Kenya, with its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and vibrant economy, has become an attractive destination for expatriates seeking long-term settlement. The Expat Essentials Index 2023 by InterNations ranked Kenya as the top country in Africa for expatriates, highlighting its appeal due to language, housing costs, and ease of finding accommodation. This article provides a detailed overview of the costs associated with permanent residency in Kenya and the application processes for various categories of applicants.
Map of Kenya
Recent Changes in Immigration Fees
The Government of Kenya has recently revised the fees for immigration and citizen services. Consequently, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration issued a further gazette notice on 14 November 2023 revoking the earlier gazette notice, to allow for public participation and issuing further revised fee rates for immigration and citizen services. These adjustments aim to enhance service delivery and reflect current economic realities.
Here's a summary of the key fee changes:
- Processing fees for all classes of permits: Adjusted from KES 10,000 to KES 20,000 per application.
- Appeal processing fee: Applicants appealing rejected permit decisions must pay KES 20,000.
- Special pass and dependent pass processing fees: Introduced at KES 5,000.
- Alien cards: Increased from KES 1,000 to KES 5,000 per annum.
- Penalty for failing to renew alien cards: Revised from KES 1,000 to KES 10,000 per annum.
- Overstaying penalty: USD 50 (clarification on whether this is per day or for the entire period is pending).
- Regaining Kenyan citizenship: Increased from KES 5,000 to KES 50,000.
- Declaring dual citizenship: KES 10,000 application fee.
- Citizenship by marriage: Increased to KES 100,000 (KES 50,000 for East African nationals).
All people traveling to Kenya must obtain an electronic travel authorization (eTA) which costs USD 30 (except for South Africa, Comoros, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Mozambique, and San Marino nationals who have been exempted from paying the eTA issuance fee).
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These changes may impact the number of foreigners arriving in Kenya and could affect the country’s revenues from immigration services and foreign investments. The immigration services fee adjustment is also likely to negatively impact the number of foreigners arriving in Kenya compared to its East African Community counterparts who have not made similar changes.
Categories of Kenyan Permanent Residence
Kenya recognizes four distinct categories of Permanent Residence, each tailored to a specific type of applicant. The Kenyan Permanent Residence Permit grants eligible foreign nationals the right to live and work in Kenya on a long-term basis, without the need for frequent permit renewals. These categories reflect various legal, familial, or professional ties that an applicant may have with Kenya:
- Category A: Permanent Residence for former citizens of Kenya
- Category B: Permanent Residence for holders of valid Work Permits
- Category C: Permanent Residence for children of Kenyan citizens
- Category D: Permanent Residence for spouses of Kenyan citizens
Each category has specific eligibility criteria and documentary requirements. Applicants must ensure full compliance with the provisions of the Act and relevant administrative procedures when submitting their applications.
HOW TO GET PERMANENT RESIDENCY IN KENYA, 2025| VISA & PERMITS.
Category A: Permanent Residency for Ex-Citizens of Kenya
This category is for individuals who were Kenyan citizens by birth but have since renounced or lost their citizenship status. It also includes those whose countries of domicile do not permit dual citizenship. Spouses and children of these applicants may also apply. Applicants under this category are not required to renounce their current citizenship.
Required Documents
All documents must be submitted in English or officially translated into English by a sworn translator:
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- Application or cover letter addressed to the Director of Immigration Services.
- Printed and duly completed Permanent Residence Application Form (Form 23), signed and stamped by a Magistrate or Commissioner for Oaths.
- Printed and signed Category A Questionnaire for intending applicants.
- Proof of former Kenyan citizenship: copy of birth certificate and previous Kenyan identity card or passport.
- Two recent passport-size colour photographs and a soft copy uploaded during the application.
- Original and certified copies of Police Clearance Certificates from both the applicant’s country of citizenship and Kenya.
- Proof of current citizenship: copy of current passport and citizenship certificate (registration or naturalisation).
- Completed application Checklist from the eFNS platform.
Processing Time
The application will be reviewed for completeness and eligibility. Processing time typically ranges from 1 to 2 years, depending on document review and internal processing capacity.
