Republic of Kenya · entrepreneur · Leads to settlement
Class G Work Permit (Trade, Business or Consultancy)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Source check: all 9 official citations reconfirmed 11 July 2026
Work permit for a foreign national investing in and running a specific trade, business, consultancy or profession in Kenya.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - confirm current timelines on the eFNS portal.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - a processing fee plus an annual issuance fee apply; confirm current amounts on the official Class G page.
- Typical duration
- Issued and renewable in line with the business; counts toward the residence record for permanent residence.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
In short
As of 10 July 2026, the Class G Work Permit (Trade, Business or Consultancy) for Republic of Kenya is an unsponsored Kenya immigration route. Sources: official Republic of Kenya government pages, reviewed 10 July 2026.
Cite this: https://visaatlas.org/visas/kenya/class-g-trade-business-permit#answer
What is the Class G Work Permit (Trade, Business or Consultancy) in Republic of Kenya?
Class G Work Permit (Trade, Business or Consultancy) is an unsponsored Kenya route. Indicative government fees are Indicative only - a processing fee plus an annual issuance fee apply; confirm current amounts on the official Class G page; indicative processing time is Indicative only - confirm current timelines on the eFNS portal; typical duration is Issued and renewable in line with the business; counts toward the residence record for permanent residence. This route can lead to permanent residence.
Verified against Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) on 1 June 2026.
Overview
Class G is issued to a foreign national intending to engage, alone or in partnership, in a specific trade, business, consultancy or profession (other than a prescribed profession). The Directorate of Immigration Services requires documentary proof of capital available to invest of at least USD 100,000, company registration and tax compliance. Applications are filed online through the eFNS portal.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Intend to engage, alone or in partnership, in a specific trade, business, consultancy or profession.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
- ✓Documentary proof of capital available to invest of at least USD 100,000.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
- ✓Company registration and a Kenyan tax (PIN) registration.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
- ✓The activity is of benefit to Kenya.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
Common blockers
- !Capital below the USD 100,000 threshold or not evidenced.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
- !Activity falling within a prescribed profession handled under a different class.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
- !Incomplete company-registration or tax-compliance documents.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Proof of capital available to invest (bank statements or equivalent).Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
- ·Certificate of company registration and tax (PIN) registration.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
- ·Business plan and supporting documents.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
- ·Passport bio-data and photographs.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm the activity qualifies under Class G and that you can evidence the required capital.
Build the evidence pack
Register the company and assemble proof of capital, the business plan and tax documents.
Submit through the official channel
File the Class G application online through the eFNS portal.
After approval
On approval, operate the business in Kenya and renew the permit as required.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantUse official Class G Work Permit (Trade, Business or Consultancy) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Class G Work Permit (Trade, Business or Consultancy).
Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) · verified
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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.
Class K Permit (Ordinary Residents)
Residence permit for a foreign national aged 35 or over with an assured income from sources outside Kenya, who undertakes not to take up employment.
Permanent Residence
Permanent residence in Kenya under the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, including a route after long lawful residence on work permits.
Frequently asked questions
How much capital do I need for a Kenya Class G permit?+
The official Class G page indicates documentary proof of capital available to invest of at least USD 100,000. Because thresholds can change, confirm the current requirement on the official Directorate of Immigration Services page.
Does Class G cover professionals?+
Class G covers specific trade, business, consultancy or profession other than a prescribed profession. Some regulated professions are handled under other classes; confirm on the official page.
Can I move to Kenya by setting up my own business instead of finding an employer?+
Yes. Class G is for engaging, alone or in partnership, in a specific trade, business, consultancy or profession and does not require employer sponsorship, but it requires documentary proof of capital available to invest of at least USD 100,000 plus company and Kenyan tax (PIN) registration. Some regulated professions are handled under other classes; confirm on the official Directorate of Immigration Services page.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor in KenyaHow we verified this
We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.
Primary source: Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya)
Last checked: 1 June 2026