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Immigration Lawyers

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IMMIGRATION LAWYERS

Immigration Lawyers in Kenya

Find and compare verified immigration lawyers across Kenya. Get help with work permits, residence permits, citizenship, visas, and immigration disputes.

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Featured Immigration Lawyers in Kenya

Verified immigration law firms with complete profiles, confirmed practice areas, and direct contact details.

Immigration Lawyers Across Kenya

Kenya is an active destination for foreign professionals, investors, retirees, and digital workers, and navigating the country’s immigration system requires an understanding of a detailed and regularly updated framework of permits, passes, and regulations. An immigration lawyer, formally called an advocate, advises individuals and employers on work permits, residence permits, visas, citizenship applications, and immigration compliance, and represents clients where applications are delayed, refused, or challenged. This page lists verified immigration lawyers in Kenya and explains how the main areas of immigration law work.

Work Permits

The Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act requires all foreign nationals to have a valid work permit before taking up employment or engaging in a business or profession in Kenya. Work permits are issued in classes based on the activity: Class D is for specific employment where the employer must show the required skills are not locally available and must provide a Kenyan understudy; Class G covers trade, business, consultancy, and certain professions; Class C covers prescribed professions practiced independently; and other classes cover agriculture, manufacturing, religious work, retirees, and more. A 2024 amendment introduced Class P (for UN, diplomatic, and IGO staff) and Class Q (for professionals in charitable and institutional roles). All applications are submitted online through the Directorate of Immigration Services’ portal. A permit may not be valid for more than five years at a time, though it can be renewed.

Residence Permits and Permanent Residence

A foreign national staying in Kenya for more than three months must register with the Directorate of Immigration Services and obtain a Foreign Nationals Certificate. Residence permits are available across the same classes as work permits, and the two are often combined. Permanent residence is available to those who have held a valid work or residence permit for at least seven years and been continuously resident in Kenya for at least three of those years. Permanent residents have the right to live, work, and conduct business in Kenya without needing a class-specific permit. An immigration lawyer can advise on eligibility and manage the application.

Citizenship

Kenyan citizenship is acquired by birth (where either parent is Kenyan at the time of the child’s birth), by registration, or in limited other circumstances. Citizenship by registration is available to, among others, spouses of Kenyan citizens, persons who have been lawfully resident in Kenya for prescribed periods, children of Kenyan citizens by registration, and adopted children of citizens. Kenya recognises dual citizenship under the Constitution. The Directorate of Immigration Services processes citizenship applications, and the process involves documentary evidence, interviews, and, for some categories, waiting periods. An immigration lawyer can assess eligibility and guide the application.

Digital Nomads and New Permit Categories

Kenya introduced a digital nomad permit for remote workers based outside Kenya but wishing to live in Kenya while working for an overseas employer. Following 2024 amendments, the minimum annual income threshold was reduced to USD 24,000 and the permit fee set at USD 1,000. The EAC (East African Community) permit is available to citizens of EAC member states, allowing them to live, work, trade, or engage in business in Kenya with no permit fee, in line with EAC free movement principles. These newer categories are part of Kenya’s effort to position itself as an international and financial hub.

This page gives general information about immigration law in Kenya. It is not legal advice, and immigration requirements change regularly. For advice on a specific permit, visa, or citizenship application, consult a registered advocate. You can find immigration lawyers by town below.

How to Choose an Immigration Lawyer

Immigration law changes frequently: match the lawyer to your situation, confirm they are up to date on current regulations, and confirm they are properly registered.

  • Confirm the lawyer is a registered advocate with the Law Society of Kenya
  • Choose a lawyer with genuine, current experience in immigration matters and the type of permit or application you need
  • Check that they are familiar with the online portal process used by the Directorate of Immigration Services
  • Ask how they charge and get a written fee agreement before work begins
  • Act early, since permit processing can take weeks to months and delays have real business and personal consequences

Immigration Lawyers Across the Country

Our listings cover immigration lawyers serving individuals and businesses across Kenya. Choose your town below to find lawyers near you. Areas covered include:

  • Nairobi
  • Mombasa
  • Kisumu
  • Nakuru
  • Eldoret
  • Thika
  • Ruiru
  • Nyeri
  • Meru
  • Machakos
  • Kiambu
  • Kisii
  • Kakamega
  • Kericho
  • Naivasha
  • Malindi
  • Kilifi

Find an Immigration Lawyer in Your Town

Choose your town to find verified immigration lawyers near you.

Nairobi Mombasa Kisumu Nakuru Eldoret Thika

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More Immigration Law Firms in Kenya

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Matheka Oketch Advocates LLP
Criminal Defence Closed Now

Matheka Oketch Advocates ...

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Nairobi
Matheka Oketch Advocates LLP
Criminal Defence Closed Now

Matheka Oketch Advocates LLP

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Second Floor, Bishop Garden Towers, First Ngong Avenue, Nairobi

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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about immigration law in Kenya.

