Kenya
Living or working in Kenya: long-stay, digital nomad and working holiday visas
Apply for Kenya's 12‑month digital nomad visa if you earn abroad and want to stay up to a year; otherwise use the 12‑month long‑stay visa for work or study. Plan ahead: start the e‑visa at least 2 weeks before travel and check eligibility criteria.
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GuideKenya
Key facts
- Digital nomad visa lengthcheck
- 12 months
- Long‑stay work visa lengthcheck
- 12 months, renewable
Quick answer
Digital nomads should apply for the 12‑month digital nomad visa; other long‑stay workers need the standard 12‑month work visa. Both require an e‑visa submitted online before arrival.
| Visa type | Stay limit | Main requirement | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital nomad | 12 months | Remote income proof | — |
| Work (long‑stay) | 12 months, renewable | Employer sponsorship | — |
Step‑by‑step application
1. Visit the official e‑visa portal (evisa.go.ke).
2. Choose the visa category (Digital Nomad or Work).
3. Upload passport scan, recent photo, proof of income or employment letter, and travel itinerary.
4. Pay the fee with a credit/debit card.
5. Wait 7–14 days for approval; you’ll receive a PDF visa to print.
6. Bring the printed visa and passport to immigration on arrival; the officer will stamp it.
Important notes
The digital nomad visa does not allow you to take a Kenyan employer; it is for remote work only.
Work visas require a Kenyan work permit after arrival; the e‑visa is the entry clearance.
Both visas require a passport valid at least six months beyond your intended stay.
Health insurance covering Kenya is mandatory for the digital nomad visa.
- Check the latest income threshold (may change).
- Renewal must be applied for from within Kenya before expiry.
Questions people ask
What should I know about long‑stay and working visas in Kenya?
Kenya offers a 12‑month digital nomad visa for remote earners and a standard 12‑month work visa for those with a Kenyan employer. Both are applied online before travel.
How much does it cost?
Fees are subject to change; verify on the e‑visa site.
When should I plan for it?
Start the e‑visa at least two weeks before your flight to allow processing time and to resolve any document issues.
Can I switch from a digital nomad visa to a work visa while in Kenya?
You must leave Kenya and apply for the appropriate work visa from abroad; the digital nomad visa cannot be converted in‑country.
Do I need health insurance?
Yes, proof of travel health insurance covering Kenya is required for the digital nomad visa and is strongly recommended for any long‑stay.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
- officialKenya eVisa portal
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialKenya eVisa portal
Ask about Kenya
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