Process for Applying for a Class G Business Work Permit in Kenya

October 30, 2025 5 Min Read

Step-by-Step Process for Applying for a Class G Business Work Permit in Kenya

Step-by-step guide to Kenya’s Class G Work Permit for foreign investors and entrepreneurs. Learn requirements, documents & tax rules with WKA Advocates.

By WKA Advocates — Kenya’s Leading Immigration & Investment Law Firm

Kenya is one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies and a strategic gateway to the East and Central African region.
From tech startups to large-scale logistics and renewable energy projects, the country continues to attract global entrepreneurs, investors, and consultants.

To legally engage in business, consultancy, or trade, foreign nationals must obtain the 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 full-spectrum support — from company incorporation and capital verification to eFNS portal submission, tax registration, and permit renewals, ensuring full compliance with Kenyan law.

🧾 What Is a Class G Work Permit?

The Class G Work Permit authorizes a foreign national to:

Independently or jointly engage in a specific trade, consultancy, or business;
Reside legally in Kenya while managing that enterprise; and
Enjoy legal protections under Kenyan investment and immigration law.

This category—governed by Section 36 and Regulation 26 of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Regulations (2012)—is intended for entrepreneurs and investors operating lawful commercial ventures.

🎯 Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a Class G Business Work Permit, an applicant must:

Be a foreign national intending to run a trade, consultancy, or business in Kenya.
Own or be a director/shareholder in a registered Kenyan company.
Demonstrate a minimum capital investment of at least USD 100,000 (≈ KES 15 million).
Prove that the business will benefit Kenya through job creation, tax contribution, and skills transfer.
Maintain valid immigration status throughout the process.

At WKA Advocates, we assess eligibility, structure investments under the Companies Act 2015, and ensure full legal compliance before submission.

📄 Documents Required for a Class G Permit

Prepare the following:

Form 25 (Work Permit Application) via the eFNS Portal.
Cover Letter to the Director General of Immigration, describing capital investment and economic benefit.
Passport (bio-data page) and two recent color photos.
Certificate of Incorporation or Business Registration Certificate.
CR12 confirming directors and shareholders.
KRA PIN Certificates (for both company and applicant).
Bank Statements from a Kenyan bank showing capital deposit.
Foreign Telegraphic Transfer Proof for imported capital.
Business Plan / Company Profile showing projections and job creation.
Business Licences / Sector Approvals from relevant agencies.
Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC).
Current visa or immigration status (if in Kenya).

WKA Advocates authenticates and uploads all documents correctly to prevent rejection.

🧭 Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1 – Legal Consultation & Assessment

We review your business model, shareholding, and funding sources. If needed, we help register or restructure the company with the Business Registration Service (BRS).

Step 2 – Company Incorporation (If New)

Register your entity at BRS.
Obtain CR12, KRA PIN, and county business licenses.
Open a corporate bank account under Central Bank of Kenya supervision.

Step 3 – Capital Investment Proof

Demonstrate USD 100,000 through bank statements and remittance records. WKA Advocates prepares letters and certified evidence accepted by DIS.

Step 4 – Document Compilation & Verification

All papers are compiled, verified, and formatted per immigration standards — cover letter, bank statements, business plan, KRA compliance, and licenses.

Step 5 – Online Submission via eFNS Portal

We register your profile, upload documents, and pay the KES 20,000 processing fee.

Step 6 – Review & Follow-Up

The Directorate of Immigration Services evaluates your application and verifies financial proof. Our lawyers liaise with officers to ensure timely feedback.

Step 7 – Approval & Permit Issuance

After approval, you pay the permit issuance fee (≈ KES 250,000 per year) and security bond (if required). The permit is then endorsed in your passport or linked to your Alien Card.

Step 8 – Post-Issuance Compliance

We offer continued support including:

Tax filing and KRA monitoring.
Employment compliance (NSSF/NHIF).
Dependent Pass applications.
Renewal tracking and immigration audits.

🕓 Validity & Renewal

Initial Validity: 1–2 years.
Renewal: Apply ≥ 90 days before expiry.
Requirements: Proof of ongoing business, audited accounts, and TCC.

WKA Advocates prepares renewals to ensure uninterrupted residence and business operations.

💼 Compliance & Legal Obligations

Class G permit holders must:

Operate only within approved business scope.
Maintain full tax compliance with KRA.
Employ Kenyan citizens where possible.
Renew the permit on time.
Avoid engaging in unauthorized employment.

Our firm provides annual compliance audits, liaising with KRA, DIS, and county offices to protect your immigration status.

⚠️ Common Mistakes & Our Solutions

Applicant Error	Impact	WKA Advocates Solution
Incomplete documents	Rejection	We use a verified compliance checklist & certify each item.
Lack of KRA registration	Ineligibility	We register your company and obtain KRA PIN before filing.
Insufficient capital proof	Denial	We prepare auditable bank evidence and foreign transfer letters.
Late renewals	Penalties	We track and renew before expiry.
Weak business plan	Extended review	Our corporate lawyers draft compelling economic justifications.

💰 Tax & Regulatory Advisory for Foreign Investors

Holding a Class G Permit makes you a Kenya-based investor subject to tax and reporting under the Income Tax Act and Companies Act 2015.

WKA Advocates’ tax team assists with:

Corporate tax registration and VAT filing.
Employment law advice for expatriates.
Drafting investment and shareholder agreements.
Sector licensing under EPRA, KEBS, and county governments.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the minimum investment required?
Usually USD 100,000 (or KES equivalent), though it may vary by industry.

2. Can I apply before company registration?
No. You must first register your business with BRS and KRA.

3. How long does it take?
Approximately 6–10 weeks depending on completeness and verification.

4. Can dependents join me?
Yes — apply for Dependent Passes for spouse and children.

5. Can I run multiple businesses?
Only if declared and approved in your application.

6. What if the business fails?
Notify DIS and either cancel or convert the permit.

7. Can I apply for Permanent Residence?
Yes, after seven years of continuous lawful stay.

8. What are the permit fees?
KES 20,000 processing + KES 250,000 issuance per year (approx.).

9. Can profits be repatriated abroad?
Yes — subject to Central Bank of Kenya and foreign exchange regulations.

10. Can I hire Kenyan employees?
Yes, and it is encouraged under Kenya’s localization policy.

💼 Why Choose WKA Advocates

Accredited Immigration & Corporate Law Firm with decades of experience.
Direct liaison with Immigration, KRA, and BRS.
Comprehensive tax and compliance support for foreign investors.
Multilingual legal team serving clients worldwide.
Track record of successful Class G, N, R, and P permit applications.

Our clientele includes entrepreneurs, consultants, NGOs, and multinational investors across real estate, tech, agriculture, and logistics.