Class N Digital Nomad Permit: Overview for Nigerians ₦1,639,556
The Class N Digital Nomad Permit is one of the main routes Nigerians use to relocate to Kenya. This overview covers the verified 2026 fees, processing time, and the documents you need to apply. All figures are pulled from our verified relocation database — no estimates.
Class N Digital Nomad Permit fees — verified breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | ₦1,639,556 (~$1,200 USD) |
| Proof of funds (your own savings)Refundable to you | ₦32,784,792 (~$23,998 USD) |
| Health surcharge | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Language test (IELTS/TEF) | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Credential evaluation | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Total government fees | ₦1,639,556 (~$1,200 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 ₦1,639,556 total is made up of several distinct charges. Here is what you are actually paying for:
- Visa application fee — ₦1,639,556: Paid to the Kenya immigration authority when you submit your application. Non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
- Proof of funds — ₦32,784,792: Your own savings — not paid to anyone. Must sit in your bank account, unencumbered, for typically 28–90 days before your application date.
Processing timeline
Total processing time: 2–4 weeks
- 1
Confirm eligibility
Check that you meet the Class N Digital Nomad Permit requirements before paying any fees.
- 2
Prepare documents
Passport, qualification certificates.
- 3
Pay fees
Pay ₦1,639,556 in government fees.
- 4
Submit application
Submit online or through the relevant embassy.
- 5
Wait for decision
Processing time: 2–4 weeks.
Expert tip
Class N Digital Nomad Permit
Kenya's Class N Digital Nomad Work Permit launched in 2023 and costs $200 processing plus $1,000/year permit fee. The income requirement is officially $24,000/year minimum, though some sources cite higher thresholds — apply with the strongest income proof you have. Valid for 12 months, renewable. Apply through the eFNS portal (efns.immigration.go.ke). You need proof of remote employment or freelance income, health insurance, and a clean criminal record. The permit lets you live and work remotely from Kenya without paying Kenyan income tax on your foreign earnings. Nairobi has world-class coworking spaces (iHub, Nairobi Garage, Kofisi) and reliable fiber internet. This is the ideal permit for Nigerian remote workers earning in USD or GBP who want to base in East Africa.
Where Nigerians settle in Kenya
Once your Class N Digital Nomad 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 N Digital Nomad Permit cost for Nigerians moving to Kenya?
- Total government fees for the Class N Digital Nomad Permit are ₦1,639,556 (about $1,200). This covers the visa application fee, and any other applicable government charges.
- How long does Class N Digital Nomad Permit processing take from Nigeria?
- Processing time for the Class N Digital Nomad Permit is 2–4 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.
- How much proof of funds do I need for the Class N Digital Nomad Permit?
- You need to show ₦32,784,792 ($23,998) in savings for the Class N Digital Nomad Permit. This money stays in your account — it is not paid to the government. Funds must be unencumbered: fixed deposits locked for a term or joint accounts with conditions may be queried by the officer.
- What documents do I need for the Class N Digital Nomad Permit application from Nigeria?
- Core documents include a valid Nigerian passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, recent passport photographs, and proof of eligibility for this visa category. Include 6 months of bank statements showing the ₦32,784,792 proof-of-funds requirement is consistently met.
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