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Head to head

Kenya vs Panama: the digital nomad visas compared

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

The short version

  • Kenya has the lower entry bar: €1,850 per month versus €2,580 for Panama.
  • Kenya grants a longer initial stay (24 months vs 9), and it is renewable.
  • Tax treatment differs: Kenya — standard resident taxation; Panama — territorial taxation. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Kenya Class N Permit and the Panama Remote Worker Visa.
Criteria Kenya Class N Permit Panama Remote Worker Visa
Minimum income / month €1,850 (better) €2,580
Income basis Salary / employment contract Mixed (salary, freelance or savings)
Initial duration 2 years (better) 9 months
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay No fixed limit 18 months
Path to permanent residence Indirect (switch required) No
Path to citizenship No No
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Not allowed Not allowed
Tax treatment Standard resident taxation Territorial taxation
Health insurance Required in practice Required (explicit)
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €185 (better) ≈ €215
Where to apply Online, In country In country
Processing time — 6–9 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Kenya Class N Permit →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Panama Remote Worker Visa →

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 Kenya → Insurance for Panama →

Sources