Complete Guide to Kenya’s Class G Work Permit: Trade, Business & Consultancy
Obtaining a Class G Work Permit is a vital step for every foreign investor, consultant, or entrepreneur intending to operate lawfully in Kenya.
It not only authorizes legal business engagement but also unlocks access to Kenya’s growing economy, its regional trade networks, and investment incentives under the Kenya Investment Promotion Act.
Prepared by WKA Advocates — Immigration, Investment & Business Law Experts in Kenya
🌍Doing Business Legally in Kenya
Kenya remains one of Africa’s fastest-growing investment destinations, attracting thousands of foreign investors, consultants, and entrepreneurs seeking to establish a presence in East Africa’s commercial hub, Nairobi.
To legally engage in trade, business, consultancy, or professional services, a non-citizen must obtain a Class G Work Permit, issued by the Directorate of Immigration Services (DIS) under the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act (2011).
At WKA Advocates, we provide end-to-end immigration and investment compliance services — from company incorporation and KRA PIN registration to work permit applications, renewals, and ongoing regulatory advice. Our goal is to help investors operate legally and sustainably under Kenya’s robust business and immigration framework.
🧾 Understanding the Class G Work Permit
A Class G Work Permit is designed for foreign nationals intending to engage in trade, business, or consultancy within Kenya — whether as independent entrepreneurs or in partnership with local investors.
This permit authorizes the holder to:
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Legally reside and conduct business within Kenya.
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Register, own, and manage a company or consultancy practice.
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Hire Kenyan employees and contribute to local job creation.
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Open business bank accounts and sign commercial contracts lawfully.
By securing a Class G permit, foreign professionals demonstrate their commitment to Kenya’s economic growth and compliance with national immigration regulations.
For details on permit categories, visit the official Kenya Immigration Services website.
👥 Who Qualifies for a Class G Permit?
An applicant must demonstrate that they:
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Intend to engage in a genuine, lawful business or consultancy in Kenya.
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Possess sufficient capital or financial resources to support the enterprise.
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Will contribute to Kenya’s socio-economic development through job creation, skills transfer, or tax payment.
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Operate a registered entity that meets licensing and sector-specific regulatory requirements.
At WKA Advocates, we assess eligibility, structure investments, and prepare the documentation needed to satisfy the Directorate of Immigration Services and related agencies such as KenInvest, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), and the Registrar of Companies.
💰 Minimum Investment & Capital Requirements
Although the law does not prescribe an exact amount, the Department of Immigration typically requires proof of an investment of at least USD 100,000 (or its equivalent in Kenya Shillings) deposited in a licensed Kenyan bank.
WKA Advocates assists clients in:
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Opening local business bank accounts and verifying capital deposits.
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Preparing bank statements and investment letters.
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Ensuring all documentation aligns with Central Bank of Kenya and immigration guidelines.
Proper financial documentation is key to a successful Class G application.
📋 Documents Required for Application
Applications are submitted electronically through the Electronic Foreign Nationals Service (eFNS) Portal.
The following supporting documents are typically required:
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Duly completed Form 25 (Work Permit Application).
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Two official cover letters addressed to the Director General, Directorate of Immigration Services, explaining the nature, objectives, and benefits of the business.
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Copy of passport bio-data page.
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Two recent passport-size photographs.
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Certificate of Incorporation, CR12, and Memorandum & Articles of Association.
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KRA PIN Certificates for both the company and the applicant (apply here).
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Company bank statement confirming capital investment.
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Valid business licence or sectoral approval (e.g. from KEPSA, EPRA, or relevant regulatory body).
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Tax Compliance Certificate for both the company and the applicant.
Our legal team at WKA Advocates verifies every document to ensure accuracy and compliance with Kenyan law.
🧭 Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1 — Company Registration & Setup
A business must be registered locally before applying. WKA Advocates offers company formation, shareholder agreements, and corporate compliance services.
