Kenya is launching a specialized visa for digital nomads, aiming to attract remote workers who travel while working online.
Digital nomads move across countries, working from short-term rentals, co-working spaces, or public locations. Common professions include consultancy, IT, content creation, and online training.
The COVID-19 pandemic saw a rise in remote work, and the trend of digital nomadism has continued to grow. To tap into this trend, President William Ruto introduced the Digital Nomad Work Permit, inviting global remote professionals to live and work in Kenya while enjoying the country's natural beauty and quality of life.
The permit requires applicants to be employed by a foreign company, earn at least $55,000 annually (around Ksh 7 million), and have a clean criminal record. Additionally, Ruto announced an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to allow visitors with long layovers to explore Nairobi, boosting the tourism industry.
Kenya’s international arrivals reached 2.09 million in 2023, up from 1.54 million in 2022, and the country earned Ksh 352.54 billion from tourism.
The digital nomad visa is designed to provide a legal framework for remote workers, aligning Kenya with other countries such as Costa Rica, Spain, and South Africa, which have introduced similar permits post-pandemic.
While digital nomads are expected to contribute significantly to local economies by spending over 35% of their income locally, concerns about gentrification and over-tourism are rising.
Some popular destinations, including Spain, Greece, and South Africa, have experienced protests due to rising living costs and resource strain caused by the influx of digital nomads.
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