Kenya investor visa: Class G and other business permits

Class G covers a person who intends to engage, alone or in partnership, in a specific trade, business, consultancy or profession other than a prescribed profession, who has obtained any licence or registration needed and has sufficient capital and resources, and whose business will benefit Kenya. It is the usual route for foreign owners of trading companies, service firms and consultancies.

Three sector classes follow the same logic. Class A is for prospecting and mining and requires the relevant prospecting or mining rights and licences. Class B covers agriculture and animal husbandry and requires proof of land ownership or a lease and clearance from the regulator. Class F is for specific manufacturing and requires the regulator's licence and company registration papers. All four classes require proof of at least USD 100,000 in investment capital, according to the Directorate's requirement lists.

The Directorate's Class G list includes: Form 25 completed and signed; a signed cover letter to the Director General; the passport bio page; current immigration status if in Kenya; a recent colour photo; a valid tax compliance certificate for the company on a new application, and for both the company and the individual on renewal; documentary proof of at least USD 100,000 to be invested; company registration documents (certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles); KRA PIN certificates for the company and the individual; the CR12 shareholders' certificate; signed audited accounts for the previous two years on renewal; and a completed Form 27. Foreign company or bank documents not in English must be translated by an embassy, notary or recognised institution.

Every class charges a non-refundable processing fee of KES 20,000. The yearly issuance fee is KES 250,000 for Classes B, F and G and KES 500,000 for Class A, as published on the class pages and in the Directorate's 2025 service delivery charter. Citizens of East African Community partner states pay no fees. Processing is set at 21 working days for new applications and 10 working days for renewals.

Renewals need current tax compliance certificates for both company and owner and audited accounts, so the business must actually trade and file taxes in Kenya. Permits cannot exceed five years per issue or renewal. The holder needs an alien card if residing over 90 days and may bring family members on Dependant's Passes. After seven years on work permits with three years of continuous residence, the holder can apply for permanent residence.