A work permit renewal follows the same online workflow as a new issuance on the eFNS/eCitizen portals, but focuses on updated evidence — current company compliance (TCC), the employee’s immigration status, continued need, and the skills-transfer plan for the understudy
Upon the expiry of the Work Permit Duration, an applicant wishing to continue working in Kenya must make an application for renewal or extension of the Work permit.
Required documents for a standard work permit renewal (Class D)
Tip: Always download the latest checklist from the eFNS portal before submission — immigration requirements are updated periodically.
Employer documents
- Company Certificate of Incorporation / Registration (clear copy)
- Valid Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC) for the company
- Company PIN evidence (KRA) and, if required, board resolution or authority letter
- Evidence of local recruitment efforts (job adverts, shortlist reports)
- Regulatory or professional body clearances where the role is regulated
Employee documents
- Completed & signed Form 25 (renewal)
- Completed & signed Form 27 (employer report)
- Copy of current passport (bio-data page) and any previous Kenyan permits
- Recent passport photos and a current CV
- Signed employment contract or letter confirming continued employment
- Certified academic & professional certificates (and translations if not in English)
Understudy & skills transfer
Renewals must continue to show a clear skills-transfer plan. Provide:
- Understudy’s CV, ID/passport, and certified certificates
- Understudy job description and signed employment contract
- A short training/skills-transfer plan describing how the understudy will be trained
Other supporting documents
- Employer cover letter on letterhead addressed to the Director of Immigration Services (explaining continued need)
- Any professional or regulatory clearances relevant to the role
Cost of Renewing a Work Permit (2025)
Processing (renewal) fee: KES 20,000 (non-refundable) — payable on submission of the application.
Issuance (permit) fee: KES 500,000 per year — invoiced and payable if the application is approved.
- East African Community (EAC) nationals may be exempt from certain fees in line with regional provisions.
- Fees are set by the Department of Immigration and are subject to change. Always confirm the current amounts on the official eFNS/eCitizen portal before applying.
Source: Kenya Department of Immigration (Class D infopack & Passes & Work Permits pages). :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
When to renew
Start early. Best practice is to prepare documents and submit 3 months before permit expiry. Earlier submission reduces risk of delays and gives time to respond to any immigration queries.
Common renewal pitfalls (and how to avoid them)
- Expired TCCs or company documents: Obtain fresh company certificates before applying.
- Incomplete or uncertified academic documents: Get all certificates notarised and translated if needed.
- No evidence of local recruitment or weak training plan: Attach adverts and a clear skills-transfer plan.
- Mismatched data across forms: Cross-check all fields and use a pre-submission master checklist.
- Late responses to Immigration queries: Assign a point-person to monitor eFNS and reply within 48–72 hours.
Renewal checklist (copy & paste for eFNS submission)
- Completed & signed Form 25 (renewal)
- Completed & signed Form 27 (employer report)
- Employer cover letter on letterhead + training plan for understudy
- Company Certificate of Incorporation & PIN evidence
- Valid company Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC)
- Employee passport copy, recent photos, CV & employment contract
- Certified academic & professional certificates (and translations)
- Understudy documents: CV, ID, certificates, job description
- Evidence of local recruitment (adverts/reports)
Related article
FAQs - Kenya Special pass Frequently Asked Questions
It is be recommended to apply for a work permit renewal at least 3 months before the permit expires. This allows ample time for processing and avoids interruptions in your work status in Kenya..
The application and process for work permit renewal application in can range from 3 to 6 months.
Yes, if you’ve applied for renewal before your permit expires, you’re generally allowed to continue working while awaiting the renewal decision. Keep a copy of the application submission as proof.
Yes, A work permit renewal can be rejected if there are issues with your application, such as missing documentation, incomplete forms or non-compliance.
No. Generally, Kenya work permits are employerspecific. If you change employers, you will have to apply for a new work permit.
Biz Brokers Kenya can guide you through the renewal process, ensuring a smooth and compliant experience..
Yes, all work permit renewals are done via the immigration efns portal. We can assist you with this process.
Extension of a Work permit in Kenya.