When should I apply for renewal of a work permit in Kenya?

Best practice is to start preparing the renewal file about 3 months before expiry so you have time for compliance updates and any eFNS queries.

What is different in a renewal compared to a new work permit application?

Renewals use a similar eFNS workflow, but Immigration expects updated compliance evidence (especially valid tax compliance) and proof of continued employment/need and ongoing skills transfer where applicable.

How much does it cost to renew a work permit in Kenya?

Fees are typically a processing fee payable at submission and an issuance fee payable after approval. Always confirm current amounts on the official eFNS portal before paying because fees can change.

Work Permit Renewal in Kenya (2026) — Requirements, Fees, Timelines & eFNS Steps

Q: Can I keep working while my renewal is being processed?

If you file the renewal before the current permit expires, many employers keep proof of submission while awaiting a decision. Practical outcomes can vary—confirm the current position on eFNS/with Immigration for your specific case.

Last updated: 28 January 2026 · Author: Edward Omondi

Need a fast renewal readiness check?
Call +254757884710 · Email info@bizbrokerskenya.com · WhatsApp Click to chat

We assist with: compliance review, understudy evidence, eFNS filing & follow-up.

Applying for the first time? Use the full application guide + base checklist: Class D Work Permit Application in Kenya.

What’s different in a work permit renewal?

A renewal generally uses the same eFNS workflow as a new application, but Immigration focuses on updated compliance evidence and proof the job is still justified.

Renewal focus areas (the “difference”):

Tax compliance: valid company TCC and (commonly) valid individual TCC for the employee
Continued employment & need: updated employer letter + confirmation of role continuity
Understudy / skills transfer: continued understudy evidence + progress note where applicable
Consistency: passport/permit names & dates must match across uploads and forms

Renewal-only checklist (keep it short)

For the full base list (Form 25/27, employer docs, applicant docs), use: Class D application checklist. Below are the renewal add-ons Immigration typically expects.

Valid Company Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC) (fresh/active at filing)
Valid Individual Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC) for the employee (where required)
Copy of current/previous permit + current immigration status (if in Kenya)
Updated employer letter confirming continued employment + continued need
Contract continuation or extension letter (if contract has been extended/updated)
Understudy continuation: understudy still engaged + 1-page skills-transfer progress note

Fees for renewal (confirm inside eFNS)

Fee type	When paid	Notes
Processing fee KES 20,000	At submission	Non-refundable
Issuance feeKES 500,000	After approval	Pay invoice before issuance/endorsement

Fees can change. Always confirm the exact amounts shown in your eFNS invoice before paying.

How to renew a work permit on eFNS (step-by-step)

Prepare renewal add-ons: valid TCCs (company + individual), copy of current permit, updated employer letter, understudy progress note.
Login to eFNS using Government SSO and select the relevant work permit renewal/extension option.
Complete renewal fields carefully (names/dates must match passport and existing permit).
Upload documents as clear PDFs (avoid blurry images).
Pay processing fee and submit.
Monitor dashboard daily for queries and respond within 48–72 hours.
After approval: pay issuance invoice and follow the portal steps for final issuance/endorsement.

Timelines & when to renew

Best practice: prepare and submit about 3 months before expiry. Timelines vary depending on workload and completeness. Renewals with clean compliance evidence tend to move faster.

Common renewal pitfalls (and fixes)

Expired TCCs: renew company (and individual) TCC before filing.
Missing permit copy: upload current/previous permit clearly.
Weak understudy evidence: add a short progress note + confirm understudy is still employed.
Mismatched names/dates: standardize spellings and dates across forms, letters, passport, permit.
Slow responses: assign a point person to watch eFNS notifications daily.

Download: Kenya Work Permit Checklist (PDF)

Printable checklist for Class D applications, renewals, and NGO endorsement add-on.

✅ Kenya Work Permit Checklist (2026) — PDF

Need help preparing a clean eFNS upload pack? Call +254757884710 · Email info@bizbrokerskenya.com · WhatsApp Chat on WhatsApp

Applying for the first time? See our Class D Work Permit Application Guide .

FAQs

When should I apply for renewal?

Prepare the file about 3 months before expiry to allow time for compliance updates and eFNS queries.

Can I continue working while my renewal is processed?

If you apply before expiry, employers often keep proof of submission while awaiting a decision. Practical outcomes can vary—confirm the current position on eFNS/with Immigration for your case.

Where do I find the latest checklist?

Use the official eFNS portal checklist and compare it to your file before submitting. Requirements are updated periodically.

Want us to review your renewal file before submission?
Call +254757884710 · Email info@bizbrokerskenya.com · WhatsApp Click to chat

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