Yes. The Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act requires all foreign nationals to hold a valid work permit before taking up employment, engaging in a business, or practising a profession in Kenya. Simply having an application pending does not entitle you to work. Working without a valid permit is an offence under the Act. The permit class required depends on the type of work: for example, Class D is for specific employment, Class G is for trade, business, or consultancy, and Class C is for prescribed professions practiced independently. An immigration lawyer can advise on the right class for your situation and manage the application. This is general information rather than advice on your particular case.
A Class D work permit is issued to a foreign national who has been offered specific employment in Kenya, where the employer can demonstrate that the required skills and qualifications are not available locally. The employer applies on behalf of the employee and must prove that no qualified Kenyan citizen was available for the role and must also designate a Kenyan understudy to learn from the incoming employee. Applications are submitted online through the Directorate of Immigration Services' portal. An immigration lawyer can assist with the documentation, advise on what evidence is needed, and track the application. This is general information rather than advice on your particular case.
A work permit in Kenya may not be valid for more than five years at a time, and the exact period is determined by the Directorate. It can be renewed on payment of the prescribed renewal fee, with no limit on the number of renewals. You should apply for renewal at least three months before the current permit expires to avoid a gap in your authorisation to work. Where the holder of a work permit ceases the employment for which it was issued, the employer must notify the Directorate in writing within fifteen days. An immigration lawyer can manage the renewal process and timelines. This is general information rather than advice on your particular case.
Yes. Permanent residence is available to foreign nationals who have held a valid work or residence permit for at least seven years and been continuously resident in Kenya for at least three of those years. Permanent residents have the right to live, work, and conduct business in Kenya without needing a class-specific work permit. The application is made to the Directorate of Immigration Services and involves documentary evidence of the qualifying period. An immigration lawyer can assess your eligibility and guide you through the application. This is general information rather than advice on your particular case.
Kenyan citizenship can be acquired in several ways. By birth, a person is a citizen if either parent is or was a Kenyan citizen at the time of the person's birth, wherever the birth occurred. By registration, citizenship is available to, among others, spouses of Kenyan citizens, children of Kenyan citizens by registration, persons who have been lawfully resident in Kenya for prescribed periods, and others meeting specified criteria. Kenya recognises dual citizenship under the Constitution. The Directorate of Immigration Services processes citizenship applications. An immigration lawyer can assess which route applies to you and manage the process. This is general information rather than advice on your particular case.
Kenya offers a permit for digital nomads, meaning people who work remotely for an overseas employer or clients while living in Kenya. Following 2024 amendments to the immigration regulations, the minimum annual income threshold for this permit was reduced to USD 24,000 and the annual permit fee is set at USD 1,000. Eligible workers include ICT professionals, project managers, graphic designers, software engineers, marketers, and freelancers, among others. An immigration lawyer can advise on the application process and the documentation required. This is general information rather than advice on your particular case.
Citizens of East African Community member states benefit from a specific EAC permit that allows them to live, work, trade, or engage in business in Kenya with no permit fee, in line with the EAC's free movement and labour principles. This is a significant advantage over third-country nationals and reflects Kenya's regional integration commitments. An immigration lawyer can advise on the EAC permit process and the documentation needed to establish EAC citizenship status. This is general information rather than advice on your particular case.
The Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act provides for review and appeal of immigration decisions. Where an application is refused, there is a process for seeking a review of the decision, and where review fails, a legal challenge may be possible. An immigration lawyer can advise on the grounds for challenging a refusal, the review process, and the prospects of success. Where an initial application is poorly prepared, a lawyer can also advise on reapplying with stronger documentation. Time limits apply to reviews and appeals, so acting promptly is important. This is general information rather than advice on your particular case.
Any foreign national planning to stay in Kenya for more than three months must register with the Directorate of Immigration Services and obtain a Foreign Nationals Certificate, sometimes called an Alien Card. This functions similarly to a residence permit and must be obtained even where a work permit is in place. All applications are made through the online portal. An immigration lawyer can advise on the registration requirements for your particular situation and ensure that all the required documentation is submitted correctly. This is general information rather than advice on your particular case.
Kenya has a significant refugee population and a legal framework for refugee protection under the Refugees Act, 2021 and the Refugees (General) Regulations, 2024. An asylum seeker must notify the intention to seek asylum to an authorised officer, who will direct them to a reception centre. An asylum seeker pass, valid for ninety days, is issued while the application is processed, and the Commissioner must make a determination within ninety days. Recognised refugees are issued a Convention travel document valid for two years and may obtain a Class M work permit at no cost. A legal representative may appear at a refugee status determination interview. An immigration lawyer can advise and represent asylum seekers through the process. This is general information rather than advice on your particular case.
Generally yes. Work and residence permits in Kenya can cover the spouse and dependent children of the permit holder, and the relevant class of permit typically extends to dependants. The 2024-introduced Class P permit, for UN, diplomatic, and IGO/INGO staff, for example, specifically covers the permit holder's family members. The dependant's status is linked to the principal holder's permit, so it is important to keep the main permit current. An immigration lawyer can advise on the documentation needed to include dependants in a permit application and manage the process. This is general information rather than advice on your particular case.
Processing times vary and can take from a few weeks to several months depending on the permit class, the completeness of the application, and the volume of applications being processed. Residence permits can take two to four months. Because working without a valid permit is an offence and applications can be delayed, it is important to start the process early and ensure the application is complete and well-documented from the outset. An immigration lawyer who is familiar with the Directorate's portal and requirements can help avoid the delays that come from incomplete or incorrectly prepared applications. This is general information rather than advice on your particular case.
You can find verified immigration lawyers by town using the links on this page. Before instructing anyone, confirm they are a registered advocate, the formal term for a lawyer in Kenya, using the Law Society of Kenya's advocates search, reached by searching "LSK advocates." Enter the lawyer's full name; if registered, the portal shows their photo, firm, practising year, address, and status. A practising certificate runs from 1 January to 31 December, so check theirs is current before you instruct them. This is general information rather than advice on your particular case.

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