The Kenyan President William Ruto recently unveiled a new visa for digital nomad workers. The announcement, made at the Magical Kenya Travel Expo 2024 in Nairobi, marks a turning point in the East African country's immigration policy.
A visa to attract talent from all over the world
The Digital Nomad Work Permit is designed to appeal to digital professionals worldwide. The aim? To enable them to live and work in Kenya while enjoying the country's natural wonders and lifestyle. "Kenya can be your home, where you and your family can discover the wonders of magical Kenya every day, while serving customers from all over the world on your digital platform," said President Ruto.
This initiative is part of a wider strategy to boost tourism, the local economy, innovation and entrepreneurship in Kenya. The country hopes to grow from 2 million international visitors in 2023 to 5 million by 2027.
Eligibility criteria
To obtain this visa, applicants must meet several conditions:
- Valid passport
- Provide proof of remote working outside Kenya
- Proof of accommodation in the country
- A clean criminal record
- Demonstrate a minimum annual income of $55,000 (about 50,000 euros)
It is important to note that holders of this visa will not be allowed to accept local employment, paid or unpaid, with employers based in Kenya. This restriction aims to protect the local labor market while welcoming foreign workers from afar.
A visa that opens up new prospects
Although primarily designed for temporary stays, this new visa could offer a pathway to long-term residency, or even Kenyan citizenship. The government has indicated that digital nomads interested in putting down more permanent roots in the country will eventually be able to apply for citizenship.
This flexibility could prove particularly attractive to professionals looking to settle in a country offering both professional opportunities and a high quality of life.
Although the announcement has generated a great deal of enthusiasm, certain details of the program have yet to be clarified. The length of validity of the visa, its cost and the official launch date of the program have not yet been communicated. These details should be clarified in the coming days.
A developing infrastructure
To support this initiative, the Kenyan government is committed to improving the country's infrastructure. "We are extending our fiber optic network across Kenya so that you can work from any part of the country, because you will be connected," assured President Ruto.
This promise of improved connectivity should reassure nomadic workers for whom a reliable Internet connection is essential.
A country with many assets
Kenya has plenty to offer digital nomads:
- World-renowned safaris, especially in the Masai Mara National Reserve
- Paradise beaches along the Indian Ocean
- Outdoor adventures, such as climbing Mount Kenya
- Flamingo watching in the Great Rift Valley
- A vibrant cultural scene in Nairobi, with lively markets and nightlife
Kenya thus joins other African countries such as Mauritius, THE Cape Verde and Namibia, which already offer visas for digital nomads.
Electronic travel authorization for tourists
In parallel with the visa for digital nomads, Kenya has also announced the introduction of an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for tourists.. Since January 2024, many nationalities have been able to enter the country without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. This authorization can be extended for a further 90 days for $50 (approx. 45 euros), allowing a total stay of six months.
This ETA will also apply to transit passengers. Those with a long stopover at the international airport Jomo Kenyatta of Nairobi will now be able to leave the airport and explore the capital. " It will now be possible for travellers with 12 hours to get out of the airport and enjoy a meal in town, visit the national park, see our wildlife, or explore our national museum, before resuming their journey." explained President Ruto.