Permanent Residence

This permanent residence certificate is issued to a person who has held a work permit in Kenya for at least seven (7) years and has resided continuously in the country for three years prior to applying for permanent residence, including spouses and their children.

What are the eligibility requirements for Kenyan permanent residency through a work permit?

1. Permanent residence is granted to work permit holders who have held their permit for at least seven years and have resided continuously in the country for three years immediately before applying for permanent residence. This also applies to the children and spouses of these applicants.
2. The applicant must demonstrate their ability to contribute to the country's socio-economic development. The government prefers investors and highly qualified professionals.
3. Applicants may need to attend an in-person interview to confirm or verify these qualifications.

What documentation is required to apply for Kenyan permanent residency as a work permit holder?

Documentation requirements

1. Application letter.
2. A printout of the duly filled permanent residence application form (form 23) signed and stamped by Magistrate or a Commissioner for oaths.
3. A filled Category B - Questionnaire for Intending Applicants which is generated upon completion of the online application.
4. Duly filled Residence status form which is generated automatically after completion of your application.
5. Copy of valid passport
6. 2 passport size photographs
7. Police Clearance Certificate
8. Copy of valid Tax compliance certificate
9. Copy of valid Foreigner Certificate (Allien card)
10. Introductory letter from employer (applicable for employees)
11. Copy of the Police Clearance Certificate
12. Copy of Checklist. 

If the applicant is a spouse of a permit holder then they must provide the following documentation:

1. An application letter
2. A print out of the duly filled permanent residence application form (Form 23) signed and stamped by Magistrate or Commissioner for oaths.
3. A filled Category B - Questionnaire for Intending Applicants which is generated upon completion of the online application.
4. Duly filled Residence status form which is generated automatically after completion of your application.
5. Certified copy of the marriage certificate.
6. Copy of dependant pass or work permit(s)
7. 2 passport size photographs.
8. Police Clearance Certificate (Original)
9. Introductory letter from employer (applicable for employees)
10. Copy of valid passport
11. Copy of valid foreigner certificate (Allien card)
12. Copy of the Police Clearance Certificate
13. Copy of Checklist. 

If the applicant is a child of a work permit holder, they must provide the following documents:

1. An application letter
2. A print out of the duly filled permanent residence application form (form 23) signed and stamped by Magistrate/Commissioner for oaths.
3. A filled Category B - Questionnaire for Intending Applicants which is generated upon completion of the online application.
4. Certified copy of the birth certificate.
5. Certified copies of the parents birth certificates.
6. 2 passport size photographs.
7. Copy of dependant pass.
8. Copy of valid passport.
9. Copy of the Police Clearance Certificate.
10. Copy of Checklist. 

Fees associated with applying for kenyan permanent residency by holders of work permits?

How to apply

1. Create an account on the Foreign Nationals Services (eFNS) portal
2. Sign in with the account you just created. 
3. Once logged in to the eFNS portal, click the "Submit New Application" tab. 
4. Under the Permanent Residence Services category select the “Permanent Residence” tab. 
5. Once your request has been processed, an invoice will be generated which you can refer to by clicking "Dashboard" and then clicking the "Payments" tab. 
6. If you are unable to pay using one of the online methods, print your registration form by clicking "Dashboard" and then clicking the "My Applications " tab. 
7. Present your application with all requirements to the Immigration office in Nairobi for payment and processing or to the Kenya Overseas Mission in the country of origin. 
8. You will receive automatic notifications via email and in your online account about the progress of your registration.