Class D Work Permit Kenya: Application for Foreign Employees
A Class D work permit in Kenya is the correct employment permit for a foreign employee offered specific employment by a specific Kenyan employer. The application must show that the applicant has skills or qualifications not readily available in Kenya, that the employment will benefit Kenya, and that the employer has prepared a genuine role, local recruitment evidence and a Kenyan understudy arrangement.
Class D cost snapshot
| Class D fee item | Amount | SEO/client answer |
|---|---|---|
| Processing fee | KES 20,000 | Paid at application stage; non-refundable. |
| Issuance fee | KES 500,000 per year | Paid after approval before final issuance. |
| EAC nationals | Listed as gratis | Confirm against nationality, facts and the live eFNS invoice. |
| Security bond | Case-specific | May be required after approval through an approved provider. |
Cost answer: for most employers, the main official cost of Class D work permit in Kenya is KES 20,000 processing plus KES 500,000 per year issuance after approval, subject to the final eFNS invoice.
Work Permit for Foreign Employees in Kenya
A foreign employee hired by a Kenyan employer normally needs a Class D Employment Permit before starting work. This page is written for employers, HR teams and foreign professionals preparing a work permit for foreign employees in Kenya, with emphasis on employer sponsorship, recruitment evidence, tax compliance, certified qualifications, Form 25, Form 27 and the Kenyan understudy file.
Quick answers: Class D work permit Kenya
| Who is this page for? | Kenyan employers sponsoring a named foreign employee for a Class D work permit Kenya application. |
| How do you apply? | The employer prepares the Class D file, completes the eFNS Permit Issuance/Renewal application, uploads Form 25 details, Form 27 and supporting evidence, then tracks approval and issuance instructions. |
| How much does Class D cost? | The official cost is normally KES 20,000 processing fee and KES 500,000 per year issuance fee after approval, subject to the live eFNS invoice. |
| What documents are required? | Core documents include employer cover letter, passport, current Kenya status, photo, certified qualifications, CV, Form 25, Form 27, employer registration, tax compliance, recruitment evidence and Kenyan understudy documents. |
| How long does Class D take? | Use 4–12+ weeks as a practical planning range for complete files; complex files, queries, compliance gaps and post-approval bond steps can extend the timeline. |
| Can the employee start work before approval? | No. The foreign employee should not start employment in Kenya until the correct permit or pass has been issued. |
When a Class D work permit is the right route
Use this Class D page where there is a specific Kenyan employer, a specific foreign employee, a defined job title, a genuine employment contract or offer, and employer evidence showing why the role requires the foreign employee’s skills.
| Class D signal | What the employer should prove | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Named Kenyan employer | Company registration, employer profile, tax compliance and authorised signatory details. | Class D is employer-sponsored, not a general right to work. |
| Specific foreign employee | Passport, current status, CV, certified qualifications and professional experience. | The file must connect the applicant’s skills to the role. |
| Defined job role | Contract or offer letter, job description, reporting line, salary and expected work location. | Immigration reviews the exact job, not a vague employment intention. |
| Local recruitment evidence | Advert, shortlist, interview notes and a factual explanation of why local candidates were not suitable. | Supports the Class D requirement that the skills are not readily available locally. |
| Kenyan understudy file | Understudy ID, CV, certified qualifications, contacts and practical skills-transfer plan. | Shows localisation, training and benefit to Kenya. |
How to apply for a Class D work permit in Kenya on eFNS
-
Confirm Class D eligibility.
Confirm there is a Kenyan employer, a named foreign employee, a specific job offer, evidence of specialist skills, local recruitment records and a Kenyan understudy plan. - Prepare employer and applicant documents.
Collect the employer registration documents, job offer or contract, job description, passport, current status, photo, CV and certified qualifications. - Prepare recruitment and understudy evidence.
Organise local recruitment proof, reasons the position could not be filled locally, Kenyan understudy documents and a practical skills-transfer plan. - Create or access Government of Kenya Single Sign On.
Use the account to log into eFNS and open the Permit Issuance/Renewal application. - Complete Form 25 details and upload documents.
