year (or equivalent) from outside Kenya, and you must not work or do business in Kenya.
-
Can a Class K permit holder work or run a business in Kenya?
No. Class K is a non-working residence permit. If you intend to work, consult, invest actively, or do remote work, apply for the relevant permit class instead.
-
How much does a Class K permit cost in Kenya?
KES 20,000 processing (non-refundable) + KES 250,000 per year issuance after approval.
-
How do I apply for Class K on eFNS?
Create an eCitizen SSO account, log into eFNS, select Permit Issuance/Renewal, complete Form 25 online, upload documents, pay the processing fee, then track progress via your eFNS dashboard.