NetherlandsWorldwide

Working in Kenya

If you want to work in Kenya, check whether you will need a visa or work permit. You should also look at what will happen if you lose your job or are unable to work due to sickness or disability.

Do you need a visa or work permit?

If you are a Dutch national you don’t need a visa or work permit to work in another EU country. You will need both to work in a European country that is not a member of the EU, but this is usually easy to arrange. For countries outside Europe the application procedure can be long, complicated and expensive.

Applying for a visa or work permit

The embassy or consulate of your destination country can tell you about applying for a visa or work permit. See government.nl for the contact details of the nearest embassy or consulate (usually in The Hague or Brussels).

Unemployment, sickness or incapacity for work when abroad

If you work abroad and lose your job, get sick or are unable to work, check whether you are insured and whether you can receive a benefit outside the Netherlands.

Working in this country or region

To work in Kenya you will need a work permit. That is also the case if you are an entrepreneur or if you wish to do (unpaid) volunteer work. Obtaining a work permit is a very lengthy and costly process. There are many small agencies and agents that offer their services to assist you in obtaining a work permit: it is important to verify whether or not those that are offering these services are genuine and have a license themselves, as the use of fraudulent documents is very common. If you are found working with a fraudulent work permit by the immigration services, the consequences can be severe. Working without a work permit can lead to high fines and/or jail time.

You can find more information about doing business in Kenya on and business opportunities here.