Costs and Fees
- Government processing fee: 50,050 KES (non-refundable, payable before uploading documents)
- Government fee after approval: 100,050 KES
- Alien ID fee: 10,050 KES
- Security bond: Not required
How to Apply
- Confirm Eligibility: Applicants must have been Kenyan citizens by birth but have lost or renounced citizenship and cannot hold dual citizenship due to restrictions in their current country. Spouses and children of these applicants may also apply.
- Gather Required Documents: Create an account on the electronic Foreign National Services platform (eFNS) at fns.immigration.go.ke. Collect all necessary documents and complete the online forms.
- Submit the Application: Upload all documents via the eFNS platform. Applicants can submit directly using their accounts. Each adult applicant must apply individually. Parents may apply for children within the parent’s eFNS account. All documents must also be submitted in person at Nyayo House, 17th Floor, Counter 13, Nairobi. If errors are made online, the application may be rejected. Appeals can be submitted but may take up to a year and are often unsuccessful. Occasionally, amendments may be allowed via a notification on the eFNS platform.
- Wait for Processing: Applications typically take 1-2 years to process. Approval is communicated through the eFNS platform.
- Upon Approval: Applicants have 30 days from approval to pay the final government fee. Upload the approval and proof of payment to eFNS. Present hard copies at Nyayo House (Issuance Department). If no delays occur, the permit is issued within 1-2 months.
- Passport Endorsement: Collect the original permanent residence permit at Nyayo House, 7th Floor, Room 14. Bring the hard copy of the permit and original passport for same-day endorsement. Apply for a KRA PIN on itax.kra.go.ke. Obtain a National Social Security Fund (NSSF) number and register with the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Category B: Permanent Residency for Holders of Kenyan Work Permits (Lawful Residents)
This category applies to foreign nationals who have held a valid Kenyan work permit for at least seven (7) years and have resided continuously in Kenya for at least three years immediately preceding their application for permanent residence. It also applies to their spouses and children. Applicants may be required to attend an interview to verify their eligibility and demonstrate their contribution to Kenya’s socio-economic development. Priority may be given to investors and highly skilled professionals.
Required Documents
All documents must be in English or translated by a sworn translator. Requirements vary depending on the applicant type:
- Permit Holder Applicant
- Application letter or cover letter
- Completed Form 23 (signed and stamped by a Magistrate or Commissioner for Oaths)
- Completed Category B Questionnaire (signed by the applicant)
- Valid passport copy
- Completed Residence Status Form (generated during online application)
- Two recent passport-size colour photographs (plus soft copy)
- Original and copy of Police Clearance Certificate
- Valid Tax Compliance Certificate
- Copy of valid Foreigner Certificate (Alien Card)
- Introductory Letter from employer (if employed)
- Checklist (from eFNS platform)
- Spouse of the Permit Holder
- Application letter or cover letter
- Completed Form 23 (signed and stamped by a Magistrate or Commissioner for Oaths)
- Completed Category B Questionnaire (signed by the applicant)
- Completed Residence Status Form
- Certified copy of Marriage Certificate
- If married outside Kenya, an Affidavit of Authenticity
- Copy of Dependant Pass or Work Permit
- Two recent passport-size colour photographs (plus soft copy)
- Original and copy of Police Clearance Certificate
- Introductory Letter from employer (if applicable)
- Copy of valid passport
- Copy of valid Foreigner Certificate (Alien Card)
- Child of the Permit Holder
- Application letter (by the parent)
- Completed Form 23 (signed and stamped by a Magistrate or Commissioner for Oaths)
- Completed Category B Questionnaire
- Certified copy of Birth Certificate
- Certified copies of the parents’ birth certificates
- Two recent passport-size colour photographs (plus soft copy)
- Copy of Dependant Pass
- Copy of Student Pass (if applicable)
- Copy of valid passport
- Original and copy of Police Clearance Certificate (if over 18)
Processing Time
Applications are reviewed for completeness and eligibility. Standard processing time is 1 to 2 years, subject to internal verification and administrative timelines.
Costs and Fees
- Government processing fee: 50,050 KES (non-refundable; payable before document upload)
- Government fee after approval: 750,050 KES
- Alien ID fee: 10,050 KES
- Security bond: Not required
How to Apply
- Confirm Eligibility: Applicants must have held a valid Kenyan work permit for at least seven years and have resided continuously in Kenya for the last three years. This category also includes their spouses and children. Applicants should be well-integrated into Kenyan society and able to demonstrate contributions to the country’s development.
