Overview of Kenya Immigration Fees
Fees for Kenya immigration documents including work permits, special passes, dependant passes, permanent residence certificates and other documents are set by regulation under the Kenya Citizens and Foreign Nationals Management Service Act. The fees are paid through the eCitizen platform as part of the application process and are not refundable in the event of refusal.
Fees are subject to revision by the government from time to time. The figures below reflect the general level of fees as understood for 2026, but applicants should verify current fees on the eCitizen platform before submitting any application.
Work Permit Fees
Class D and Class G work permit fees have historically been structured on an annual basis, with the total fee depending on the duration for which the permit is granted (typically one or two years). Class D permit fees are in the range of KES 100,000 to KES 200,000 per year of permit validity for the government fee element. Class G permit fees are structured similarly. Additional levy charges may apply depending on the sector.
Exempt or reduced-fee categories may apply for certain NGO workers, religious missionaries and workers in designated sectors or investment frameworks.
Special Pass Fees
Special pass fees are lower than full work permit fees, reflecting the short-term nature of the authority. The government fee for a special pass is in the range of KES 10,000 to KES 20,000 depending on the duration. Extension fees apply if the pass is extended beyond its initial period.
Dependant Pass Fees
Dependant passes attract their own fee for each dependant. The fee level is generally lower than work permit fees. Where a main permit holder has multiple dependants, the cumulative fee can be significant.
Budgeting for Kenya Immigration Costs
Employers sponsoring foreign nationals should budget for government fees, professional fees for the preparation and management of applications, any professional registration fees, and the ongoing cost of permit renewals. WKA Advocates provides fee estimates as part of the initial consultation for work permit matters. Contact us for a cost assessment for your specific situation.