Kenya Introduces Digital Nomad Visa for Individuals Earning Over $50,000 Annually

Kenya has launched a digital nomad visa aimed at remote workers earning an annual income of at least $50,000. This visa is designed for professionals who work remotely and are interested in residing in Kenya while continuing to work for employers based outside the country.

Applicants are required to provide proof of accommodation in Kenya and submit a clean criminal record from their country of habitual residence. Importantly, digital nomads holding this visa are prohibited from engaging in local employment. The visa ensures that foreign remote workers do not compete with the local job market by preventing visa holders from accepting any paid or unpaid work from Kenyan-based employers.

Eligibility for the visa does not extend to those seeking employment or engaging in income-generating activities within Kenya. By doing so, Kenya aims to protect its local workforce while offering a welcoming environment for foreign remote professionals.

While the digital nomad visa primarily provides temporary residence, the Class N visa offers the possibility of longer-term residency and even citizenship for those who wish to establish deeper roots in the country. According to the Kenyan government, digital nomads interested in becoming more permanent residents may eventually apply for citizenship under specific conditions.

Kenya’s initiative follows the example of several other African nations that have introduced similar digital nomad visas. Countries like Mauritius, Cape Verde, Namibia, South Africa, and the Seychelles (through its Workation Retreat Programme) are also offering remote workers the opportunity to live and work in their countries under similar schemes.

In April 2024, South Africa enacted regulations for its digital nomad visa, which allows skilled remote workers to live in the country for a defined period. Applicants must meet a minimum income threshold of R1,000,000 (~$53,000). South Africa has also begun reforming its visa regime to streamline processes, including the introduction of a points-based system for work visas and a remote work visa, which is expected to be finalized soon. These reforms aim to make it easier for qualified professionals to work and live in the country.

With the introduction of its digital nomad visa, Kenya is positioning itself as a hub for remote professionals seeking to explore the country’s rich culture and landscapes while continuing to work for international employers.