- Gather Required Documents: Create an account on the electronic Foreign Nationals Services (eFNS) portal at fns.immigration.go.ke. Complete all necessary forms and compile all supporting documents as outlined.
- Submit the Application: Upload all documents via the eFNS portal. Each adult must apply individually; parents may include children in their account. Applications must also be submitted in person at Nyayo House, Nairobi. Errors in the online form may result in rejection. Appeals are possible but often slow and unsuccessful. In some cases, immigration may permit amendments via a notification in eFNS.
- Await Processing: Standard processing time is 1-2 years. Approval notifications will be issued via the eFNS platform.
- Upon Approval: Once approved, applicants have 30 days to pay the applicable fee and upload proof of payment. Hard copies of the approval and payment receipt must be submitted at Nyayo House for issuance. Permanent residence issuance typically takes 1-2 months.
- Endorsement in Passport: Collect the original permanent residency from Nyayo House, 7th Floor, Room 14. Present the original passport and hard copy of your permanent residency for same-day endorsement.
Category C: Permanent Residency for Children of Kenyan Citizens
This category applies to biological or legally adopted children of Kenyan citizens, including those born abroad, who have acquired citizenship in another country. Eligible children may apply for permanent residency to live in Kenya on a long-term basis under their parent’s Kenyan citizenship rights.
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Required Documents
All documents must be in English or officially translated by a sworn translator:
- Application letter or cover letter
- Completed Form 23 (signed and stamped by a Magistrate or Commissioner for Oaths)
- Completed Category C Questionnaire (stamped by a Commissioner for Oaths)
- Two recent passport-size colour photographs (plus soft copy)
- Certified copies of birth certificate or legal adoption papers
- Certified copies of the parent’s birth certificate, Kenyan passport, ID card, or other proof of Kenyan citizenship
- Certified copy of the applicant’s current passport
- Original and copy of Police Clearance Certificate
- Checklist (available on the eFNS platform)
Processing Time
Applications are reviewed for completeness and eligibility. Standard processing time is 1 to 2 years, depending on internal review timelines and documentation checks.
Costs and Fees
- Government processing fee: 20,050 KES (non-refundable; payable before document upload)
- Government fee after approval: 750,050 KES
- Security bond: Not required
How to Apply
- Confirm Eligibility: Applicants must be biological or legally adopted children of Kenyan citizens. Adoption must be formally recognised under law. Children must be under 18 years of age at the time of application.
- Gather Required Documents: Create an account on the electronic Foreign Nationals Services (eFNS) platform at fns.immigration.go.ke. Complete the online forms and collect all supporting documents as outlined above.
- Submit the Application: Upload all documents via the eFNS portal. Documents must also be submitted physically at Nyayo House, Nairobi. Applications can be submitted through a parent’s eFNS account. Errors in submitted forms may result in rejection. Appeals may be made with legal support but are rarely successful and take time. In some cases, officers will reopen the application for amendment via the eFNS system.
- Await Processing: Processing usually takes 1 to 2 years, if no delays occur. Notifications of approval will be posted to the applicant’s eFNS account.
- Upon Approval: Once approved, the applicant has 30 days to pay the applicable government fee and upload proof of payment. These documents must also be submitted physically at the issuance department in Nyayo House. Permanent residency issuance may take an additional 1-2 months.
- Endorsement of Passport: Once the permit has been issued, a notification will appear on the applicant’s eFNS portal. Collect the physical permit from Nyayo House, 7th Floor, Room 14. Bring the original passport and hard copy of the permit for same-day endorsement.
Category D: Permanent Residency for Spouses of Kenyan Citizens
This category is intended for foreign nationals who are legally married to Kenyan citizens and have been married for at least three years. Applicants must provide adequate proof of the marriage and shared family life. In some cases, the Directorate of Immigration Services may require the applicant to attend an in-person interview to confirm the genuineness of the relationship.
