Introduction

The Investor Permit also known as the Class G permit is issued to foreigners who want to undertake a business, specific trade, profession or consultancy which will be of benefit to Kenya. 

What is the eligibility criteria for an Investor Permit in Kenya?

For a foreigner to be deemed eligible to apply for an investor permit, it is required to show documentary proof of capital to be invested of at least USD.100,000. This documentary proof is usually in the form of a bank statement from a local bank account.

The applicant is also required to demonstrate how the business, trade, profession or consultancy will be of benefit to Kenya.

In this regard, the Investor can demonstrate how they intend to utilize local labour/employ local labour in the Company for instance.

What are the costs required to apply for an Investor Permit in Kenya?

The Government fees required to process a Class G permit were increased in the year 2024 pursuant to the Kenya Gazette Vol. CXXV-NO.24.

Below is a breakdown of the required costs:

1. Kshs.20,050/= which is the application processing fee;
2. Kshs.500,000/= for Government issuance fee of the permit for two (2) years;
3. Security bond which will cost approximately kshs.20,000/=.

Professional fees shall also apply in addition to the above, when we assist you to undertake the Investor permit application process.

Procedure for applying for an Investor Permit in Kenya

Prior to applying, it is important to have all documents that are in a foreign language translated to English. An applicant should first incorporate a Limited Liability Company or a Partnership, which usually takes approximately two (2) weeks.

Once the Company is incorporated, they can then apply for a KRA PIN for the Company and open a bank account in a local bank, where proof of minimum funds of USD.100,000 can be deposited into. Once deposited, the applicant can obtain a bank statement as proof of minimum capital required which shall be utilized together with the other application requirements. To help in facilitating this, foreigners can register with the Kenya Investment Authority, to facilitate the process wherein they shall be issued with an Investment Certificate.

With the investment Certificate, the Investor can obtain a KRA PIN without the requirement for an Alien ID as well as additional licenses and permits.

Below are the requirements for applying for an Investor Permit in Kenya:

1. Duly filled and signed Form 25 form, wherein we shall prepare the same for execution by the applicant;
2. A detailed and signed cover letter from the applicant’s Company/organization, addressed to the Director of Immigration Services- we shall prepare a draft copy of the same for adoption by the Applicant;
3. Current Immigration status if in the Country(if applicable);
4. Copy of the Applicant’s passport (the bio-data page);
5. Two (2) recent passport photographs;
6. Copy of any previous permit(s) and or pass held (if applicable);
7. Documentary proof of capital to be invested at least USD 100,000 (which is a certified local bank statement to be obtained once a bank account is opened);
8. Certificate of incorporation of the company/partnership;
9. Memorandum & Articles of association/ Partnership deed;
10. Shareholding certificate (Company CR12);
11. Copy of  PIN certificate and Tax compliance certificate;
12. Clearance letter from relevant institutions;
13. Bank statement verification form (which we shall provide for adoption by the Client); 
14. Processing fees of Kshs. 20,050.00 (which shall be payable immediately the application is lodged);
15. Permit Issuance fees of Kshs. 250,000/= per year for two (2) years which shall be payable once the application has been approved;
16. Insurance bond processing fees;
17. Foreign National Certificate/Alien Card processing fee of Kshs.2,050/=, once the permit has been issued.

With the above documents, the application can then be lodged. Once the application documents have been lodged through the eFNS portal, the hard copy documents have to be deposited to the Immigration offices as well.

The Application will be considered by the Director of Immigration Services and once approved, a notification shall be sent to the applicants eFNS account where the applicant shall be required to pay the Government permit issuance fees, being Kshs.500,000/= for two (2) years.

The applicant shall then obtain the Security bond of Kshs.100,000/= from an insurance Company.

The applicant is required to submit the Security bond, proof of payment, the notification of approval, a passport photograph after which a receipt shall then be generated.

The e-permit shall then be issued.

Once the e-permit is issued, the next step would be for the applicant to apply for an Alien ID Card. Once the application is submitted, the applicant should then book for an appointment for endorsement and taking biometrics for the Alien ID Card.

On the scheduled appointment date, the applicant should appear physically at the Immigration offices for issuance of an Alien Card, which usually takes about one (1) month all factors remaining constant.

Validity and Renewal

The Investor permit shall be valid for two (2) years after which the applicant shall be required to renew the same for a further period.

Conclusion

The Investor Permit has numerous advantages, and a foreigner who obtains the same is free to conduct business in Kenya; they can obtain an Alien Card and KRA PIN Certificate and operate a bank account in Kenya. Property purchase is also an advantage as well.

We at KELA Immigration Agency assist all our Clients in obtaining an Investor permit from the beginning to the end when all their investor needs are fulfilled.

Please do not hesitate to contact us through our email: info@kelaimmigrationagency.co.ke or through our telephone number: +254701639390