Class D Work Permit: Fees Breakdown for Nigerians ₦2,637,978
Below is the complete breakdown of Class D Work Permit fees for Nigerian applicants moving to Kenya. Every line item is verified against the official immigration authority schedule — application fee, health surcharge, language test, credential evaluation, and other government fees.
Class D Work Permit fees — verified breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | ₦2,637,978 (~$1,931 USD) |
| Proof of funds (your own savings)Not required | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Health surcharge | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Language test (IELTS/TEF) | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Credential evaluation | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Total government fees | ₦2,637,978 (~$1,931 USD) |
Verified against official immigration authority schedule. Exchange rates as of 21 June 2026. Proof of funds is your own money — you do not pay it to the government.
What each fee covers
The ₦2,637,978 total is made up of several distinct charges. Here is what you are actually paying for:
- Visa application fee — ₦2,637,978: Paid to the Kenya immigration authority when you submit your application. Non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
Expert tip
Class D Work Permit
The Class D Work Permit is employer-sponsored and costs KES 250,000–500,000/year ($1,700–$3,400) depending on the category. Your employer handles the application through the eFNS portal. Processing takes 4–12 weeks and can be unpredictable. Kenya has a strong 'Kenyanization' policy — employers must demonstrate they could not find a qualified Kenyan for the role. This is strictly enforced for mid-level positions but more flexible for senior/specialized roles in tech, finance, and NGOs. Major employers of foreign workers include Safaricom, Equity Bank, UN agencies (UNEP and UN-Habitat are headquartered in Nairobi), international NGOs, and tech companies. The permit is valid for 1–3 years depending on your contract.
Where Nigerians settle in Kenya
Once your Class D Work Permit is approved, most Nigerians head to Nairobi or Mombasa. Here is what to budget for your first year:
- Nairobi: 1-bedroom rent ₦585,737/month · Lagos–Nairobi flights from ~$500 · Nigerian community: Small-Growing
- Mombasa: 1-bedroom rent ₦233,197/month · Lagos–Mombasa flights from ~$550 · Nigerian community: Small
Life in Nairobi
Nairobi is Africa's undisputed tech capital. A 1-bed apartment in good neighborhoods (Westlands, Kilimani, Lavington) costs $427–700/month, dropping to $200–350 in areas like South B, South C, or Langata. The city has excellent coworking infrastructure — iHub, Nairobi Garage, and Kofisi are world-class. Fiber internet (Safaricom Home, Zuku) runs 50–100Mbps for $30–50/month. M-Pesa mobile money is king — everything from rent to groceries can be paid via phone. A single person needs $1,000–1,500/month for comfortable living. The Nigerian community is small but growing, especially in tech and business circles. Nairobi traffic is legendary — live close to where you work or work remotely. Uber and Bolt are widely available. Safety varies by neighborhood — Westlands and Kilimani are safe; avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.
1% of Nigerians who use Japa Calculator choose Kenya as their destination. Average Japa Score: 50/100. Most common salary expectation among applicants: ₦300K–₦1M.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the Class D Work Permit cost for Nigerians moving to Kenya?
- Total government fees for the Class D Work Permit are ₦2,637,978 (about $1,931). This covers the visa application fee, and any other applicable government charges.
- How long does Class D Work Permit processing take from Nigeria?
- Processing time for the Class D Work Permit is 4–12 weeks. Apply from the Kenya High Commission in Abuja or the Consulate in Lagos — book your appointment slot as early as possible, as backlogs frequently add 2–4 weeks beyond the official window.
- What documents do I need to apply for the Class D Work Permit from Nigeria?
- You will need a valid Nigerian international passport (at least 6 months validity beyond your intended travel date), completed application form, recent passport photographs, and supporting evidence of eligibility.
- Where do most Nigerians settle after relocating to Kenya?
- Nairobi is the most popular destination for Nigerians relocating to Kenya. Average 1-bedroom rent is ₦585,737 per month. The Nigerian community in Nairobi is smaller but active; diaspora associations and online groups help new arrivals settle quickly.
Related guides
Sibling variants of this visa route and other ways into Kenya.
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Start Free CalculatorData methodology: Visa fees sourced from official immigration authority schedules. Naira conversions use live exchange rates from open.er-api.com (last updated 21 June 2026). All fees are subject to change with policy updates — verify with the official immigration website before applying. Last verified: 2026-06-03