HOW TO APPLY FOR CLASS A WORK PERMIT IN KENYA AND THE REQUIREMENTS
Immigration series 9
Class A work permit is an investment permit that is issued to a person who intends to engage, whether alone or in partnership, in prospecting for minerals or mining in Kenya.
How to apply?
Application and issuance of ork permits in Kenya are regulated by the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act 2011.
In Kenya, all applications for work permits are done online on the eFNS (Foreign National Service) Portal and must be accompanied by all the necessary requirements which should be uploaded.
It is not mandatory for an applicant to travel to Kenya before applying. An application can be processed even when the Applicant is outside Kenya and only travel to Kenya once the permit has been approved and issued. This would be at the stage of processing the Applicant’s Alien ID for which Applicant Bio metric data will be required.
Another reason that may make an Applicant to travel earlier before the Permit is issued is where the Applicant needs to open a local bank account either personal or for the company. In this case, and depending on the bank’s policies, the applicant maybe required to appear physically at the bank for account opening.
Once the Permit is approved and issued, the Applicant will be able to download and print it from his/her eFNS account.
Upon arrival to Kenya, the Applicant must also present permit print out and original passport at the immigration office for endorsement.
The requirements are:
- Duly filled and signed Form 25 (we will provide);
- Applicant’s recent passport size-colored photographs (for both new and renewal);
- A copy of applicant’s valid national passport;
- Applicant’s Phone number, email address, postal address and residential address;
- Current Immigration status if the Applicant is in the country e.g ETA -Electronic Travel Authorization (where applicable);
- Signed cover letter from the employer/company/organization addressed to the Director General of Immigration Services (we will provide);
- Valid Tax Compliance Certificate for company (new application), and/or valid Tax Compliance Certificates (for company and individual) in case of permit renewal (we will get upon incorporation of a local company);
- Necessary prospecting / mining rights, licenses and registrations (This one will be obtained from the Ministry of Mining and Blue Economy Kenya after incorporation);
- Proof of funds for investment at least (minimum USD 100,000) (certified bank statement to be provided);
- Current license and copy of PIN certificate (for renewals);
- Signed audited accounts for the last one year (for renewal);
- Certificate of registration of the organization (we will get upon incorporation);
- Company details; Physical address, telephone number, email address. Contact person: Name, Job title, telephone and email;
- Applicable processing fee Ksh. 20,000/= (USD 160);
- Applicable government issuance fee Ksh. 500,000/= (USD 4000) per year payable upon approval;
- East Africa Community Member States – Gratis; and
- Legal fees & VAT on legal fees.
Other permit conditions
- It is an offence for a person to knowingly mislead an Immigration Officer when applying for this permit.
- Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
- Additional documents may be requested in addition to the list above. For example, the Applicant’s home country physical address and phone number.
- Where the holder of a work permit ceases to engage in the employment in respect of which the work permit was issued, the employer specified in the work permit shall, within fifteen (15) days from the date of such cessation, report, in writing to the director that the holder has ceased to engage in such employment.
- For each permit, security bond must also be provided as guided by the immigration office upon approval.
At A.O. WANGA ADVOCATES we are happy to assist you in all work permit application processes in Kenya. Please contact us on info@aowangaadvocates.com or +254794600191.
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