Kenya offers a compelling blend of beautiful natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and welcoming climate, making it one of the top destinations for foreigners looking to retire. From the bustling capital of Nairobi to the rugged savannahs of the Maasai Mara, and the leafy suburbs of Nanyuki, Kenya offers a wholesome tapestry of experiences that will ignite your sense of wonder and make your later years comfortable and adventurous.
Moving to Kenya for retirement presents a unique opportunity to explore the country’s vibrant towns and cities and immerse yourself in the local community. With a relatively low cost of living, access to quality private healthcare, and a friendly people, Kenya provides a high-value environment where international retirement pensions can stretch further.
This guide covers the practical aspects of relocating to Kenya for retirement, costs, and the shipping logistics for the international move.
1. Retirees Moving to Kenya Need a Class K Permit
The Class K or Retirement permit is for individuals, 35 or older, who wish to live in Kenya without engaging in business or employment. However, applicants must have a guaranteed income from outside the country. Individuals must prove an annual income of USD 24000 from pensions or investments outside Kenya.
To apply for the Class K permit, you need:
- A complete application form
- A valid passport with a minimum of six months validity
- Two recent passport-sized photographs
- Proof of income/documentation of a regular source of income
- A police clearance certificate
- A copy of your CV, documentation of a regular source of income
- A certified copy of your highest academic certificate
- A medical report
The Department of Immigration Services processes retirement permit applications which typically take 6 to 12 weeks. A non-refundable fee of KES 20000 (USD 154.62) is charged, and upon approval, an annual permit fee of KES 250000 (USD 1932.75).
In addition to the fees, applicants must provide a security bond which serves as a financial guarantee. Retirees will also be required to apply for an alien identification card to officially document their legal residence in Kenya.
After at least 7 years of consecutive residence in Kenya, Class K permit holders are eligible for permanent residence (PR) in the country. You may also qualify for PR if you’ve been married to a Kenyan spouse for the period.
2. Retirees Moving to Kenya Can Bring Used Household Goods and Personal Effects Duty-Free
Kenya allows retirees to bring their used household goods and personal effects, including furniture, clothing, personal effects, and any items you need in your retirement.
However, certain conditions apply. They include:
- You must have a valid class K permit, valid for at least 2 years
- You must import within 90days of your entry to Kenya or issuance of class K permit. However the commissioner of customs can extend this period upon request, provided the goods are imported within 360days.
- You Must Obtain a KRA PIN to Import Household Goods
The tax reference number from Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) helps ensure your import complies with Customs regulations. To get a KRA PIN, you may apply online.
You Must Submit a Customs Import Entry
The customs import entry is lodged against the manifest the shipping or airline agent registers electronically via the Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS). Your clearing agent submits the customs import entry to Customs on your behalf.
The declarations are supported by documents such as packaging lists, commercial invoices, the Bill of Lading or Airway Bill, licenses or permits (if applicable), and exemption or remission authority (if applicable).
Customs Must Inspect Your Shipment
Kenyan Customs inspections are standard procedures designed to verify the accuracy of declared items to ensure compliance with customs regulations and maintain the country’s security.
During inspection, officials examine your shipment to assess its contents. This may involve inspecting the packages physically, opening containers, or using X-ray machines to scan the items. The inspection aims to confirm that the declared items match the documentation provided and to detect prohibited or restricted goods.
Some Items Will be Subjected to Radioactive Analysis
Items such as cosmetics, perfumes, toiletries, alcohol, vehicles and foodstuffs may be subject to radioactive analysis to ensure compliance with safety and health regulations and maintain citizens’ wellbeing. The analysis costs KES 3000 per item per sample.
To avoid inconveniences, prepare for the additional cost and avoid packing these items with your household goods and items.
Expect a 2% Railway Development Levy (RDL) Payable for Your Shipment
The Railway Development Levy applies to all non-diplomatic shipments.
To determine the amount payable for the RDL, customs authorities assess the declared value of your shipment based on the declared cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges. They calculate 2% of this value, which represents the levy amount payable.
