Kenya

About Kenya Citizenship and Residency

Kenya is considering a new proposal to offer fast-track citizenships to foreign investors, in a bid to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the country. Under the new framework planned by Kenya Invest Agency, investors will be given an instant green card (permanent residency) after being vetted and later will be automatically eligible for Kenyan citizenship or passport after 2-3 years.

Foreign investors making a significant investment must create jobs and must create an economic impact on the country. Such investors will be automatically eligible to become Kenyan citizens, under the fast track option. Under normal circumstances, Kenya requires 7 years of living to naturalize for citizenship.

The Investor Permit is also called the Class G permit and it is issued to foreigners who wish to carry on a business in Kenya. Other specified Permits may also be issued to persons wishing to engage in manufacturing, mining, and agricultural business in Kenya.

The defining eligibility criterion of this Investor Permit is that the Investor must show proof of intended investment of at least USD 100,000 into the territory of Kenya and this is usually proved through bank statements showing this investment in a local bank account in Kenya.

If you qualify for a class G investor permit, you can make an application to the Department of Immigration for an investor permit. To make an application for a Class G Investor Immigrant Permit, you shall require the following:

• Bank statement with proof of USD 100,000 or equivalent in any currency in a local Kenyan Bank.
• Copy of registration certificate of your company or business.
• Copy memorandums and articles of association with the company.
• Company PIN registration where applicable.
• Personal PIN registration of the applicant.
• Current CR12 certificate or list of directors of the company.
• Executed immigration application form.
• Passport photo of the applicant.
• Copy of passport of the applicant.
• Cover letter from the applicant in the Company letterhead.

Advantages of Investing in Kenya

• Kenya’s diverse wildlife and panoramic geography draw large numbers of European and North American visitors, and tourism is an important contributor to Kenya’s economy.
• Kenya is the largest and most advanced economy in East and Center Africa with a GDP of $190B in 2019. The country has a population of 49M people
• English as an official language of former British colony.
• As the leading economy in East Africa, Kenya’s strategic location and its well-developed business infrastructure make it a natural choice for investors, and many international firms have made it their regional hub. This grants investors access to the largest East African Community and regional markets with access to over 385 million consumers.
• Kenya fully liberalized economy offering a free flow of trade and private investment
• Kenya has rich oil reserves and largest exporter of tea
• a Large number of Expatriates living and working in Kenya.

Benefits Of Kenya Citizenship By Investment Program

The benefit of an Investor Permit in Kenya

Upon a successful application, you shall be issued with a one or two-year investor permit. Some of the benefits include:

• the investor is free to conduct his business in Kenya like a local.
• the investor upon issuance of an alien certificate can apply for a PIN and be registered as a taxpayer.
• the investor may enter and exit Kenya without any visa requirement or fees.
• the investor may purchase or invest in leasehold property in Kenya.
• the investor is free to open and operate bank accounts in Kenya.

Kenya Residency Requirements And Qualifications

To register a business as a foreigner in Kenya within the required legal framework, there is a need to consider several requirements. Permit Class G is issued to a person who intends to engage, whether alone or in partnership, in a specific trade, business, consultancy, or profession (other than a prescribed profession) in Kenya, and who:

• Has obtained any license, registration, or other authority or permission that may be necessary for the purpose
• Has in his/her own right and at his/her full and free disposition sufficient capital and other resources for the purpose
• Whose engagement in trade, business, consultancy, or profession will be of benefit to Kenya?

Specific requirements include the following:

• Duly filled and signed Form 25
• Two copies of detailed and signed cover letter from the Company/organization, addressed to the Director of Immigration Services
• Copy of a valid national passport
• Two (2) recent passport size colored photos (for both new and renewal)
• Current Immigration status if in the country
• Documents in foreign languages should be translated into English by either the Embassy, Public Notary, or authorized/ recognized institution
• Copy of any previous permits and or passes held
• Documentary proof of capital to be invested at least USD 100,000
• Certificate of incorporation of the company
• Memorandum of understanding
• Articles of association
• Shareholding certificate (CR12)
• Copies of PIN certificate
• Signed audited accounts for the last year (for renewals)
• Tax compliance certificate from KRA (for renewals)
• List of Kenyans already employed (for renewals)
• Clearance letter from relevant institutions.

Steps And Timeline

Step 1: Create a log-in account within the Government of Kenya Single Sign-On portal

Step 2: Log in using the account you have created above to access eFNS portal, once logged in the eFNS portal, select the ”apply now” link.

Step 3: Click on the ”Submit Applications” tab and select the Permit Issuance/Renewal tab. If you are already logged in to eFNS, you can click here to make an application.

Step 4: After completing the application form, an invoice will be generated which you can see by clicking on ”Dashboard” then ”Payments” tab. If you have already logged in eFNS, you can click (here to make a payment)

Step 5: If unable to pay using any of the online modes, print your application form by clicking on ”Dashboard” then ”My Applications” Tab (or click here to print your application). Present your application with all the requirements at the Immigration headquarters, for payments and processing.

Step 6: You shall receive automatic notifications via email and on your online account about the progress of your application

Note: 

• Processing fee is non refundable
• Incomplete applications will not be accepted
• Engaging in any form of business or employment without a requisite permit or pass is an offence.
• Application print-outs must be presented to the immigration headquarters or any other regional offices.

Our Services

Privacy World offers its services to anyone, not only looking to obtain residency and/or citizenship processes but our experts figure out legal ways to:

• Find the best solution for your needs.
• Identify and deploy a strategy to help you accomplish your goals.
• Activate our network of people in the country where you need help without having you search for the best solution or lawyer. We only work with licensed people in every country whom we carefully vet and pass our guidelines and principles of privacy we stand for.
• Focus on cutting through the red tape and to expedite your process.
• Provide proper communication with you about your case.
  …. and above all: Offer you legal strategies to provide additional layers of privacy for your identity, while obtaining your residency or citizenship!

Privacy World can also help you with incorporating your company in Kenya, assisting in getting you settled in the country and coordinating with you so that this experience will be less of a hassle.

Want Privacy World to handle your case? Have any questions? Contact us!

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