Work Permit for Religious and Charitable Activities in Kenya

A Class I Permit for approved religious or charitable activities is a specific type of permit issued to individuals engaged in missionary work or charitable activities within the country. The permit is granted to:

1. Missionaries who are members of institutions registered under the Societies Act.
2. Members of companies limited by guarantee.
3. Members of trusts registered under the Trustees Act and approved by the Government of Kenya.

The applicant's presence in the country should be deemed beneficial to Kenya.

To obtain a Class I Permit in Kenya, applicants must fulfill the following requirements:

1. Complete and submit Form 25 online, which can be printed after application on the eFNS Portal.
2. Provide two copies of a detailed, signed cover letter from the employer or organization, addressed to the Director of Immigration Services.
3. Submit a copy of a valid national passport.
4. Include two recent passport-sized color photographs for both new applications and renewals.
5. Provide proof of current immigration status if already in Kenya.
6. Submit copies of any previous permits or passes held.
7. Include a copy of the organization's registration certificate.
8. Provide certified copies of the applicant's academic and professional certificates.
9. Ensure all documents in foreign languages are translated into English by an embassy, public notary, or authorized institution.

Class I Permits are available for specific types of religious or charitable activities. The following entities are typically considered eligible for this permit:

1. Institutions registered under the Society's Act: These are organizations that have been officially recognized and registered according to the regulations set forth in the Society's Act.
2. Companies Limited by Guarantee: This refers to a specific type of corporate structure where the company's members act as guarantors rather than shareholders. These organizations are often used for non-profit purposes.
3. Trusts or Foundations registered under the Trustees Act: These are entities that have been officially registered and comply with the requirements outlined in the Trustees Act.  Additionally, they must have received approval from the Government of Kenya.

Examples of religious or charitable activities can include:

Charitable endeavors such as children's homes, orphanages, educational foundations, and scientific research foundations. Missionary and Religious institutions like churches, ministries, mosques, and temples.

The application process for all the work permits is completed online through the electronic Foreign Nationals Services (eFNS) portal. Here's a detailed breakdown of the procedure and key steps to apply:

1. eFNS Account Creation: Begin by creating a login account on the eFNS Portal.
2. Portal Access: Use your newly created credentials to log into the eFNS portal.
3. Application Initiation: Once logged in, locate and click on the "Apply now" link.
4. Application Selection: Navigate to the "Submit New Applications" tab and choose the "Permit Issuance/Renewal" option.
5. Form Completion: Fill out the application form with accurate information.
6.  Invoice Generation: Upon form submission, an invoice will be generated. Access this by clicking on "Dashboard" followed by the "Payments" tab.
7. Payment Options:
   1. Online Payment: Utilize available online payment methods.
   2.  In-Person Payment: If online payment is not feasible, print your application form via the "Dashboard" and "My Applications" tab. Submit this form along with all required documents at the Immigration headquarters (Nyayo House) for payment and processing.
8. Application Tracking: The system will send automatic notifications via email and update your online account regarding the progress of your application.

eFNS Portal