Enter consistent information and upload clean, readable documents in the correct sections. - Generate and pay the processing invoice.
Pay the official processing fee as directed in the eFNS dashboard. - Track approval, queries and issuance.
Monitor the eFNS dashboard and email notifications, respond to queries, pay issuance fees after approval and complete security bond or endorsement steps where directed.
On this page
Cost of Class D Work Permit in Kenya
The cost of Class D work permit in Kenya should be presented plainly because employers usually want to know the official processing fee, the issuance fee after approval, and any practical file-preparation costs before committing to the application.
| Fee item | Amount | When payable | Practical note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processing fee | KES 20,000 | At application stage | Non-refundable official processing fee. |
| Issuance fee | KES 500,000 per year | After approval | Payable before final issuance for the approved period. |
| East Africa Community nationals | Gratis | Subject to eligibility and portal treatment | Confirm nationality and invoice treatment before relying on this fee line. |
| Security bond | Case-specific | Usually after approval where required | Arranged through an approved bank or insurance provider as directed. |
| Professional support | Quoted after review | Before file preparation and filing | Depends on employer readiness, role complexity, recruitment evidence, translations, certification, KRA status and query risk. |
Other cost drivers employers should budget for
| Cost driver | When it arises | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Certification of documents | Academic and professional certificates need certified copies. | Uncertified documents are a common query point. |
| Translation | Documents are not in English. | Foreign-language documents should be translated by an accepted authority. |
| Recruitment evidence preparation | The employer must show the role could not be filled locally. | Weak recruitment evidence can undermine the employer justification. |
| KRA and company compliance cleanup | Company or individual tax compliance documents are expired or unavailable. | Tax compliance is specifically relevant in the checklist, especially for renewals. |
| Sector clearance | The employer or role is regulated by a professional body, regulator or public authority. | Clearance letters may be required where applicable. |
| Security bond and post-approval steps | Immigration directs bond or endorsement requirements after approval. | Approval is not the final step; issuance can stall if post-approval items are delayed. |
Need a Class D cost estimate before filing?
Send us the employer name, job title, applicant nationality, current Kenya status, proposed contract, qualifications, recruitment evidence and understudy details. We will identify what is ready, what is missing and what may cause cost or timing issues.
Class D Work Permit Requirements Kenya
A strong Class D file is not just a personal document upload. It is an evidence pack showing that the employer exists, the job is genuine, the applicant is qualified, the skills are not readily available locally, a Kenyan understudy has been identified and the employment benefits Kenya.
Quick checklist: Class D work permit requirements Kenya
- Form 25 / eFNS Permit Issuance or Renewal application details.
- Employer cover letter addressed to Immigration.
- Passport bio-data page, current Kenya immigration status and passport photo.
- Certified academic and professional certificates plus applicant CV.
- Form 27 / Report on Employment.
- Employer registration certificate and tax compliance evidence.
- Employment contract or offer letter and job description.
- Kenyan understudy ID, CV, certified certificates, phone, email and training plan.
- Recruitment evidence showing the employer could not fill the role locally.
- Relevant regulator or institution clearance letters where applicable.
Official requirements reorganised for filing
- Completed and signed Form 25 or eFNS Permit Issuance/Renewal form.
- Detailed employer cover letter addressed to the Director General or Director of Immigration Services.
- Copy of the applicant’s valid passport bio-data page.
- Current immigration status if the applicant is already in Kenya.
- Recent coloured passport-size photograph.
- Valid company Tax Compliance Certificate for a new application; company and individual TCCs are especially relevant for renewal cases.
- Certified academic and professional certificates for the applicant.
- Applicant curriculum vitae.
- Form 27 / Report on Employment.
- Name and identity card of the Kenyan understudy.
- Certified academic or professional certificates and full contacts of the Kenyan understudy, including email and phone.
- Curriculum vitae of the Kenyan understudy.
- Certificate of registration of the employer organisation.
- Clearance letter from relevant institutions where applicable.
