Kenya’s Class R Work Permit for EAC Nationals – Plus Alternative Pathways

Executive Summary 

Kenya’s Class R Work Permit is a distinctive, gratis (fee-free) immigration status available exclusively to citizens of East African Community (EAC) Partner States. It is a central pillar of Kenya’s regional obligations under the EAC Common Market Protocol, promoting labour mobility, cross-border enterprise, and regional economic integration. 

From a broader advisory perspective, Class R status is increasingly relevant not only for employment and business entry, but also for family relocation, the establishment of investment holding structures, lifestyle planning, wealth structuring, and long-term regional presence. 

Where an applicant does not qualify under Class R, or where the nature, scale, or structure of activities exceeds its scope, Kenyan law provides alternative immigration pathways, most notably Class G (Investor Permit) and Class D (Employment Permit). 

This joint Regulatory Alert, issued by CM Advocates LLP’s Immigration Law & Global Mobility Practice and WELL Practice (Wealth, Estate, Legacy & Lifestyle), provides a comprehensive and integrated overview to support informed decision-making by individuals, families, employers, and investors. 

1. Legal and Policy Framework 

The applicable framework includes: 

• The Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, 2011; 

• The Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Regulations, 2012; and 

• The East African Community Common Market Protocol, guaranteeing free movement of labour, services, and establishment. 

Applications are administered by the Directorate of Immigration Services (DIS) through the eFNS (Foreign Nationals Services) Portal. 

2. Class R Work Permit (EAC Nationals – Gratis Permit) 

What Is the Class R Permit? 

The Class R Work Permit is a special, fee-free permit issued to EAC nationals permitting them to reside in Kenya, take up employment, engage in business or trade, or practise a profession, without payment of standard government work permit fees, provided their presence is considered beneficial to Kenya. 

Who Qualifies? 

Eligible applicants include: 

• Citizens of EAC Partner States, namely Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC); 

• Individuals intending to reside, work, or engage in business or professional activities in Kenya; 

• Persons who are not prohibited immigrants under Kenyan law; and 

• Individuals whose presence contributes economic, professional, or social value to Kenya. 

For dual nationals, applications must be made strictly under the qualifying EAC nationality, with consistent passport use and immigration records. 

Key Benefits of Class R 

The principal benefits include: 

• No processing or annual government fees; 

• Facilitation of regional labour mobility and enterprise; 

• A broad scope covering employment, business, and professional activity; and 

• Lifestyle flexibility for families, entrepreneurs, and cross-border professionals. 

Importantly, Class R status does not restrict a holder from undertaking legitimate private wealth, estate, or succession planning while resident in Kenya, provided such advisory and structuring activities do not amount to regulated employment or business operations requiring a separate permit. 

General Application Requirements 

Applications are lodged online via eFNS and typically require: 

• Completed Form 25; 

• A valid EAC national passport (bio-data page); 

• Passport-sized photographs; 

• Proof of lawful entry or current immigration status if already in Kenya; 

• An employer or organisation support letter where applicable; 

• Academic and professional certificates; 

• A Tax Compliance Certificate for Kenyan sponsoring entities; and 

• Any additional documentation requested by immigration authorities. 

3. Alternative Immigration Pathways Where Class R Is Not Suitable 

A. Class G Work Permit – Investor / Business Permit 

Class G is appropriate where the applicant is a non-EAC national, the investment is capital-intensive or highly regulated, or active management and long-term commercial control are intended. It is commonly used by founders, controlling shareholders, and foreign direct investors operating through investment companies or operating entities. The applicant is required to invest at least USD 100,000 in order to qualify for this permit. 

B. Class D Work Permit – Employment Permit 

Class D is appropriate where an individual is employed by a Kenyan entity, possesses specialised or scarce skills, or is deployed through corporate secondment or executive assignment, and the individual’s presence in Kenya will benefit the country. The applicant in addition, is required to have a Kenyan understudy whom the applicant will train in the course of employment. 

4. Comparative Overview 

5. Key Compliance Considerations 

Applicants and sponsors should note that incorrect permit classification may result in revocation, penalties, or removal. Business and professional activities must align with permit conditions, while sector-specific licensing, professional registration, and tax compliance obligations remain mandatory. Timely renewals via eFNS are essential to maintaining lawful status. 

6. Our Joint Practice Advisory 

This Regulatory Alert is issued jointly by CM Advocates LLP’s Immigration Law & Global Mobility Practice and the WELL Practice (Wealth, Estate, Legacy & Lifestyle). 

The Immigration Law & Global Mobility Practice advises on strategic permit selection, submission of applications and renewals, employer and investor immigration compliance, and pathways to permanent residence or citizenship. 

The WELL Practice provides integrated advisory, mutatis mutandis, where immigration planning intersects with private wealth and family considerations, including: 

• Structuring of investment companies and holding vehicles; 

• Advisory for family-owned companies and succession-ready governance structures; 

• Establishment and administration of family trusts; 

• Wealth structuring and asset protection strategies; 

• Estate and succession planning across jurisdictions; and 

• Long-term lifestyle and global mobility planning. 

Holders of a Class R Work Permit may lawfully receive private wealth, estate, and succession planning advisory while resident in Kenya, including advice relating to family businesses, investment holdings, and trust structures, subject to compliance with applicable regulatory and tax frameworks. 

Together, these practices deliver holistic, future-focused advisory for individuals and families relocating, investing, or establishing long-term roots in Kenya and the wider region. 

Contributors 

Cyrus Maina, Managing Partner – cmaina@cmadvocates.com  

Caiphas Chepkwony, Associate – cchepkwony@cmadvocates.com  

Contact Us! 

Immigration Law & Global Mobility Practice 

immigration@cmadvocates.com 
 

WELL Practice (Wealth, Estate, Legacy & Lifestyle) 

wellpractice@cmadvocates.com 

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Disclaimer 

This CM Navigator (January 2026) is issued jointly by the Immigration Law & Global Mobility Practice and the WELL Practice (Wealth, Estate, Legacy & Lifestyle) of CM Advocates LLP. It is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or professional advice. For personalised guidance, please contact CM Advocates LLP.