Required Documents
All documents must be in English or officially translated by a sworn translator:
- Duly written and signed application letter by the Kenyan spouse
- Completed Form 23 (signed and stamped by a Magistrate or Commissioner for Oaths)
- Completed Category D Questionnaire (stamped by a Commissioner for Oaths)
- Duly filled Residence Status Form (generated automatically on eFNS)
- Two recent passport-size colour photographs (plus soft copy)
- Original and copy of Police Clearance Certificate
- Certified copy of the marriage certificate
- Evidence demonstrating genuine marriage and family life
- Certified copies of Kenyan spouse’s passport, national ID, and/or birth certificate
- Certified copy of the foreign spouse’s passport or birth certificate
- Copy of valid work permit or dependant pass held by the foreign spouse
- Copy of valid foreigner certificate (Alien Card)
- Checklist (available on eFNS platform)
Processing Time
Applications are reviewed for completeness and eligibility. The standard processing time is 1 to 2 years, depending on administrative workflow and document verification.
Costs and Fees
- Government processing fee: 50,050 KES (non-refundable; payable before uploading documents to eFNS)
- Government fee after approval: 150,050 KES
- Alien ID fee: 10,050 KES
- Security bond: Not required
How to Apply
- Confirm Eligibility: Applicants must be legally married to a Kenyan citizen for at least three years. The marriage must be legally valid and registered. Evidence of family life and cohabitation may be required.
- Gather Required Documents: Create an account on the electronic Foreign Nationals Services (eFNS) portal at fns.immigration.go.ke. Complete the online forms and collect all supporting documents as outlined.
Class K Permit for Retirees
For those looking to retire in Kenya, a Class K permit, or an Ordinary Resident permit, is the primary immigration document allowing retirees to settle in Kenya without engaging in employment or business.
Who Qualifies for a Class K Permit?
- Age: Applicants must be at least 35 years old.
- Assured Income: Applicants must have an assured annual income of at least USD 24,000 derived from sources outside Kenya.
- Non-Engagement in Employment: Applicants must undertake not to engage in any form of employment, business, or professional activities within Kenya.
- Good Character: Proof of good conduct, typically a police clearance certificate from the applicant’s home country, is required.
- Benefit to Kenya: The applicant’s presence in Kenya should be beneficial to the country.
Application Requirements
- Cover Letter: Addressed to the Director-General of Immigration Services, explaining your reasons for applying.
- Passport Copy: A clear copy of your current passport.
- Recent Passport Photo: A recent colored passport-sized photograph.
- Proof of Assured Income: Documentation such as bank statements, pension documents, or proof of investments showing an annual income of at least USD 24,000.
- Contact Information: Details of your residential address in Kenya.
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Application Process
- Document Preparation: Gather all necessary documents.
- Submission: The completed application form (Form 25) and all required documents must be submitted online via the eFNS portal.
- Fees:
- Processing Fee: Kshs 20,000 (approximately USD 150).
- Issuance Fee: Kshs 250,000 per year (approximately USD 1,875) upon approval.
- Security Bond: Kshs 100,000 (approximately USD 750).
- Approval Timeline: The processing time for a Class K permit typically ranges from 2 to 3 months. Once approved, the applicant must enter Kenya within 90 days.
Long-Term Residency and Citizenship
While the Class K permit itself does not grant Kenyan citizenship, it is a crucial step for foreigners who wish to eventually become Kenyan citizens.
- Permanent Residency: A foreigner may apply for permanent residency after holding a Class K permit for seven (7) years or has been married to a Kenyan citizen for three (3) years and demonstrating a commitment to residing in Kenya.
- Naturalization: After maintaining permanent residency for at least seven years, an individual may be eligible to apply for Kenyan citizenship through naturalization. This process involves meeting additional requirements, such as proficiency in Swahili and knowledge of Kenyan culture and laws, as well as not being convicted for any criminal offense.
- Dual Citizenship: Kenya allows dual citizenship, meaning that an individual who becomes a Kenyan citizen through naturalization does not necessarily have to renounce their original citizenship, provided their home country also permits dual nationality.
Kenya’s permanent residency program offers significant opportunities for long-term settlement. Applicants should ensure thorough preparation and consider professional guidance to navigate the process successfully.
Disclaimer: As of 11 March 2024, the Foreign Nationals Management system is yet to be updated with the revised fees for the respective immigration services. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with legal professionals for specific advice.
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