Foreigner Certificate (Alien Card)

A Foreigner Certificate, also known as an Alien Card, is an official identification document issued by the Kenyan government to foreign nationals residing in Kenya for more than 90 days. 

Under Kenyan law, the terms "alien" and "foreign national" are defined as a person is not a citizen of Kenya. This definition was initially established in the now-repealed Alien Restriction Act Cap 173 and Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act 2011.

The Alien Card serves several purposes:

1. It acts as a form of legal identification for foreigners within Kenya.
2. It helps the government track and manage the presence of foreign nationals in the country.
3. It enables foreign residents to access various services and conduct business activities in Kenya.

To obtain an Alien Card, foreign nationals must apply through the Department of Immigration Services and meet specific requirements, including having a valid visa or permit to stay in Kenya.

The card typically includes the holder's personal information, photograph, and biometric data.

The eligibility criteria for obtaining a Foreigner Certificate (Alien Card) are as follows:

1. Any foreign national who has been residing in Kenya for a period exceeding 3 months is eligible to apply for a Foreigner Certificate.
2. A person holding one of the following documents are eligible:
1. A valid permit
2. Permanent residency status
3. A dependent pass
4. A student pass

These categories of foreign nationals are not required to obtain a Foreign Resident Certificate (Alien Card) during their stay in Kenya;

• Serving members of the armed forces.
• Embassy or consular staff posted in Kenya, as well as their spouses and children.
• Individuals exempted from the provisions of the Act under section 34 (3) of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act.
• Refugees registered under the Refugee Act 2006.
• Visitors who reside in Kenya for a continuous period not exceeding 3 months and are in possession of a visitor’s pass or special pass.

To obtain a foreigner certificate, also known as an alien card, foreign nationals must provide the following documents:

1. A Completed Form 50: This is an online application form that must be filled out, signed, and stamped. The form can be printed at the end of the application process on the eFNS Portal.
2. Valid Passport Copy: This is required to confirm the applicant's identity and nationality.
3. Two recent passport-size photographs: These should be in color, with a white background, and taken within the last 12 months.
4. Current Valid Permit or Pass: Resident persons must provide this in addition to the above documents.
5. Police Abstract: In case of a lost alien card, applicants must provide a valid police abstract as proof of loss.
6. Previous foreign certificate: This is required for renewal applications.

All the requirements listed above must accompany the printed online application form when presented at Nyayo House.

To apply for a foreigner certificate in Kenya, follow these steps:

1. Create a login account on the eFNS portal.
2. Use your newly created account to access the eFNS (Electronic Foreign Nationals Services) portal.
3. Once logged into the eFNS portal, locate and click on the "Apply now" link.
4. Navigate to the "Submit Applications" tab and select the Foreign National option. If already logged in to eFNS, you can directly access the application page.
5. Complete the application form. Upon submission, an invoice will be generated.
6. To view the invoice, click on "Dashboard" and then the "Payments" tab. If logged in, you can access the payment page directly.
7. If online payment is not possible, print your application form by clicking "Dashboard" and then "My Applications."
8. Throughout the application process, you will receive automatic notifications via email and on your online account, keeping you informed about the progress of your application.

You can then present the application form along with all required documents at the Immigration Counter at Nyayo House or other regional offices in Nairobi for in-person payment and processing.

The registration process for foreign nationals involves several key steps and regulations:

1. Application Submission: Foreign nationals must submit an application for a foreign national's certificate, also known as an alien card on the eFNS Portal.
2. Verification and Approval: The immigration officer receive, verify, and approve the submitted application.
3. Biometric Data Collection: Fingerprint impressions are taken from the applicant.
4. Certificate Production:The collected information is used to produce the final foreign national's certificate.
5. Validity Period:
1. Initial certificates are typically valid for up to two years.
2. Certificates can be renewed for additional two-year periods.
6. Special Considerations:
1. If the holder has a permit or pass expiring within two years of the certificate's issue or renewal, the certificate will expire on the same date as the permit or pass.
2. For permanent certificate holders, the foreign national certificate may be issued for up to three years.

The Directorate of Immigration Services

eFNS Portal

Who is a Foreign National in Kenya