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Head to head

Germany vs Kenya: the digital nomad visas compared

Partially verified Last verified June 15, 2026 Reviewed by Henry van de Vorming

The short version

  • Germany grants a longer initial stay (36 months vs 24), and it is renewable.
  • Only Germany offers a direct path to permanent residence on this permit.
Side-by-side comparison of the Germany Freelance and the Kenya Class N Permit.
Criteria Germany Freelance Kenya Class N Permit
Minimum income / month No fixed threshold €1,850
Income basis Freelance income Salary / employment contract
Initial duration 3 years (better) 2 years
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay No fixed limit No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence Yes (better) Indirect (switch required)
Path to citizenship Yes No
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Allowed Not allowed
Tax treatment Standard resident taxation Standard resident taxation
Health insurance Required (explicit) Required in practice
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €100 (better) ≈ €185
Where to apply Embassy / consulate, In country Online, In country
Processing time — —

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Germany Freelance →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Kenya Class N Permit →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Don't forget insurance

Both programs have their own health-insurance rules — we match plans against each one's published requirement, with the evidence shown.

Insurance for Germany → Insurance for Kenya →

Sources