Yes. All foreign nationals working in Kenya must hold a valid work permit (the most common being a Class D Employment Permit). Working without a permit is a criminal offence under the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act. Your permit must be in place before you begin work, not after.
Standard processing through the Department of Immigration Services takes between 6 and 12 weeks. Processing timelines can vary based on application volume, documentation completeness, and the specific permit class. Greentod offers an expedited permit service that can significantly shorten this timeline for qualifying applications.
Yes. Spouses and dependent children of permit holders are eligible for a Dependent’s Pass, which authorises them to reside in Kenya for the duration of your permit. Children born in Kenya to foreign nationals may also be eligible for a Kenyan birth registration. We manage Dependent Pass applications as part of our immigration service.
An Alien Card (formally an Alien Certificate of Registration) is a compulsory identity document for all non-citizens residing in Kenya beyond 90 days. Both the primary permit holder and Dependent Pass holders (including minor children) are required to register and hold a valid Alien Card. We handle registration for the whole family.
Yes. There are no restrictions on foreign nationals renting residential property in Kenya. The rental market is active and varied across both Nairobi and Mombasa. However, leases can contain unfavourable clauses that are common in the local market — we strongly recommend having any lease reviewed before signing.
Foreign nationals can own property in Kenya under a leasehold title (up to 99 years) but cannot hold freehold title under the Land Act. There are additional restrictions on agricultural land and coastal land. We provide guidance on what is permissible and how to structure a purchase correctly for your circumstances.
We recommend starting the school search at least 3 months before your planned arrival, as leading schools often have waiting lists. Our education advisors will shortlist schools that match your children’s curriculum, age, and social needs, and manage the admissions process on your behalf.
If you spend 183 days or more in Kenya in a tax year (January to December), or have a permanent home here, you are a Kenya tax resident and are taxed on worldwide income. If you spend less than 183 days, you are taxed only on Kenya-sourced income. We advise on your specific situation during a free tax assessment.
A KRA (Kenya Revenue Authority) Personal Identification Number is effectively your tax identity number in Kenya. It is required for opening a bank account, registering a vehicle, completing property transactions, applying for licences, and many other official activities. It is one of the first things we arrange for all new expatriate clients.
Yes, subject to conditions. Vehicles must be right-hand drive and generally no more than 8 years old at the time of importation. Import duty is payable (typically 25% of CIF value plus other levies), which can be substantial. We provide a duty estimate and manage the full clearance and registration process.
Overstaying a permit is a serious immigration offence in Kenya and can result in fines, detention, and a ban on future applications. Permit renewal should be initiated at least 3 months before the expiry date. Greentod proactively tracks your permit expiry and initiates renewal well in advance.
We have 2 offices:
9th Floor, Unga House, Muthithi Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
Mezzanine Floor, Amkay plaza, Nyali, Mombasa, Kenya
