Class D, G, or K? Choosing the Right Kenyan Permit for Your Situation

Hello community!Figuring out which legal bracket you fit into can be incredibly confusing when moving to East Africa. To keep things simple, here is a very plain breakdown of the three most common long-term permits used by newcomers:

Class D (Employment Permit): This is required if you have been offered a specific job by a company operating inside Kenya. The hiring company must sponsor you directly.

Class G (Investor Permit): Designed for individuals who want to start a business or invest in a company in Kenya. This requires proof of specific investment capital and local registration files.

Class K (Ordinary Residents / Retirees): Perfect for individuals who have a guaranteed, regular income from sources outside of Kenya (like investments, pensions, or real estate) and do not intend to take up local employment.

Choosing the wrong category at the start can waste months of your time.