3. You Can Move to Kenya with Your Vehicle
To successfully import your car as you move to Kenya for retirement, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Passport copy- original might be required
- Copy of the retirement permit
- Import declaration form (IDF)
- Certificate of Roadworthiness (COR) issued by Quality Inspection Services Japan (QISJ). If you are relocating from countries where QISJ is not present, local charges for preparing the certificate of roadworthiness at 0.6% of the car’s value or USD 265, whichever is higher, will apply.
- KRA Personal identification number (PIN) certificate
- Original certificate of registration/logbook of the vehicle in English
- Certificate of ownership, also known as deregistration certificate.
- Foreigners ID, also known as Alien Card for vehicle registration with National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA)
Currently, Kenya charges a vehicle processing fee of USD 100 for retirees moving to Kenya.
It’s worth noting that Kenya prohibits the importation of left-hand drive vehicles and vehicles older than 8 years from the date of manufacture.
4. Duty Exemption for Vehicle Importation
If you can prove by using your certificate of ownership that you’ve owned your vehicle at least 12 months before, you might be eligible to import it duty-free. Otherwise, 66.5% of taxes, duties and levies will be applied on the vehicle’s value as per the customs system (CRSP) value. This includes import duty, excise duty, value-added tax (VAT), and other applicable charges.
Additionally, if you’re missing the certificate of roadworthiness, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) will impose a penalty of 0.6% of the vehicle’s cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) value or USD 265 if you are coming from a country with no QISJ. If you have QISJ in your country but still lack the certificate, a penalty of 30% of the vehicle’s value applies.
5. Retirees Can Move to Kenya with Pets
As a retiree relocating to Kenya, it’s possible to move with pets, provided you fulfill certain requirements and provide the following documents:
- Vaccination record – rabies vaccination from your pet must be given with 12 months and at least 1 month before relocating to Kenya.
- Veterinary health certificate
- Import permit, which takes about 30 days to obtain
Pets are dutiable in Kenya based on the breed, size, and customs value.
6. Certain Items are Restricted while Others Require Special Permits
There are some items you may import legally but only with special permits. They include:
- Weapons, including firearms: Importing firearms into Kenya requires a firearm certificate from the Kenyan Firearms Office
- Wild flora and fauna: Importing plants and certain wildlife species into Kenya requires an import permit from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES-Kenya)
- Birds and their products: Importing birds from countries affected by bird flu requires a sanitary import permit issued by the Director of Veterinary Services.
There are limitations for certain items that may be imported duty-free by individuals 18 years or older. Beyond these limitations, the items will attract duty and taxes. They include:
- Up to 200 cigarettes
- Up to 50 cigars
- Up to 1/2 pound of tobacco
- One bottle of alcoholic beverage
- Up to 1 pint of perfume
7. Certain Items are Prohibited in Kenya
While you may consider some items your personal belongings, awareness of Kenya’s Customs regulations and restrictions on importing certain items is critical. Whether these items hold sentimental or personal value to you, it’s essential to respect the law. This will help you avoid legal complications or delays during customs clearance.
Kenya’s list of prohibited items that cannot be imported under any circumstances include:
- Precious metals and stones
- Game trophies
- Pornographic or obscene literature
- Animal traps
- Narcotics
- Fruits
- Explosives
- Counterfeit currency
- Gambling machines
- Imitation firearms
After you have submitted all required documents and paid the required fees at each stage, the Customs department at Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) will release your shipment from the terminal so you can arrange delivery to your new home.
8. Consider Hiring a Reputable International Moving Company
Hiring a professional international moving company can significantly ease the stress and hassle of transitioning to your new home when relocating to Kenya for retirement. A reputable company has the experience, personnel, and resources to handle all the aspects of international moving, from packing, transportation, and customs clearance. You may also enjoy post-move services such as secure storage, furniture installation, and guidance on finding suitable accommodation.
Nellions stands out as a moving company with 12 years of experience and specialized knowledge in international relocations, including moving retirees to Kenya from different parts of the world. We understand the specific requirements and regulations associated with moving to Kenya and provide efficient professional support through the entire process. With Nellions as your moving partner, you can have peace of mind knowing that your retirement move to Kenya is handled by experts.
Get your free quote today.
Contact us on +254 700 000 002 or email us at move@nellions.co.ke
