Relocating to East Africa: What You Need to Know
Moving to Kenya, Uganda, or Tanzania requires preparation, understanding of local processes, and knowledge of legal and financial requirements. This guide provides essential information to help you plan confidently.
- VISA AND RESIDENCY INFORMATION
Relocating to Kenya, Uganda, or Tanzania involves selecting the appropriate visa type. Below are the most common categories:
Long-Term Stay & Residency Permits
1. Class K (Resident / Passive Income Permit – Kenya)[source]
- Purpose: Generally issued to individuals over age 35, (subject to immigration discretion) who wish to reside in Kenya without working or running a business.
- Validity: Usually 1–2 years initially, renewable annually.
- Application: Apply through the Kenyan Directorate of Immigration Services e-portal or in-person; must demonstrate passive income from abroad.
- Cost Estimate: Processing fee ~ $200; annual permit issuance ~ $2,000 – $2,500 (KES 250,000).
- Documents Required: Passport (valid ≥6 months), proof of income/pension/annuity from abroad, cover letter explaining passive-income status, passport-size photos, police clearance, medical certificate.
2. Work Permits[source]
- Purpose: For foreign nationals offered employment in Kenya or East Africa.
- Validity: Usually 1–3 years, renewable.
- Application: Must be supported by a recognized employer who provides a job offer and sponsorship.
- Cost Estimate: $200 – $500 (varies by country and profession).
- Documents Required: Job offer/contract, academic qualifications, employer sponsorship letter, passport, passport-size photos, police clearance, medical certificate.
3. Investor / Business Permits[source]
- Purpose: For individuals investing in a local business or starting a company in Kenya or the region.
- Validity: Typically 1–2 years, renewable; eligibility for long-term residency after continued investment.
- Application: Submit business plan, proof of minimum investment, company incorporation documents, and passport to immigration authorities.
- Cost Estimate: $500 – $1,000+ depending on investment size and country regulations (Kenya ~$100,000 minimum investment).
- Documents Required: Business plan, incorporation documents, capital proof, passport, police clearance, medical certificate.
Dependent / Spouse Visa[source]
- Purpose: For spouses and children of individuals holding work, investor, or student visas
- Validity: Matches the primary visa holder’s term
- Cost Estimate: $100 – $300
- Documents Required: Marriage/birth certificate, sponsor’s visa, passport, photos
Key Points for Long-Term Stay
- Permanent residency may be applied for after holding qualifying permits for several years (usually 7+ years) and meeting all compliance requirements.
- Renewal and reporting are mandatory; non-compliance may result in fines, permit cancellation, or deportation.
Short Term Stay Permits
Student Visa
- Purpose: For foreigners enrolled in educational institutions
- Validity: Based on course duration
- Application: Through the host institution or government immigration portal
- Cost Estimate: $50 – $150
- Documents Required: Admission letter, passport, proof of financial support, recent photos
East African Tourist Visa (Joint Visa for Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda)
- Purpose: Allows travel to all three countries with one visa
- Validity: 90 days
- Cost: ~$100
- Apply Through: Country of entry’s eVisa platform
- Note: Not valid for Tanzania or Burundi
- LEGAL IDENTITY & RESIDENCY
- Alien ID / Foreigner Certificate
Mandatory for long-term stay in most EAC countries
Estimated fee: $100 – $150 - Residency Permits
Often required after arrival for stays longer than 90 days - Renewals & Reporting
Residency and visa renewals may involve local immigration visits every 6–12 months
- LAND & PROPERTY PURCHASE (GENERAL GUIDELINES)
- Land Search & Legal Verification
Recommended before purchase; typically handled by a lawyer
Cost: $50 – $150 - Land Purchase (Per Acre)
- Rural areas: $1,500 – $5,000
- Peri-urban: $5,000 – $15,000
- Urban areas: $10,000 – $30,000+
- Title Transfer & Registration
Government and legal processing can range from $300 – $700
- BUSINESS SETUP OVERVIEW
- Company Registration
Process includes name search, tax ID registration, and incorporation documents
Estimated cost: $150 – $400
Timeframe: 5–21 working days - Investor Requirements
Countries like Kenya may require minimum capital of $100,000 for foreign investors
- BANKING & MOBILE MONEY SETUP
- Required Documents: Passport, visa, proof of residence (e.g. lease agreement)
- Account Fees: Typically free – $50 depending on bank
- Mobile Money: Widely used platforms include M-Pesa, Airtel Money, and MTN Mobile Money
IMPORTANT NOTES
- All costs are estimates and vary by country, location, and service provider.
- Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) – Advisory
Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) – Advisory
All travellers, including infants and children, must obtain an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before entering Kenya unless they fall under an exemption category.
Who Must Apply
- All nationalities except those explicitly exempt.
- Travellers without a Kenya work permit, residency pass, or re-entry pass.
- Travellers entering by air, land, or sea.
Validity & Entry
- eTA is valid for 90 days from issuance.
- Length of stay is determined at the entry point.
- Does not grant the right to work or reside.
Required Documents (All Travellers)
- Passport valid at least 6 months beyond arrival.
- At least one blank passport page.
- Passport photo or selfie.
- Arrival and departure itinerary.
- Accommodation booking confirmation.
- Email address and phone number.
- Means of payment (credit/debit card).
Additional Documents Depending on Purpose
Business
- Invitation letter.
- Company registration documents.
Family Visit
- Invitation letter.
- Host ID/Passport/Alien Card/Permit.
Medical Treatment
- Appointment or referral letter.
Conference
- Conference invitation or participation letter.
Resettlement/Relocation
- Supporting documents showing intent to apply for residency or permits.
Diplomatic Travel
- Diplomatic/Official/Service passport.
- Official letter from country/organization.
Processing Time
- Typically 3 working days, but may take longer.
Exemptions
- Holders of Kenya Permanent Residence, valid Work Permits, or Passes.
- Holders of re-entry passes or written authority.
- Citizens of East African Community countries (up to 180 days).
- Nationals of exempt countries (e.g., Barbados, Ghana, Namibia, Singapore, South Africa, Zambia, Jamaica, etc.).
- Transit passengers not leaving the airport.
- Crew members not leaving port/airport precincts.
- Holders of official/diplomatic Laissez-Passers (UN, AU, IMF, COMESA, etc.).
Important for Relocation Clients
- The eTA allows entry only.
- Long-term stay requires separate applications:
- Class K (Passive Income)
- Class D (Work Permit)
- Class G (Investor Permit)
- Dependent/Spouse Passes
- You may enter Kenya on an eTA and apply for permits after arrival.
Resources & Links
Travel Itinerary Template (Free Download)
Planning your trip to Kenya, Uganda, or Tanzania?
Use this simple and printable Travel Itinerary Template to organize your flight details, accommodation, and travel dates. It’s especially helpful when applying for a visa or preparing for relocation.
Includes:
Personal details
Travel details
Flight and hotel sections
