Kenya — Complete Emigration Guide 2026
53,330,978 people · Capital: Nairobi · Eastern Africa
Updated H2 2026 · Compiled from official government sources, re-checked on a rolling basis
Overview
Kenya is located in Eastern Africa, with a population of 53,330,978. Its currency is the Kenyan shilling. Our database tracks 21 visa pathways for Kenya, each linked to a named source.
See also: Kenya country profile
Compiled from official government sources, re-checked on a rolling basis. See our methodology and data sources.
Visa Pathways (21)
Sponsored Employment (2)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class C: (Prescribed profession) | — | €133 | 12 mo | — |
| Class D: (Employment) | — | €67 | 12 mo | — |
Entrepreneur & Business (2)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permit Class F: Specific manufacturing (KEP/F) | — | €133 | 12 mo | — |
| Permit Class G: (Specific trade, business or consultancy (KEP/G)) | — | €133 | 12 mo | — |
Investment / Golden Visa (2)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class A (Mining and prospecting) work permit | — | €133 | 12 mo | — |
| Permit Class B: (Agriculture and animal husbandry (KEP/B)) | €9,154/mo | €133 | 12 mo | — |
Study (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student's Pass | €87/mo | €91 | 12 mo | — |
Family Reunification (2)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dependant’s Pass | €135/mo | €67 | — | — |
| Spouse to Kenya Citizen (Category D) | — | €333 | 12 mo | — |
Spouse & Partner (2)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citizenship by Marriage – Form 8 | — | €133 | — | — |
| Widows and Widowers – Form 9 | €135/mo | €267 | — | — |
Ancestry & Descent (4)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Children of Kenya Citizens (Category C) | — | €5,133 | — | — |
| Descendants of Stateless Persons and Migrants – Form 15 | — | €200 | — | — |
| Ex-Kenyan (Category A) | — | €1,000 | — | — |
| Regaining Citizenship – Form 1 | — | €467 | — | — |
General Residence (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Special Pass | €174/mo | €182 | 6 mo | — |
Permanent Settlement (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawful Residents (Category B) | — | €333 | — | — |
Naturalisation & Citizenship (3)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Declaration Of Dual Citizenship – Form 3 | €135/mo | €200 | — | — |
| Lawful Residents – Form 10 | €134/mo | €133 | — | — |
| Migrants – Form 14 | — | €200 | — | — |
Religious Workers (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class I: (Approved religious and charitable activities) | — | €33 | 12 mo | — |
Cost of Living
| Item | Kenya | W. Europe Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | €450 | €1,200 | -62% |
| Rent (3BR) | €900 | €2,000 | -55% |
| Groceries | €120 | €350 | -66% |
| Transport | €35 | €80 | -56% |
| Utilities | €85 | €150 | -43% |
| Dining (meal) | €4 | €15 | -73% |
Salary & Employment
| Sector | Median (gross, €/yr) |
|---|---|
| Construction | €9,000 |
| Education | €9,000 |
| Engineering | €15,000 |
| Finance | €15,000 |
| Healthcare | €5,000 |
| Hospitality | €6,500 |
| IT | €8,000 |
| Retail | €6,000 |
Shortage Occupations
- Software Developer (ICT)
- Nurse (Healthcare)
- Electrical Engineer (Engineering)
- Civil Engineer (Construction)
Tax
Healthcare
Education
| University | QS Rank | English Progs | Tuition (Intl) |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Nairobi | 601 | 120 | €2,500 |
| Kenyatta University | — | 95 | €2,200 |
| Strathmore University | — | 150 | €4,500 |
| Technical University of Kenya | — | 85 | €2,000 |
| Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology | — | 110 | €2,300 |
Practical Info
Banking
Driving
Phone & Internet
Credentials
Quality of Life
Official sources
The visa data on this page is compiled from official government sources — 20 of the 20 pathways link directly to the government page they were verified against, and 9 financial requirements below carry the exact quote from the official source. Values that fail verification are removed, not guessed — see the live verification freshness index.
- immigration.go.ke · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-09
- immigration.go.ke · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-09
- immigration.go.ke · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-23
- immigration.go.ke · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-23
- fns.immigration.go.ke · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-22
- immigration.go.ke · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-24
- fns.immigration.go.ke · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-25
- immigration.go.ke · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-24
- immigration.go.ke · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-23
- immigration.go.ke · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-23
- fns.immigration.go.ke · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-09
- immigration.go.ke · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-25
Verified requirements — exact official citations
Each figure below was verified verbatim against the official page linked, on the date shown.
Spouse to Kenya Citizen (Category D) · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “3yr marriage required; KES 50,000 processing fee (2025, immigration.go.ke official)” — immigration.go.ke
Minimum income: “Requirements (for spouse of Kenyan): online application, processing fee Kshs 50,000, photos, copies of permits, passports, marriage certificate, good conduct, tax compliance, alien card, application letter; issuance fee 150,000. No income/means requirement stated (figures shown…” — immigration.go.ke
Permit Class B: (Agriculture and animal husbandry (KEP/B)) · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “USD 100,000 min investment; KES 20,000 processing fee (2025, eFNS official)” — fns.immigration.go.ke
Minimum investment: “Proof of capital availability (USD 100,000) [fx: USD 1.143747/EUR, 2026-06-17 -> 87432 EUR]” — fns.immigration.go.ke, 2026-07-06
Class A (Mining and prospecting) work permit · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “USD 100,000 min investment; KES 20,000 processing fee (2025, eFNS official)” — fns.immigration.go.ke
Minimum investment: “Proof of funds to invest, at least **USD 100,000/=**” — fns.immigration.go.ke
Student's Pass · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “USD 100/year fee; non-EAC nationals (2025, immigration.go.ke official)” — fns.immigration.go.ke
Savings / proof of funds: “Proof of funds for self-sponsored students - both new and renewal cases” — fns.immigration.go.ke, 2026-07-06
Permit Class F: Specific manufacturing (KEP/F) · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “USD 100,000 min investment; KES 20,000 processing fee (2025, eFNS official)” — fns.immigration.go.ke
Frequently Asked Questions
How many visa pathways does Kenya have?
Our database tracks 21 visa pathways for Kenya across 11 categories, the largest being Ancestry & Descent, Naturalisation & Citizenship, Entrepreneur & Business. Each entry links to a named source — 95% direct to an official government portal, the rest to a named embassy or professional reference while we complete direct verification.
What is the minimum income for the Special Pass?
The Special Pass lists a minimum income of EUR 174 per month, according to the official source (last checked 2026-06-23).
What is the average salary in Kenya?
The average gross salary in Kenya is EUR 117 per month. The statutory minimum wage is EUR 102 per month.
How much does rent cost in Kenya?
A one-bedroom apartment in Kenya averages EUR 450 per month, and a three-bedroom apartment averages EUR 900 per month.
What is the top income tax rate in Kenya?
The top personal income tax rate in Kenya is 35%. The standard VAT rate is 16%.
How long does it take to qualify for citizenship in Kenya?
Among the pathways we track, the Citizenship by Marriage – Form 8 lists 7 years to citizenship. Timelines vary by route and personal circumstances — check the official source for your case.
Start Preparing for Kenya
Still shortlisting? See our data-driven ranking of the best countries to move to in 2026 — Top 10 overall plus picks for digital nomads, retirees, skilled workers, families, and low-cost living.