There are plenty of opportunities in Germany for Kenyans who are looking to settle in Europe. The largest European economy offers a high standard of living, an active labour market, a virtually free education system, and much more. In this article, we look into the life of the Kenyan community and opportunities for jobs in Germany for Kenyan citizens, as well as share some practical expat-oriented tips.
Diaspora
The history of Kenyans in Germany began in the 1950s, when after WWII, many started moving there for work. Being the first country to recognise Kenya’s independence in 1963, Germany has continued to welcome Kenyans ever since. So, how many Kenyans live in Germany today? The community is estimated to be around 15,000 Kenyan citizens. Thus, Germany is one of the top 10 destinations worldwide and only the second one in Europe after the UK for Kenyan migration. Most Kenyans living in Germany are highly skilled professionals and students. Notably, about a quarter of the Kenyan diaspora have acquired German citizenship.
The majority of Kenyans in Germany have settled down in North Rhine-Westphalia but are also present in other regions.
Where Kenyans live in Germany
| State | Share of Kenyan population, % |
|---|---|
| North Rhine-Westphalia | 20 |
| Baden-Württemberg | 17 |
| Bavaria | 16 |
| Hesse | 10 |
| Berlin | 9 |
Visas
Kenyans need a Schengen visa to enter Germany, and you can learn more about Germany’s visa requirements for Kenyan citizens in our blog post here.
The type of your visa will depend on the duration and purposes of your visit, such as for tourism, visiting family, studying, or doing business. For example, if you are looking to explore job opportunities in Germany for Kenyans, there is a special jobseeker visa that allows entry for up to 6 months to look for employment as well as an option of an EU Blue Card for highly skilled professionals. Those planning to stay for more than 90 days will need a temporary permit. Currently, most such permits are issued for family reunification purposes and to students.
Types of temporary permits issued to Kenyans in Germany
| Type of permit | Share of issued permits, % |
|---|---|
| Family reasons | 56 |
| Education | 23 |
| Work | 7 |
| Asylum | 6 |
| Other | 8 |
Germany’s visa requirements for Kenyan citizens vary depending on the type of stay. For example, international students must open a so-called blocked bank account (Sperrkonto) and deposit a certain amount there as proof of financial means.
Applications for a visa to Germany from Kenya can be made online, and processing may take several months, especially if you are applying for a long-term visa. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) assists the German authorities in issuing visas for family reunification or asylum seekers. Applicants need to register on the waiting list</a() to be contacted by IOM.
Fees* for visas to Germany from Kenya
| Age | Short-term | Long-term |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | 90 EUR (12+ yo) | 75 EUR (18+ yo) |
| Minor | 45 EUR (6-11 yo) | 37.5 EUR (up to 18 yo) |
| Child (up to 5yo) | 0 EUR | - |
*Spouses and minor children of German/EU nationals are exempt
Rent
Today, finding a place to live might be a real challenge for Kenyans in Germany. Landlords tend to choose their tenants rather scrupulously, asking for references and proof of financial stability. At the same time, rents are historically high, although vary depending on location. For example, Kenyans living in Germany’s capital, Berlin, pay between 1,000 EUR and 1,400 EUR per month, but in Cologne, that would be between 700 EUR and 900 EUR.
In most cases, the tenant must pay a deposit of 1-3 monthly rent and cover utilities and the internet connection. In addition, flats usually come unfurnished, but there is a chance to buy out the furniture from the previous tenants.
Kenyans living in Germany must also remember that there are some strict household rules. For example, any kind of home appliance can only be installed by a professional. Also, no noise is allowed after 8 pm or on Sundays unless you want your neighbours to report you to the landlord.
Work
Most Kenyans working in Germany are professionals in fields such as IT, finance, and healthcare. However, the situation is about to change as Germany is to welcome Kenyans from other professional backgrounds thanks to a new agreement signed in September 2024.
The so-called “controlled migration deal” between the two countries will provide jobs in Germany for Kenyan workers qualified as skilled and semi-skilled. Under the deal, five Kenyan drivers have already been employed by a bus company in Flensburg. There are also some changes in Germany’s visa requirements for Kenyan citizens. For example, long-term visas will be issued to Kenyans who plan to study or do vocational training in Germany, and IT specialists will enjoy less strict requirements for their qualifications. The agreement is also expected to include doctors, nurses and teachers.
Kenyans working in Germany are covered by a statutory minimum wage, which for 2025 is set at 12.82 EUR per hour, or about 25,000 EUR per year in a full-time job. Naturally, skilled Kenyans in Germany earn substantially more. Overall, average salaries vary from around 51,000 EUR in Berlin to over 66,000 EUR in cities like Frankfurt and Stuttgart. With the cost of living being between 1,200 EUR and 3,000 EUR per month, Kenyan expats can both enjoy a decent quality of life and support their families back home (which is super-easy and cheap if you use Profee).
Education
A growing number of Kenyans in Germany have arrived there to study. This comes as no surprise since its public education (provided in German) is free except for small administrative fees. Private education with English-language programmes, however, can cost up to 30,000 EUR a year. International students are also allowed to work, which means they can even send some money home thanks to this extra income.
Another important advantage is that after graduation, a Kenyan citizen is eligible to stay in Germany for another 18 months to search for a job. The additional benefit here is that Kenya is considered a priority country by the German Federal Employment Agency which facilitates educational activities and provides jobs in Germany for Kenyans.
Community
Settling in a new country can be challenging. There are several organisations in Germany that bring the Kenyan community together and provide support, such as Mkenya Ujerumani, AG-Career Hub, and Kenya Women in Germany.
At the same time, new friends cannot replace communication with your family back home. Give loved ones a call or, better still, send them a money gift via Profee to show your care and support.