- Evidence that the employer could not fill the vacancy from the local labour market through competitive recruitment.
- English translation of foreign-language documents by an accepted authority.
Requirements grouped into a practical filing pack
| Document pack | What to include | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Applicant identity pack | Passport bio-data page, passport photos, current immigration status, previous permits or passes if any. | Confirms identity, nationality and lawful status position. |
| Applicant qualification pack | Certified academic certificates, professional certificates, CV, licences or memberships where applicable. | Proves the skills and qualifications relied on in the application. |
| Employer compliance pack | Company registration certificate, company PIN/tax compliance, employer profile and sector licences where applicable. | Shows the sponsor is a legitimate and compliant employer. |
| Employment pack | Offer letter, employment contract, job description, reporting line, salary and start-date details. | Shows the role is specific, genuine and aligned to Class D. |
| Local recruitment pack | Job adverts, shortlist, interview notes, recruitment summary and reasons local candidates were unsuitable. | Supports the requirement that the vacancy could not be filled locally. |
| Kenyan understudy pack | Understudy ID, CV, certified certificates, email, phone and skills-transfer plan. | Shows localisation and skills transfer planning. |
| eFNS forms pack | Form 25, Form 27 and eFNS generated printouts. | Forms must match the employer letter, contract and uploaded evidence. |
Employer cover letter and recruitment evidence
The cover letter should not be generic. It should explain the employer, the vacancy, why the role is specialised, the applicant’s qualifications, the local recruitment position, the benefit to Kenya and the Kenyan understudy arrangement.
| Evidence | What it should show | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Job advert | The vacancy was advertised locally or through a credible recruitment channel. | Keep dates, title, requirements and application channel visible. |
| Shortlist and interview notes | Local candidates were considered. | Summarise gaps professionally and factually. |
| Recruitment report | The employer can explain why the foreign applicant is needed. | Link the report to the job description and applicant’s specialist skills. |
| Sector or client requirement | The role needs specific certification, technology, project experience or international expertise. | Attach regulator, project or contract evidence where available. |
| Training plan | The employer will transfer skills to a Kenyan understudy. | Use practical milestones, not a generic promise. |
Kenyan understudy requirement
The understudy requirement is central to many Class D applications because it shows capacity building and skills transfer. Prepare the understudy’s ID, CV, certified qualifications, full contacts and a role-aligned skills-transfer plan.
Common query and refusal risks
| Problem | Why it creates risk | How to reduce the risk |
|---|---|---|
| Weak recruitment evidence | The employer has not shown that the vacancy could not be filled locally. | Prepare adverts, shortlisting notes, interview summary and employer explanation. |
| Generic employer cover letter | The file does not connect the applicant’s skills to the employer’s specific need. | Draft a role-specific letter addressing the Class D criteria. |
| Missing understudy evidence | The skills-transfer position is unclear or unsupported. | Prepare ID, CV, certified certificates, contacts and training plan. |
| Weak Class D fit | The file does not clearly prove employer sponsorship, specialised skills, local recruitment evidence or a Kenyan understudy arrangement. | Rebuild the file around the Class D statutory test before filing. |
| Uncertified or untranslated documents | Documents may not satisfy the checklist. | Identify certification and translation needs before upload. |
| Expired tax compliance | Company or individual tax documents may be required and must be valid. | Resolve KRA and compliance gaps before submission where possible. |
Class D Work Permit Processing Duration in Kenya
There is no guaranteed public processing time for every Class D application. A practical employer planning range is 4–12+ weeks for a complete file, but complex matters can take longer where there are missing documents, regulated-sector clearances, tax compliance issues, security bond delays or Immigration queries.
