Kenya has finally launched its much-anticipated visa for digital nomads. On October 2nd, Kenya’s president officially introduced this visa during the Magical Kenya Travel Expo in Nairobi. Remote workers wanting to taste African culture can now opt for this special visa and come to Kenya.
Kenya has a growing digital nomad community. It is one of the few African countries, alongside South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Mauritius, and Tanzania, to offer digital nomad visas. People seeking affordability, wildlife adventure, and a blend of African culture and a remote work lifestyle choose Kenya as their remote workstation.
Kenya Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
On October 1, 2024, the Kenyan government issued an amendment to the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Regulations, 2012, through Legal Notice No. 155, formally establishing the Class N Digital Nomad Visa.
There are certain criteria you have to meet to be eligible for this digital nomad visa. The eligibility requirements are:
➤ Valid Passport: You need a valid passport to apply
➤ Proof of Remote Work: You need to show the proof of your work as a remote worker or freelancer. Payment must be earned outside Kenya.
➤ Earn Minimum USD 55,000 per year: You need to meet the requirement of the minimum earning.
➤ Proof of Accommodation Arrangement Agreements: You need to show the apartment rental or booking agreement.
➤ Clean Criminal Record: You must have a clean criminal record from your country of residence.
With this visa, you join volunteer abroad programs for any organization or clients based in Kenya. Apart from that, it is estimated that the visa will be valid for up to one year. It come with options to extend if you continue meeting the requirements. After following the normal criteria of 7 years of continuation, you can become a citizen of Kenya.
How to Apply
Kenya’s visa application can now be completed entirely online. The approval process takes around 48 hours.
As this is new to Kenya, it is taking time to elaborate. They haven’t yet declared the Kenya digital nomad visa application procedure.
We will update our article as soon as they provide information regarding the procedure. So, stay tuned for future updates.
Kenya for Digital Nomads
Kenya has seen a rise in digital nomads in recent years. People wanting to live a laptop lifestyle can make Kenya as their base due to its uprising facilities.
Best Places to Live
Kenya has some great places for digital nomads. Cities like Nairobi and Mombasa are well-known for their growing digital nomad amenities and community. You can also travel around the cities using their well-structured bus routes, train lines, and domestic flights.
Nairobi
Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya with over 4.4 million people. It is also the digital nomad hub in Kenya. It has plenty of co-working spaces, laptop-friendly cafes, and reliable internet speed. In fact, Nairobi has some of the best 4G connections in East Africa.
Also, governments and companies are developing modern infrastructure to attract and facilitate more remote workers. Digital nomads generally stay in places like Westlands, Parklands, Killmani, and Lavington. Digital nomad communities are more vibrant over there.
Nairobi is also the multicultural hub of Kenya. Here you will see more foreigners than in any other part of Kenya. Local people are humble, friendly, and welcoming. Due to the reasonable cost of living, Nairobi is often chosen as a great place for remote workers.
Mombasa
Mombasa is the largest city in Kenya. It has beautiful beaches, a stunning coastline, and rich cultural life. Top sights include Fort Jesus, Haller Park, and Nguuni Nature Sanctuary.
The digital nomad scene is getting popular here. Though not as much as Nairobi, Mombasa is improving their modern infrastructure for remote workers. Here you’ll find many co-working spaces and coffee shops with better Wi-Fi speed to get your job done.
People wanting to stay away from busy metropolitan areas and live near beaches can opt for Mombasa as their nomad base.
Cost of Living
One of the main reasons remote workers choose to live in Kenya is its affordability. Kenya is cheaper than many other countries. So you can lead a moderate lifestyle on a budget.
• Accommodation: Serviced apartments with good security in Kenya cost about US$600 monthly.
• Groceries: US$200 per month
• Bills & Utilities: US$140 per month covers bills, utilities, and subscriptions, excluding phone and internet.
• Transportation: US$130 per month
• Leisure & Entertainment: US$40 per month
• Miscellaneous: US$100-150 per month (depending on your lifestyle)
So you can live comfortably in Kenya as a digital nomad for around US$1,500 per month.
Read also: 13 Top Rental Sites for Digital Nomads
Remote Work Culture
The digital nomad community is growing in Kenya. Modern infrastructure is developing. Kenya’s internet speed, mobile data affordability, and ease of connectivity across cities are getting better and better.
According to 2018, half of all African start-ups were based in Kenya. This is due to the relative political stability. Local entrepreneurs are involving more to contribute to their economy.
Well-established co-working spaces like Nairobi Garage, Metta Nairobi are there for remote workers. Their pricing starts around 12-14 USD per day. You can get seamless internet connection over there.
Wrap Up
Kenya digital nomad visa can be a game-changer for remote workers. People willing to come to Africa as digital nomads will now find it easier than ever. They can taste African culture while working remotely.
Kenya is heavily investing in the tourism sector to attract more tourists. They even have a plan to attract 5 million tourists in 2027. To hit the target, this type of Kenya visa will play a bigger role.
So what are you waiting for? Take your first leap to come to Kenya by applying for the digital nomad visa Kenya. We are here to help you by providing more accurate and latest information regarding this e visa Kenya.
FAQs
The Kenya Digital Nomad Visa is a special kind of visa that allows remote workers to live and work legally in Kenya. It’s designed for digital nomads employed outside Kenya or self-employed individuals with clients outside the country.
Applicants must have a valid passport, earn a minimum of USD 55,000 per year, provide proof of remote work, and have a clean criminal record from your country of residence.
While it is not officially announced yet. But it is estimated that one with a Kenya digital nomad visa can live and work for up to one year. It comes with options to extend or renew if you continue meeting the requirements. Renewal policies vary, so it’s best to check with Kenya’s immigration office for the latest guidelines.
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