Legal and Immigration Support for U.S. Citizens and Green Card Holders in Kenya

1. What are the legal rights and obligations of US citizens and green card holders while living in Kenya?

Under Kenyan law, US citizens and green card holders have the same rights as Kenyan citizens. These include the right to own property, the right to receive equal treatment under the law, and the freedom to practice their religion. They are also subject to the same taxes and regulations as Kenyan citizens. Additionally, these individuals must comply with local immigration laws and regulations, including obtaining the necessary visas or permits required for their stay in Kenya.

2. Are there any immigration benefits for US citizens and green card holders in Kenya?

No, there are no immigration benefits for US citizens and green card holders in Kenya.

3. Are US citizens and green card holders allowed to work in Kenya?

No, US citizens and green card holders are not allowed to work in Kenya without first obtaining a valid work permit.

4. Is there a specific quota for US citizens and green card holders to obtain a work visa in Kenya?

No, there is no specific quota for US citizens and green card holders to obtain a work visa in Kenya. Anyone who meets the requirements for a work visa in Kenya can apply, regardless of their nationality or status.

5. Are US citizens and green card holders eligible for free movement within Kenya?

No, US citizens and green card holders are not eligible for free movement within Kenya. Kenya requires US citizens and green card holders to obtain a visa prior to entering the country.

6. Is there a specific period of time that US citizens and green card holders can stay in Kenya?

Yes, US citizens and green card holders can stay in Kenya for up to 90 days without a visa. Those who wish to stay longer than 90 days must obtain a visa from the Kenyan embassy prior to their arrival.

7. Can US citizens and green card holders apply for permanent residency in Kenya?

No, US citizens and green card holders are not eligible for permanent residency in Kenya.

8. What are the requirements for US citizens and green card holders to obtain permanent residency in Kenya?

The requirements for U.S. citizens and green card holders to obtain permanent residency in Kenya are as follows:

-Valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining
-Completed application form
-Two passport size photographs
-Proof of financial means such as bank statements and other forms of income
-Medical report from a recognized Kenyan medical facility
-Letter of good conduct from the applicant’s home country
-Evidence of residence in Kenya, such as utility bills
-Proof of real estate ownership or rental agreement within Kenya
-Letter of support from an employer or business within Kenya
-Proof of business activities within Kenya
-Fee payment receipt

9. Does Kenya have any special programs that benefit US citizens and green card holders?

Yes, Kenya has a special program called the Kenyans Abroad Program (KAP) that offers benefits to US citizens and green card holders. KAP provides assistance with financial services, remittances, immigration, legal advice, investor facilitation, and access to professional networks. The program also organizes regular meetings for Kenyans in the diaspora and facilitates access to business opportunities.

10. Are there any incentives for US citizens and green card holders to invest in Kenya businesses or real estate?

Yes, there are incentives for US citizens and green card holders to invest in Kenya businesses or real estate. The Kenyan government offers a range of incentives such as tax holidays, duty-free imports of raw materials, export incentives, and loans with low-interest rates for those investing in Kenya. Additionally, through the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, foreign investors can receive grants to help them develop farming and agricultural businesses in the country.

11. Is it necessary for US citizens and green card holders to obtain a residence permit in Kenya?

No, it is not necessary for US citizens and green card holders to obtain a residence permit in Kenya. US citizens and Green Card holders are permitted to remain in Kenya for up to three months without obtaining a residence permit.

12. Are US citizens and green card holders required to pay taxes on income earned from Kenya?

Yes, US citizens and green card holders are required to pay taxes on income earned from Kenya. The US has a tax treaty with Kenya that requires US taxpayers to report their income earned in Kenya on their US taxes.

13. Are there any restrictions on ownership of property in Kenya for US citizens and green card holders?

Yes, there are restrictions on ownership of property in Kenya for US citizens and green card holders. Non-resident aliens are only allowed to lease land, not own it, and the maximum length of the lease is 99 years. Foreigners are also not allowed to own land in coastal areas or close to national parks or other protected areas.

14. What type of visas do US citizens and green card holders need to enter Kenya?

US citizens and green card holders need a visa to enter Kenya. The visa must be obtained in advance from a Kenyan embassy or consulate. US citizens can apply for a tourist or business visa, while green card holders may apply for any type of visa, including a student, work, or residency visa.

15. Is there a dedicated immigration office or agency that deals with legal matters related to US citizens and green card holders in Kenya?

No, there is no dedicated immigration office or agency that deals with legal matters related to US citizens and green card holders in Kenya. However, the US Embassy in Nairobi provides consular services and can provide information related to legal matters.

16. Does the government of Kenya provide any support services for US citizens and green card holders such as legal aid or translation services?

The government of Kenya does not provide legal aid or translation services for US citizens and green card holders. However, there are a number of organizations that may be able to provide such services. These include the United States Embassy in Nairobi, the International Organization for Migration, the American Citizen Services of the United States Embassy in Kenya, and other NGOs.

17. What is the process for applying for citizenship in Kenya for US Citizens and Green Card Holders?

US Citizens and Green Card Holders can apply for citizenship in Kenya through the Kenyan High Commission in Washington D.C. or the Kenyan Embassy in New York City. The process involves providing a valid ID, proof of US citizenship or Green Card Holder, and a completed citizenship application form. Applicants must also submit two passport-sized photographs, a character reference form, and proof of any other previous or existing citizenship or nationality. Applicants will also need to provide evidence of their relationship with a Kenyan citizen, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate of a Kenyan parent. After submitting all required documents, applicants will be required to attend an interview with a High Commission official and will receive a decision on their application within six to eight weeks.

18. Are there any educational opportunities available for the children of US Citizens and Green Card Holders living in Kenya?

Yes, there are a few educational opportunities available for the children of US Citizens and Green Card Holders living in Kenya. The American International School of Nairobi (AISN) is a private, not-for-profit school that offers a curriculum for pre-K through grade 12. Additionally, the United States International University (USIU) offers a pre-university program for high school students and also offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees.

19. What is the process for registering a business in Kenya as a US Citizen or Green Card Holder?

As a US Citizen or Green Card Holder, the process for registering a business in Kenya is the same as for all other individuals looking to do business in Kenya. This is an eight-step process:

1. Decide on the type of business structure that best suits your needs. Options include: Limited Liability Company (LLC), Business Trust, Partnership or Sole Proprietorship.

2. Choose a suitable name for your business and check its availability with the Registrar of Companies at the Attorney General’s Chambers.

3. Register your business and obtain a Certificate of Registration and a Business Identifier from the Registrar of Companies.

4. Obtain a Tax Identification Number from the Kenya Revenue Authority.

5. Open a bank account in the name of the business and deposit the required minimum capital as per the type of business structure chosen.

6. Obtain all necessary licenses and permits applicable to your business from relevant governmental bodies such as the Ministry of Industrialization, Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Energy, etc.

7. Register with the National Social Security Fund and get an employer identification number to enable you to remit statutory deductions to NSSF on behalf of your employees or obtain an exemption certificate from NSSF if one is eligible.

8. Finally register with the Labour Office to obtain an Employment Identification Number which is mandatory for all employers who hire staff.

20. Are there any special requirements or restrictions on travel outside of Kenya for US Citizens or Green Card Holders living in Kenya?

Yes, US citizens or Green Card holders living in Kenya must comply with all US travel restrictions that are in place. This includes keeping up to date on the US Department of State’s Travel Advisories and following all US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Additionally, travelers should also ensure they have a valid passport, visa, and any other documents needed to enter their destination country.