Kenya is one of the most accessible retirement destinations for Swiss residents. With a dedicated retirement visa (Class G), reasonable eligibility requirements, and a very favorable cost of living, the country attracts more and more Swiss retirees each year. Here is everything you need to know about the Kenya retirement visa in 2026.
1. Long-stay visa options in Kenya
Kenya offers several types of long-stay visas for foreigners:
- Class G (Retirement Pass) : for retirees aged 55 and over, valid for 2 years, renewable
- Class K (Dependant's Pass) : for spouses and dependants of permanent residents or Kenyan citizens
- Class M (Work Permit) : for salaried employees or self-employed workers
- Permanent Resident Certificate : for foreigners residing in Kenya for more than 7 years
The most relevant visa for Swiss retirees is the Class G Retirement Pass, commonly referred to as the "retirement visa."
📈 2026 Update
The Kenyan government simplified the application process in 2025, with a fully digital platform via eCitizen. Processing times have been reduced from 12 to 6 weeks on average.
2. The Class G Retirement Pass
The Class G Retirement Pass is a residence permit specifically designed for foreign retirees wishing to live in Kenya. It is issued by the Department of Immigration Services.
This visa allows you to:
- Reside in Kenya continuously (no limit on days)
- Enter and leave Kenya freely (resident permit)
- Open a local bank account
- Buy land on a 99-year leasehold basis
- Own a vehicle registered in Kenya
- Employ domestic staff
It does not allow you to work in Kenya (for that, you would need a Class M work permit).
3. Eligibility requirements
To obtain the Kenyan retirement visa in 2026, you must meet the following conditions:
- Minimum age : 55 (your spouse can be younger)
- Minimum monthly income : USD 1,000 per month (Swiss state pension AVS/AI, occupational pension LPP, private savings)
- Clean criminal record : Swiss criminal record extract (certificate of good conduct)
- Health insurance : valid international medical coverage in Kenya
- Proof of accommodation : rental lease or property title in Kenya
- Valid passport : at least 6 months remaining validity
✅ Income requirement
The USD 1,000 monthly income requirement is very easily met by Swiss retirees. The minimum AVS pension for a single person is approximately CHF 1,200 per month, equivalent to over USD 1,300. Most Swiss retirees also receive an occupational pension (LPP) on top of their state pension.
4. Minimum monthly income required
Here is an estimated monthly budget to live comfortably in Kenya as a retiree:
| Expense | Minimum budget | Comfortable budget |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3-bedroom house) | CHF 400 | CHF 800 |
| Food | CHF 250 | CHF 450 |
| Domestic staff | CHF 100 | CHF 250 |
| Health insurance | CHF 150 | CHF 350 |
| Transport | CHF 150 | CHF 300 |
| Leisure & miscellaneous | CHF 200 | CHF 400 |
| Monthly total | CHF 1,250 | CHF 2,550 |
With an average Swiss pension of CHF 3,000 to 4,000 per month, a retired couple can live very comfortably in Kenya, with domestic staff, regular outings and travel.
💰 Recommended budget
For a peaceful retirement in Nanyuki or Nairobi, budget CHF 2,000 to 3,000 per month for a couple. This includes housing, food, staff, health insurance, transport and leisure. That is the equivalent of CHF 6,000 to 8,000 in Switzerland.
5. Step-by-step application process
The Kenya retirement visa application process involves several steps:
- Preparatory consultation : assess your eligibility and plan your strategy (individual or couple visa)
- Prepare your file : gather all required documents (see next section)
- Submit online application : via the eCitizen portal (ecitizen.go.ke)
- Pay the fees : USD 500 for the retirement visa application
- File processing : immigration services review your application
- Possible interview : you may be called to the Kenyan embassy in Bern or Nairobi
- Visa issuance : affixed to your passport, valid for 2 years
Renewal
The retirement visa is valid for 2 years and is renewable for further 2-year periods. Renewal is straightforward: you simply need to prove you still reside in Kenya and that your income remains sufficient. Renewal fee: USD 500.
After 7 years of continuous residence in Kenya, you can apply for permanent residence (Permanent Resident Certificate).
6. Required documents
Here is the list of documents required for the retirement visa application:
- Valid Swiss passport (at least 6 months remaining validity)
- Passport-sized photos (white background)
- Completed application form (online)
- Criminal record extract (certificate of good conduct, less than 3 months old)
- Proof of income: AVS/LPP statements, savings, pension statements
- Medical certificate (proof of good health)
- Rental contract or property title in Kenya
- International health insurance policy
- Proof of application fee payment (USD 500)
All documents in French must be translated into English by a certified translator.
⚠ Important
The Swiss criminal record extract must be less than 3 months old at the time of submission. We recommend ordering it no later than 2 months before filing. It can be obtained from the Swiss Federal Criminal Records Office in Bern (cost: CHF 17).
7. Processing times and renewal
Kenya retirement visa processing times are as follows:
- Application processing : 4 to 8 weeks (6 weeks on average)
- Visa validity : 2 years from date of issue
- Renewal deadline : apply 3 months before expiry
- Total initial cost : USD 500 (application fee) + USD 100 (resident card)
- Renewal cost : USD 500
While your application is being processed, you may stay in Kenya on a tourist visa (valid for 3 months). However, it is safer to apply from Switzerland.
🛠 Our support
Mount Kenya LiGo Investment offers a comprehensive support service for obtaining your Kenyan retirement visa. We prepare your file, verify every document, submit the online application and follow up until the visa is issued. Since 2020, we have assisted over 30 French-speaking retirees with a 100% success rate.
8. How LiGo supports you
Our retirement visa support includes:
- Free eligibility audit : review of your personal situation
- File preparation assistance : personalized checklist, document translation
- Online submission : we submit the application on eCitizen for you
- Application follow-up : we stay in contact with immigration
- Interview preparation : mock interview if needed
- Kenya welcome : airport pickup and settling-in assistance
Our team based in Nairobi and Nanyuki has thorough knowledge of Kenyan administration and guarantees smooth processing of your file.
To learn more about life in Kenya as a retiree, read our article Retiring in Kenya: budget, climate, lifestyle.
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