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Guides · Kenya

Work permit renewal in Kenya

Written from published rules on 26 August 2026. Not monitored for changes since. A starting point, not official advice — confirm anything that matters with Department of Immigration Services (Kenya).

Renewing a work permit in Kenya typically involves submitting an application to the Department of Immigration Services before the current permit expires. The process generally requires updated personal and employment details, along with supporting documentation.

Your timing

It is generally advisable to initiate the work permit renewal process at least two to three months before the current permit's expiry date. This allows sufficient time for application preparation, potential submission delays, and the processing period by the Department of Immigration Services, which can sometimes take several weeks.

Start 60 days ahead

This lead time accounts for preparing the application, potential submission windows, and the processing time required by the Department of Immigration Services.

The process

  1. 1Ensure all employer and applicant details are current and accurate for the renewal application.
  2. 2Gather all required supporting documents, including the current work permit, passport, and any updated company registration or tax compliance certificates.
  3. 3Access the eFNS portal on the Department of Immigration Services website.
  4. 4Complete the online renewal application form, providing all necessary information.
  5. 5Upload scanned copies of all required supporting documents.
  6. 6Pay the prescribed renewal fee through the integrated online payment system.
  7. 7Submit the application electronically and retain the acknowledgment receipt for future reference.
  8. 8Track the application status through the eFNS portal and respond to any requests for further information.

What to bring

  • Current work permit (original and copy)
  • Valid passport (copy of bio-data page and pages with previous endorsements)
  • Cover letter from the employer justifying the renewal application
  • Current company registration certificate (e.g., Certificate of Incorporation, Business Registration Certificate)
  • Tax Compliance Certificate for the employing company
  • PIN (Personal Identification Number) certificate of the applicant
  • Latest income tax returns for the employing company
  • Audited accounts of the employing company for the last two years
  • Academic and professional certificates of the applicant
  • Proof of payment of prescribed fees

Who handles it

Department of Immigration Services (Kenya)

https://fns.immigration.go.ke/

The cost for work permit renewal varies depending on the permit class. Specific fees can be found on the Department of Immigration Services eFNS portal or official gazetted fee schedules.

What commonly goes wrong

  • Failure to apply for renewal before the expiry date can lead to penalties or a requirement to apply for a new permit.
  • Incomplete documentation is a common reason for application delays or rejections.
  • Ensure all information provided in the online application accurately matches the supporting documents.
  • Technical issues with the online portal or payment system can sometimes occur, so starting early is beneficial.

Sources

Other documents in Kenya

Work permit renewal in other countries

Often renewed together

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