Investor visa routes in Republic of Kenya
Thinking about Republic of Kenya as a place to work? Below are the 2 Republic of Kenya visa routes that most commonly fit investors, with what each one needs and a link to the official government source. Always confirm the current rules on the primary source before acting.
Also searched as: high-net-worth individual, HNW, wealth migrant, passive-income migrant.
What this means for investors
Of the 2 Republic of Kenya routes that commonly fit investors, 0 need a sponsoring employer and 2 do not, and 2 can lead to permanent residence. Investors are not usually a licensed profession, so your main gates are securing a qualifying job offer where a route needs a sponsor, and meeting any salary or points threshold, rather than re-credentialing.
The most-used skilled route into Republic of Kenya overall is the Class D Work Permit (Employment); it is not specific to investors but is worth understanding as the benchmark route.
Routes that fit investors
Class G Work Permit (Trade, Business or Consultancy)
Work permit for a foreign national investing in and running a specific trade, business, consultancy or profession in Kenya.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Issued and renewable in line with the business; counts toward the residence record for permanent residence.
Class A Work Permit (Prospecting and Mining)
Work permit for a foreign national engaging, alone or in partnership, in prospecting for minerals or mining in Kenya.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Issued and renewable in line with the licensed activity; counts toward the residence record for permanent residence.
Frequently asked questions
Which visa routes suit investors moving to Republic of Kenya?+
Republic of Kenya has 2 routes that commonly fit investors: Class G Work Permit (Trade, Business or Consultancy), Class A Work Permit (Prospecting and Mining). The best fit depends on whether you already have an employer sponsor, your salary, and your qualifications — open any route below for its full eligibility criteria and primary government source.
Do investors need a job offer to move to Republic of Kenya?+
Not always. 2 of the 2 matched Republic of Kenya routes can be pursued without an employer sponsoring you (such as the Class G Work Permit (Trade, Business or Consultancy)), while 0 need a sponsoring employer or a confirmed job offer. If you do not yet have an offer, start with the no-sponsor routes.
Can investors settle permanently in Republic of Kenya?+
Yes. 2 of the 2 matched routes lead toward settlement or permanent residence. Permanent-residence timelines vary by route, so check the settlement detail on each visa page.