Republic of Kenya · short term business
Special Pass
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Short-term pass allowing a foreign national to conduct business, trade or a profession in Kenya temporarily, for up to six months.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - confirm current timelines on the eFNS portal.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - a fee applies per the official schedule; confirm current amounts on the official Special Pass page.
- Typical duration
- Up to 6 months maximum; not a settlement route.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Overview
The Special Pass is issued by the Directorate of Immigration Services to a foreign national who wishes to enter or remain in Kenya temporarily to conduct business, trade or a profession, for a period not exceeding six months. It is commonly used while a longer-term work permit is being processed or for short assignments. Applications are filed online through the eFNS portal.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓A temporary purpose of conducting business, trade or a profession in Kenya.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
- ✓The stay does not exceed six months.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
- ✓Form 32 and supporting documents are submitted.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
- ✓A valid passport is held.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
Common blockers
- !Intending to take up long-term employment, which requires a work-permit class.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
- !Stay needed beyond the six-month maximum.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
- !Incomplete application or supporting documents.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Completed Form 32.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
- ·Supporting letter describing the temporary activity.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
- ·Passport bio-data and photographs.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm the activity is temporary and fits the Special Pass scope.
Build the evidence pack
Complete Form 32 and gather supporting documents.
Submit through the official channel
File the Special Pass application online through the eFNS portal.
After approval
On approval, carry out the temporary activity within the validity period.
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 Special Pass route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Special Pass.
Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) · verified
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Class D Work Permit (Employment)
Employer-sponsored work permit for a foreign national offered specific employment by a specific Kenyan employer, where the skills are not available locally.
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.
Dependant's Pass
Pass for a dependant of a Kenyan citizen, a work-permit holder, a permanent resident or an exempted person.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a Kenya Special Pass valid?+
The Special Pass is issued for a maximum of six months for temporarily conducting business, trade or a profession. Confirm the current conditions on the official Directorate of Immigration Services page.
Can I work long-term on a Special Pass?+
No. It is a short-term pass; long-term employment or business requires the relevant work-permit class such as Class D or Class G.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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