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Kenya

Class N Digital Nomad Permit

Middle East & Africa

Last verified 26 May 2026

About this visa & living in Kenya

Kenya's Class N Digital Nomad Permit puts you in one of Africa's most dynamic economies, with Nairobi as a real tech and startup capital ('Silicon Savannah'). Coworking spaces are plentiful, English is widely spoken, and you're a short flight from Maasai Mara safaris or Mombasa's Indian Ocean beaches. The visa is designed for foreign-employed remote workers and offers a year of legal stay with the option to renew.

Visa at a glance

Minimum income: ~$2,000/month
Length of stay: 1 year
Processing time: 4 weeks
Application fee: Application: $200 Once Approved: $1,000
Tax treatment: Tax free / no local tax
Family members: Allowed
Renewable: Yes
Path to residency: No
Apostille required: Yes
Background check: Required
Where to apply: Either abroad or in-country
Local bank account: Can typically open one
Healthcare: Insurance required
Savings requirement: No lump-sum requirement
Cost of living: CheapGeneral affordability for a single nomad.
Bureaucracy: ●●●●●Standard paperwork
Nationality restrictions: Open to all nationalities

Required documents

Passport valid 12+ months
Proof of remote work for foreign employer/clients
Income proof ≥ US$55,000/year (12 months bank statements)
Health insurance valid in Kenya
Police clearance certificate

Things to know

Programme announced at end of 2024; rules still being formalised.
Cannot perform work for Kenyan employers.
eVisa available for many nationalities for first entry.

Visit official source

Always verify current requirements on the official government source.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum income requirement for the Kenya Class N Digital Nomad Permit?

The Class N Digital Nomad Permit requires applicants to show a monthly income of roughly ~$2,000/month. This can usually be proven via employment contracts, freelance client agreements, or bank statements.

How long can I stay in Kenya on this visa?

You can stay for 1 year. The visa is renewable, so you may be able to extend your stay beyond the initial period.

How long does the application process take?

Processing typically takes 4 weeks. We recommend applying well in advance of your planned move, as embassy workloads and seasonal spikes can cause delays.

Where do I apply for the Class N Digital Nomad Permit?

You can apply either from abroad or after arriving in Kenya.

Can I bring my family on the Class N Digital Nomad Permit?

Yes — spouses and dependent children are generally allowed to accompany you, though you may need to prove additional income or provide family relationship documents.

Will I have to pay local taxes in Kenya?

Foreign-source remote income is generally exempt from local income tax while on this visa. You should still confirm your home-country tax obligations.

Is the Class N Digital Nomad Permit renewable?

Yes, the visa is renewable. Check the official source for any limits on total stay length or cooling-off periods between renewals.

Does the Class N Digital Nomad Permit lead to permanent residency or citizenship?

No, the Class N Digital Nomad Permit is a temporary permit and does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship in Kenya.

What documents do I need to apply?

Typical requirements include: Passport valid 12+ months; Proof of remote work for foreign employer/clients; Income proof ≥ US$55,000/year (12 months bank statements); Health insurance valid in Kenya; Police clearance certificate. Always check the official source for the latest list.