Step 2 — Online Submission
The complete application is submitted via the eFNS Portal with all required attachments.
Step 3 — Payment of Fees
Applicants pay a KES 20,000 processing fee and an issuance fee upon approval. A security bond may also be required.
Step 4 — Evaluation by Immigration Officers
The Directorate of Immigration Services reviews documentation, verifies investment proof, and may request additional details. Our lawyers liaise directly with immigration officers to prevent delays.
Step 5 — Approval & Endorsement
Upon approval, the permit is endorsed in the applicant’s passport and linked to their Foreign National Certificate (Alien Card). WKA Advocates coordinates endorsement, pick-up, and registration.
📆 Validity, Renewal & Compliance
A Class G Work Permit is typically valid for one (1) to two (2) years and renewable subject to continued compliance, including:
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Active, lawful business operations.
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Employment of Kenyan citizens.
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Up-to-date tax filings and renewed licences.
Operating with an expired permit may result in penalties or deportation. WKA Advocates maintains a renewal tracking system to alert clients before expiry and ensure continuous legality.
⚖️ Why Work with WKA Advocates
As one of Kenya’s most trusted law firms in immigration, investment, and corporate law, we provide a complete legal solution for foreign investors:
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Strategic Legal Advisory — eligibility reviews, application strategies, and compliance guidance.
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Document Verification & Compliance Checks — ensuring accuracy and legality of submissions.
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Corporate Structuring & Licensing — company registration through the eCitizen Business Registry.
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Immigration Liaison Services — direct communication with the Directorate of Immigration Services.
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Tax & Regulatory Support — compliance with the Kenya Revenue Authority (kra.go.ke).
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Risk Mitigation & Post-Permit Audits — minimising exposure to immigration penalties or permit revocation.
With WKA Advocates, your business setup and immigration journey are managed by seasoned professionals who understand Kenya’s legal and regulatory environment.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the purpose of a Class G Work Permit?
It legally allows a foreign national to engage in business, trade, or consultancy in Kenya.
2. Can WKA Advocates assist with both company setup and permits?
Yes — we offer a full package covering company registration, KRA PIN acquisition, and immigration processing.
3. How much capital is required?
At least USD 100,000 (or equivalent KES) must be deposited in a Kenyan bank account before application.
4. How long does approval take?
Processing takes approximately 8–12 weeks, depending on document accuracy and review volume.
5. Can dependents be included?
Yes — spouses and children can apply for Dependent Passes, which we process alongside the main permit.
6. Can I change my business activity later?
Yes, but you must notify the Directorate of Immigration Services and possibly apply for a new permit.
7. What if I fail to renew on time?
Operating with an expired permit violates the Kenya Immigration Act and may lead to fines or deportation.
📈 Post-Permit Support and Compliance
Beyond obtaining the Class G permit, WKA Advocates provides ongoing corporate and immigration compliance services, including:
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Annual returns and statutory filings with the Registrar of Companies.
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Tax and immigration compliance audits.
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Dependent pass and residency renewals.
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Transition to Permanent Residence or Kenyan Citizenship after seven years of legal residence.
We also liaise with institutions such as the Kenya Investment Authority (keninvest.go.ke) and the Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development to support foreign investors throughout their business journey.
🏁Complete Guide to Kenya’s Class G Work Permit
Obtaining a Class G Work Permit is a vital step for every foreign investor, consultant, or entrepreneur intending to operate lawfully in Kenya.
It not only authorizes legal business engagement but also unlocks access to Kenya’s growing economy, its regional trade networks, and investment incentives under the Kenya Investment Promotion Act.
At WKA Advocates, we combine deep legal expertise with practical experience to ensure your application meets every requirement of the Directorate of Immigration Services, KRA, and Registrar of Companies.
From your first consultation to final endorsement, our team ensures a smooth, compliant, and confident transition into Kenya’s dynamic business environment.
