Introduction of Digital Nomad Work Permit in Kenya

published on 17 October 2024 | reading time approx. 2 minutes

On the 1st of October, 2024, Kenya introduced a new class of work permit, the Digital Nomad Work Permit. This was done by the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration through Legal Notice No. 155, published in Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 179 dated 1st October 2024.

This legal notice contains the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration (Amendment) Regulations, 2024, which amend the Seventh Schedule of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Regulations, 2012 to introducing the new class of permit, the Class N: Digital Nomad Work Permit.

This permit is applicable to individuals who have been offered employment by a company based outside Kenya but who work remotely from Kenya, or freelancers working remotely from Kenya for companies based outside the country.

According to the regulations, applicants for the Digital Nomad Work Permit must demonstrate the following:

Possession of a valid passport
Proof of remote employment with a company outside Kenya
Proof of a minimum annual income of 55,000 US dollars derived from sources outside Kenya
Proof of accommodation arrangements within Kenya and
A clean criminal record from their country of origin or habitual residence

Applicants must also demonstrate that their presence in Kenya will benefit the country.

Any person who accepts employment, paid or unpaid, or engages in any income-generating activities of any kind in Kenya for an employer/company domiciled in Kenya will not be eligible to apply for this permit.

Those who engage in employment or income-generating activities within Kenya will need to have a different class of pass or permit authorizing them to engage in such activities.

During the Magical Kenya Travel Expo 2024, held on 2nd October 2024, the government stated that the introduction of this permit will allow digital nomads to live and work in Kenya while enjoying the country’s natural beauty. The president also announced plans to introduce an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for visitors with long flight layovers, allowing them to leave the airport and explore Nairobi during their transit. This move aims to boost tourism and stimulate economic growth.

We are awaiting further communication from the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services on the implementation and validity of the Digital Nomad Work Permit.