Class C Prescribed Profession Permit

Kenya's Class C Prescribed Profession Permit (KEP/C) is a work permit for qualified foreign professionals who want to practice their profession in Kenya, whether independently or in partnership. Unlike the Class D employment permit, which ties the holder to a specific employer, Class C enables self-employed, independent practice, making it Kenya's primary route for professionals recognised on personal merit. The permit is established under the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, 2011 and administered by the Directorate of Immigration Services, with applications assessed by the Permit Determination Committee.

• Foreign national who is not classified as a prohibited immigrant
• Member of one of the 17 prescribed professions (from medical practitioners and engineers to accountants, ICT experts, and actuaries)
• Possess the prescribed qualifications for the relevant profession
• Registered with the professional body, association, or institute in your home country
• Demonstrate sufficient capital and resources at your full and free disposition to practice
• The practice must be of benefit to Kenya, as assessed by the Permit Determination Committee

• Completed Form 25 (submitted online via the eFNS portal)
• Two detailed cover letters addressed to the Director of Immigration Services
• Valid passport bio-data page and two recent colour passport photographs
• Current immigration status documentation and any previous permits or passes
• Proof of professional membership and registration with your home-country professional body
• Certified academic and professional qualification certificates
• Curriculum vitae
• Individual KRA PIN certificate copy
• Tax Compliance Certificate from KRA (for renewals)
• English translations of all foreign-language documents

The permit is issued for up to 2 years at a time and can be renewed an unlimited number of times. Renewal applications must be submitted at least 3 months before expiry through the eFNS portal, with the same documentation plus a Tax Compliance Certificate. The permit becomes invalid if the holder fails to engage in the authorized profession within 90 days of issuance or entry into Kenya.

Spouse and children may apply for a Dependant's Pass using Form 28 through the eFNS portal, provided the main permit holder has at least 6 months remaining on their permit. Required evidence includes marriage or birth certificates, proof of sufficient income, and a sworn affidavit of dependency. The issuance fee is KES 10,000 per year (EAC nationals exempt). Dependants cannot work on a Dependant's Pass and must obtain a separate work permit for employment.

Kenya operates a source-based tax system, but individuals present for 183 or more days in a year are treated as tax resident and taxed on worldwide income under the Income Tax Act, with progressive individual rates. Anyone with a KRA PIN must file annual returns via iTax. Kenya has double taxation agreements with 15 countries, including Canada, France, Germany, India, South Korea, the UAE, and the UK.

Applicants first register for a KRA PIN and create a Government Single Sign-On account through the eCitizen portal, then access the eFNS portal to submit Form 25 and pay the non-refundable KES 20,000 processing fee. The Permit Determination Committee reviews the application to verify qualifications and confirm the practice would benefit Kenya. On approval, an issuance invoice of KES 250,000 per year is generated, and a financial security bond of roughly KES 100,000 from a licensed Kenyan insurance company must be provided before the permit is printed. Processing typically takes 2 to 6 months. EAC nationals are exempt from processing and issuance fees.

Holders who maintain the permit for at least 7 years and have been continuously resident in Kenya for the 3 years preceding the application may apply for permanent residence (Category B). An in-person interview is mandatory. Permanent residence fees are KES 50,000 processing plus KES 750,000 issuance.