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Republic of Kenya Department of Immigration Services

Department of Immigration Services eFNS Foreign Nationals Services
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Work permits · Class I

Approved religious activities

For missionaries of a registered religious institution whose work involves preaching or conducting religious worship.

Form 25 Invoice on submission
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Who it is for

This permit is issued to a member of an institution registered under the Societies Act who is engaged as a missionary, whose activities directly involve preaching or conducting religious worship and rituals, and whose presence in Kenya is of benefit to the country.

Class I is for nationals of countries outside the East African Community. EAC nationals apply under Class R.

What you need

Have these ready before you apply. Incomplete applications are not accepted.

  • Duly completed and signed Form 25, printed at the end of your online application

  • Two recent colour passport-size photographs

  • Copy of your valid national passport (bio-data page)

  • Your current immigration status, if you are in Kenya

  • Two copies of a detailed, signed cover letter from the employer, organisation or yourself, addressed to the Director of Immigration Services

  • Registration certificate of the local religious society

  • Proof of registration of the sending religious society in your home country

  • Letter from the sending religious society in your home country, giving:

    • its physical address
    • its telephone number
    • its email address
    • contact details of a senior official: name, telephone number, email and physical address

  • Supporting letter from a local umbrella religious body, such as SUPKEM, the Hindu Council, the Sikh Union or another recognised local religious body, where applicable

  • Documentary proof of training in the religious faith

  • Certificate of ordination, where applicable

  • Academic certificates: secondary school certificate, college diploma or university degree

  • Details of the actual place of work:

    • name, for example Masjid Musa, Majengo, Mombasa, or St. Joseph Catholic Church, Tudor, Mombasa
    • physical address: location, road or street, town or village, and county
    • telephone number
    • email address
    • contact person: name, title and telephone number

  • English translations of any documents in other languages, by an embassy, a notary public or an authorised or recognised institution

  • Copies of any permits or passes you have held before

  • Certificate of registration of the organisation

  • Valid tax compliance certificates from KRA: the organisation’s for new applications, and both the organisation’s and your own for renewals

Fees

The fee for this application is shown on your invoice before you pay. All fees are paid through eCitizen.

How to apply

  1. Step 1: Sign in with eCitizen

    Use your Government of Kenya eCitizen account. If you do not have one yet, registration is free.

    Create an eCitizen account

  2. Step 2: Complete the application

    Fill in Form 25 online, for yourself or on behalf of someone else, and print it when you finish.

  3. Step 3: Pay the invoice

    An invoice is raised when you submit your application. Pay it through eCitizen by M-PESA, Airtel Money or card.

  4. Step 4: Present your documents

    Take your printed application and the documents listed above to the immigration office named under “Good to know”.

  5. Step 5: Follow your application

    You receive email and account notifications as your application moves through each stage.

Good to know

  • The processing fee is non-refundable.
  • Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
  • Engaging in any form of business or employment without the requisite permit or pass is an offence.
  • Printed applications must be presented at Immigration headquarters or at any regional immigration office.