- Kenya has introduced a new visa category that caters to digital nomads, allowing individuals to live and work remotely in Kenya. In addition to attracting skilled foreign workers, the visa also aims to boost the nation's tourism industry, stimulate economic growth, and foster innovation.
- The amendment, published to the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Regulations, 2012, under Legal Notice No. 155, officially recognises the Class N: Digital Nomad visa.
- According to a report, qualification for the digital nomad visa involves meeting certain criteria, including a valid passport, proof of remote work, and an assured annual income of at least $55,000 derived from sources outside Kenya.
Additionally, applicants must provide proof of accommodation arrangements in Kenya and a clean criminal record from their country of habitual residence.
Also, the visa emphasises that digital nomads must not engage in local employment, meaning visa holders cannot accept any form of employment, paid or unpaid, from employers based in Kenya.
Eligibility does not apply to individuals who accept employment or engage in income-generating activities within Kenya. This way, Kenya protects its local job market while accommodating foreign remote workers.
While the visa primarily allows for temporary residence, the Class N visa could provide long-term residency and, eventually, citizenship. Per the report, the Kenyan government states that it will allow digital nomads who are interested in establishing more permanent roots in the country to eventually apply for citizenship.
Aside from Kenya, other African countries, including Mauritius, Cape Verde, Namibia, South Africa, and the Seychelles (Workation Retreat Programme), offer digital nomad visas.
In April 2024, South Africa signed its digital nomad visa regulations into law, allowing skilled remote workers to obtain a digital nomad visa and live in the country for a set period. However, the visa requires a minimum salary of R1,000,000 (~$53,000 at the time).
Recently, South Africa has moved to introduce reforms to its “strict” visa regime, with changes that will include a new points-based system for work visas, making eligibility automatic if certain qualifications are met, and the launch of a remote work visa, which is expected to be finalised in "a matter of days."
