Ordinary Resident Permit in Kenya

The Class K (Ordinary Residents) Permit is issued to a person who is at least 35 years old with a guaranteed annual income of at least $24,000 from sources other than employment, occupation, trade, business, or profession.

The Kenyan Directorate of Immigration Services provides Ordinary Resident Permits for a person seeking long-term residence in Kenya, generally for durations exceeding six months.

These permits are applicable to several categories of people:

• Foreign nationals planning extended stays in Kenya.
• A person who has received employment offers within the country.
• People intending to establish businesses or make investments in Kenya.
• Foreign nationals who currently hold permits or passes.

These permits serve as an essential document for non-citizens who wish to reside in Kenya for an extended period, ensuring compliance with the country's immigration regulations. 

This permit is granted to a person who meet the following criteria:

1. Age Requirement: The applicant must be at least 35 years old.
2. Financial Stability: The applicant must have an assured annual income of no less than USD 24,000. This income must be derived from sources other than employment, occupation, trade, business, or profession as specified in the Schedule.
   • Sourced from outside Kenya and remitted into the country, or
   • Derived from a pension or annuity payable from sources within Kenya.
3. Employment Restrictions: The permit holder agrees not to engage in any form of employment, whether paid or unpaid, or participate in any income-generating activities without obtaining the appropriate class of permit.
4. Beneficial Presence in the Country: The applicant's presence in Kenya must be deemed beneficial to the country.

The Ordinary Resident Permit in Kenya requires the following application documents:

1. Completed and signed Form 25. You will have the opportunity to print Form 25 upon finishing the application process.
2. Cover letter from the employer, self, or organization addressed to the Director General of Immigration Services.
3. Copy of national passport.
4. Two recent color passport-size photographs.
5. Proof of current immigration status if already in Kenya.
6. Valid organization Tax Compliance Certificate for new applications.
7. Applicant Tax Compliance Certificate for new and renewal applications.
8. Documentary proof annual assured income of at least USD 24,000 from sources outside employment, occupation, trade, business, or profession.
9. Income from outside Kenya must be remitted as pension or annuity.
10. Copy of any previous permit(s) and/or pass(es) held.

Documents in foreign languages should be translated into English by either an embassy, a public notary, or an authorized/recognized institution.

The application process is completed online through the electronic Foreign Nationals Services (eFNS) portal. Here's a detailed breakdown of the procedure and key steps to apply:

1. eFNS Account Creation: Begin by creating a login account on the eFNS Portal.
2. Portal Access: Use your newly created credentials to log into the eFNS portal.
3. Application Initiation: Once logged in, locate and click on the "Apply now" link.
4. Application Selection: Navigate to the "Submit New Applications" tab and choose the "Permit Issuance/Renewal" option.
5. Form Completion: Fill out the application form with accurate information.
6.  Invoice Generation: Upon form submission, an invoice will be generated. Access this by clicking on "Dashboard" followed by the "Payments" tab.
7. Payment Options:
   1. Online Payment: Utilize available online payment methods.
   2.  In-Person Payment: If online payment is not feasible, print your application form via the "Dashboard" and "My Applications" tab. Submit this form along with all required documents at the Immigration headquarters (Nyayo House) for payment and processing.
8. Application Tracking: The system will send automatic notifications via email and update your online account regarding the progress of your application.

eFNS Portal