Work visa
For employment. A job offer and work permit from the Immigration Department are required.
About Work visa
A Kenyan work visa, officially known as a Work Permit, is intended for Georgian citizens who have an offer of employment in Kenya. It is not a simple travel visa, but a special permit that allows you to legally work for a Kenyan company or organization. The Kenyan government strictly regulates the employment of foreigners in order to protect the local labor market, so the application process requires the active participation of the employer and the submission of detailed documentation.
A work visa in Kenya is issued for a specific employer and for a specific position. This means that once you have obtained the visa, you are not allowed to change employers or places of work without a new permit. The visa is usually valid for one or two years and can be renewed if the need for employment continues. This category of visa is different from a tourist e-visa , which is only intended for short-term visits, or a business visa , which is used for business meetings and negotiations, and not for direct employment. If your purpose in Kenya is to study, then you should choose a study visa .
The Kenyan work visa application is submitted online through the Kenya Immigration Department's electronic system (eFNS), with the support of the employer. The application process can be quite lengthy, often taking 2 to 6 months or more, which is significantly longer than the average processing time for work visas in Japan or Singapore , where the processes are often faster and more streamlined. It is essential to carefully prepare all the necessary documents and work closely with the employer before submitting the application.
To apply for a Kenyan work visa, you must prove that your qualifications and experience match the position you are applying for and that no suitable candidate is available from Kenyan citizens. This requirement, known as a “labour market test”, is similar to that required for some Canadian or Australian work visa categories, where the employer must also prove that they have not found a suitable candidate in the local market. Common reasons for refusal include incomplete or inaccurate documentation, insufficient qualifications, failure by the employer to meet requirements, or security concerns. The GetVisa team can help you navigate this complex process and ensure that your application is as accurate as possible.
Required Documents
📄Basic Documents
💰Financial Documents
🛡️Civil and Security Documents
🏥Medical and Technical Requirements
📋Other Documents
Application Process
Preparation of documentation
Gather all the necessary documents, including a valid passport, passport-sized photos, a letter from your employer, an employment contract, proof of qualifications, a police report, and medical examination results. Make sure all documents are translated into English and notarized.
Filling out an online application
With the help of your employer, complete the work permit application on the Kenya Immigration Department's eFNS portal. Carefully enter all the requested information and upload the prepared documents.
Payment of fees
Before submitting your application, pay the appropriate work permit fee online through the eFNS portal. Please note that the fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.
Submitting an application
After completing the online application and paying the fee, your employer will submit the application to the Kenyan Immigration Department. In some cases, physical submission of documents may also be required.
Application review
The Immigration Department will review your application. This process can take from a few weeks to a few months. You may be contacted to request additional information or documents.
Obtaining a work permit
If your application is approved, your work permit will be issued. You can obtain it online or in person, as instructed. You can then travel to Kenya and start working.
Important Tips & Advice
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Kenyan work visa and who is it for?
A Kenyan work visa, or work permit, is intended for Georgian citizens who have an offer of employment from a Kenyan company. It allows you to work legally in the country and is different from tourist or business visas, which do not allow employment.
Does my employer sponsor me?
Yes, your Kenyan employer must apply for a work permit.
What is the validity period of a Kenyan work visa and is it renewable?
A Kenyan work visa is usually issued for 1-2 years. It can be renewed if the employment need still exists and the employer is willing to support the process. The renewal process requires submitting a new application and updating the relevant documentation.
What are the common reasons for refusal of a Kenyan work visa?
Common reasons for rejection include incomplete or inaccurate documentation, insufficient qualifications for the proposed position, failure of the employer to pass a “labor market test,” or safety/health concerns. It is important to follow all requirements carefully.
Can I bring family members to Kenya on a work visa?
Yes, work visa holders can usually bring family members (spouse and children) to Kenya by applying for a Dependent Pass. This requires submitting a separate application for each member and providing the relevant documentation, including marriage/birth certificates.
What is the difference between a Kenyan work visa and work visas from other countries?
Kenyan work visas often require employers to conduct a labor market test, which proves that local workers cannot be found. This is similar to the requirements for some Australian or Canadian visas. However, the application process is completely online through Kenya's eFNS portal, which is different from requiring an interview at a US or UK embassy.
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