| Stage | What happens | Common delay point | How to reduce delay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-filing | Eligibility review and document preparation. | Missing certified qualifications, weak job description or no recruitment evidence. | Use a full checklist before eFNS filing. |
| eFNS submission | Online completion, upload and invoice generation. | Inconsistent information or unreadable scans. | Use clear PDFs and consistent dates, names and job titles. |
| Immigration review | Assessment of eligibility, employer proof and statutory requirements. | Queries on employer justification, understudy or clearance letters. | Respond with complete evidence, not short explanations only. |
| Approval and issuance | Payment of issuance fee and completion of bond or endorsement steps. | Delayed issuance payment, security bond or missed instructions. | Budget for issuance fees and track portal notifications closely. |
| Post-approval | Foreign national registration, HR records and renewal planning. | Employee works outside approved employer or role. | Keep permit scope, payroll, KRA and renewal records aligned. |
Security bond and post-approval duration
After approval, Immigration may require a security bond through an approved bank or insurance provider before final issuance or endorsement. This is why employers should not treat approval as the final step. Budget and plan for issuance payment, bond processing, endorsement instructions and foreign national registration where applicable.
Client intake checklist for faster advice
| Employer details | Applicant details | Understudy details |
|---|---|---|
| Company name, registration certificate, PIN/tax compliance status, job title, job description, contract/offer letter, sector clearance position and recruitment evidence. | Passport bio-data page, nationality, current Kenya status, CV, academic/professional certificates, passport photo and previous permits or passes if any. | Kenyan ID, CV, certified certificates, email, phone number, role relationship to applicant and proposed skills-transfer plan. |
Have us review your Class D file before submission
Biz Brokers Kenya assists employers with Class D work permit application in Kenya: employer file review, document gap analysis, employer cover letters, recruitment evidence, Kenyan understudy planning, eFNS filing support, query responses and post-approval compliance guidance.
Call: +254 757 884 710
Email: info@bizbrokerskenya.com
WhatsApp: Chat on WhatsApp
FAQs: Class D Work Permit Kenya
How much does a Class D work permit cost in Kenya?
The official fee lines are KES 20,000 processing fee and KES 500,000 per year issuance fee after approval. EAC nationals are listed as gratis, subject to the live eFNS invoice.
What are the requirements for a Class D work permit in Kenya?
The core requirements include Form 25, employer cover letter, passport, current immigration status, passport photos, tax compliance documents, certified academic and professional certificates, CV, Form 27, employer registration certificate, Kenyan understudy documents, clearance letters where applicable, recruitment evidence and translations where required.
How long does a Class D work permit application take?
There is no guaranteed processing time for every file. Employers should plan for several weeks to a few months, depending on document quality, Immigration workload, clearance letters, employer compliance, understudy evidence and query response time.
Can a foreign employee work while the Class D application is pending?
No. A foreign employee should not engage in employment without the required permit or pass. If the assignment is urgent or short-term, review whether a Special Pass is appropriate while the long-term position is assessed.
Can I apply for Class D without a Kenyan employer?
No. Class D is employer-specific. A foreign investor, business owner or independent consultant may need Class G or another route instead.
Is Class D the correct work permit for foreign employees in Kenya?
For a foreign employee hired by a Kenyan employer, the usual employment route is the Class D Employment Permit. The file must still prove employer sponsorship, applicant qualifications, local recruitment position, Kenyan understudy evidence and benefit to Kenya.
Is Form 27 required for a Class D work permit?
Yes. Form 27 is the Report on Employment and should match the employer letter, contract, job description and Form 25 details.
Is a Kenyan understudy required?
Yes. The Class D checklist requires Kenyan understudy details. A strong file should include the understudy’s ID, CV, certified qualifications, contacts and a skills-transfer plan.
What causes Class D work permit delays or refusals?
Common causes include weak employer justification, poor recruitment evidence, missing understudy details, uncertified documents, expired tax compliance documents, wrong permit class, inconsistent job details and slow responses to Immigration or eFNS queries.
Can Biz Brokers Kenya help with eFNS filing?
Yes. We support employers and foreign professionals with eligibility review, document planning, employer cover letters, recruitment evidence review, understudy pack preparation, eFNS filing support, query responses and post-approval compliance guidance.
Official sources and useful links
Next action
For a pre-filing review, send the employer profile, job description, offer or contract, applicant CV, passport bio-data page, qualification certificates, current Kenya status, recruitment evidence and Kenyan understudy details.