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In an increasingly unpredictable world, the concept of a “Plan B”—a stable, alternative place to live and work—has moved from a niche contingency plan to a mainstream consideration. For many Westerners, Kenya is emerging as a top contender. With its world-class infrastructure in cities like Nairobi, a booming expat community, and stunning natural landscapes, the country offers a high quality of life.
However, to move from tourist to resident, you need the right permit. If you are a remote worker or a retiree, two specific pathways stand out: the Class N Work Permit (for digital nomads) and the Class K Permit (for retirees). This guide breaks down exactly what Americans and Brits need to know about using these permits to secure long-term residency in Kenya as a “Plan B.”
Key Findings
- Class K (Retirement) Permit: This permit is for foreign nationals aged 35 years or older who can demonstrate an assured annual income of at least USD 24,000 (or equivalent) from sources outside Kenya, such as pensions or annuities, and do not intend to work locally.
- Class N (Digital Nomad) Permit: Introduced to attract remote workers, this permit requires applicants to hold a valid passport, provide proof of remote work, and have a verified annual income from outside Kenya
- Application Process: Both permits generally require a completed Form 25 from the eFNS portal, a detailed cover letter to the Director of Immigration Services, copies of a valid national passport, and recent passport-size photos.
- No Local Employment: Holders of both Class K and Class N permits are generally prohibited from engaging in any form of employment or business within Kenya.
- Path to Permanent Residency: A Class K permit holder may apply for permanent residency after residing in Kenya for seven years.
The Two Best "Plan B" Pathways
Before diving into the details, it is crucial to understand that these two permits serve very different lifestyles.
- The Class N Permit is for those who wish to continue working remotely for a company or clients based outside of Kenya. It is often called the “Digital Nomad Visa.” This is the choice if you are still earning an active income but want to live in Kenya.
- The Class K Permit is for those who are **done working**. It is a retiree permit for individuals who have a passive income (pension, investments, dividends) and do not intend to take a local job or run a local business.
Why Kenya for a "Plan B"?
Kenya offers a relatively straightforward legal pathway compared to many Western nations. The cost of living outside Nairobi’s wealthiest suburbs can be lower than in the US or UK, the legal system is based on English common law (making it familiar to Brits and Americans), and English is an official language, eliminating the immediate language barrier.
If you plan to keep earning your salary in US Dollars or British Pounds while answering emails from a cafe in Diani or Kitisuru, the Class N Permit is your target.
What is it?
Officially launched and updated for 2025, the Class N permit is designed for freelancers, remote employees, and entrepreneurs who run online businesses. It explicitly allows you to live in Kenya while working for companies or clients outside Kenya.
✅ 2025 Rule Changes: Key Updates
There has been a major update in 2025 regarding finances that is beneficial for applicants:
No Hard Minimum Income: Contrary to older information, there is currently no strict $24,000 annual minimum requirement. Instead, you just need to prove “stable and consistent income” via bank statements or payslips. This makes it easier for freelancers with fluctuating income to qualify.
✅ Cost and Validity
- Processing Fee: $200 (non-refundable)
- Issuance Fee: $1,000 per year
- Validity: Usually issued for 1 or 2 years and is renewable.
Before diving into the details, it is crucial to understand that these two permits serve very different lifestyles.
- The Class N Permit is for those who wish to continue working remotely for a company or clients based outside of Kenya. It is often called the “Digital Nomad Visa.” This is the choice if you are still earning an active income but want to live in Kenya.
- The Class K Permit is for those who are done working. It is a retiree permit for individuals who have a passive income (pension, investments, dividends) and do not intend to take a local job or run a local business.
The Digital Nomad Work Permit is intended for individuals who meet the following criteria:
- Remote Employees: Individuals who are employed under a valid contract with a foreign company (i.e. a company not registered or operating in Kenya);
- Business Owners or Shareholders: Foreigners who own shares in or represent a foreign-registered company conducting business outside Kenya; and
- Freelancers or Consultants: Self-employed professionals who offer services to international clients and derive their income from abroad.
One crucial “Plan B” detail: If you stay in Kenya for 183 days or more in a single tax year, you become a tax resident. You will need to file taxes in Kenya, though you can likely apply for Double Taxation Agreements to avoid paying tax twice on the same income.
- Processing Fee: Kshs. 20,000 (~$150)
- Issuance Fee: Kshs. 250,000 (~$1,900) per year.
Note: This permit is generally more expensiveannually than the Class N.
You absolutely cannot take a local job. If you are a Brit or American on a Class K permit and you decide to do some freelance consulting for a Kenyan company, you would be in violation of the permit terms.
Patience is Key
For both permits, the application is submitted through the eFNS (Electronic Foreign Nationals Services) portal.
- The Timeline: You need to manage your expectations. The official timeline is often quoted as 6 months, though properly prepared applications can be “fast-tracked” to about 2 months. Do not book a one-way ticket expecting a visa in a week.
- Strategy: Because the processing takes months, many expats initially enter Kenya on a standard Visitor Visa (usually 90 days). While in country, they engage a local immigration lawyer or advocate to submit the Class N or K application. Once the application is “in process,” you are often allowed to remain in the country while waiting for approval.
