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Republic of Kenya Department of Immigration Services

Department of Immigration Services eFNS Foreign Nationals Services
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Electronic Foreign Nationals Services

Apply for permits, passes, residence and citizenship online

The Department of Immigration Services portal for foreign nationals in Kenya. Sign in with eCitizen, apply for yourself or your family, pay online and follow your application at every stage.

Start an application See how it works
  • Sign in with eCitizen
  • Pay by M-PESA, Airtel Money or card
  • Email updates at every stage

Find the right service

Choose what you want to do to see where to start.

I want to…

Already in Kenya? Extend a visit or get your alien card

Why apply online

  • One account for every application

    Sign in with eCitizen and apply for yourself, your family or the people you employ.

  • Secure, cashless payments

    Invoices are raised in your account and paid online through eCitizen. No cash at the counter.

  • Always know where you stand

    See the stage of every application and get an email each time it moves on.

  • Documents handled online

    Upload supporting documents and respond to officer requests from your account.

Services

What you can apply for

Choose the service that fits your situation. Each one sets out who can apply and what you need before you begin.

13 classes

Work permits

For foreign nationals who want to work, trade, do business, farm, mine, practise a profession or do missionary work in Kenya, or simply live here.

See all 13 classes
About work permits
12 applications

Citizenship

Register as a citizen of Kenya, declare or endorse dual citizenship, regain Kenyan citizenship or renounce it.

See all 12 applications
About citizenship

Not sure which service you need?

The service finder points you to the application that fits what you want to do. The FAQs answer the most common questions.

Use the service finder Read the FAQs

How it works

Six steps from sign-in to collection

Every service follows the same path, and your account always shows which step you are on.

  1. Sign in with eCitizen

    Use your Government of Kenya eCitizen account. If you do not have one yet, registration is free.

    Create an eCitizen account

  2. Complete the application

    Fill in the online form for the service you need, for yourself or on behalf of someone else.

  3. Pay online

    Where a fee applies, an invoice is raised in your account. Pay it through eCitizen by M-PESA, Airtel Money or card.

  4. Upload your documents

    Attach the supporting documents listed for your service, from your phone or computer.

  5. Track your application

    Follow every stage from your account. If an officer needs more from you, you are told exactly what.

  6. Receive your document

    Once approved, pay any issuance fee, attend your biometrics appointment if one is needed and collect your permit, pass or certificate.

Before you apply

Have your documents ready

Requirements depend on the service, and each one shows its full checklist before you start. Most applications ask for the documents listed here.

Please note

  • Processing fees are non-refundable, and incomplete applications are not accepted.
  • Working or doing business in Kenya without the right permit or pass is an offence.
  • Giving false or misleading information is an offence punishable by law.

  • A valid passport

    A copy of your current passport, to confirm your identity and nationality.

  • Passport photographs

    Recent colour passport-size photos on a white background, taken within the last 12 months.

  • Your current status in Kenya

    If you are already in the country: your valid permit, pass or visitor’s pass.

  • Previous permits and passes

    Copies of any Kenyan permits, passes or foreign national certificates you have held.

  • Supporting documents

    Evidence for your service, such as an employer’s letter, certified academic certificates, or marriage and birth certificates.

  • English translations

    Documents in other languages must be translated into English by an embassy, a notary public or a recognised institution.

Cashless payments through eCitizen

Every fee is raised as an invoice in your account and paid online through eCitizen. Cash is not accepted at immigration counters.

Fees are set by the Department. Each service page shows the current fees, and your invoice shows exactly what you pay.

  • M-PESA

    Mobile money

  • Airtel Money

    Mobile money

  • Bank card

    Debit or credit card

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Cannot find your answer? Contact the Department.

See all questions
Who has to register as a foreign national?

Every foreign national who lives in Kenya for more than 90 days must register and hold a foreign national certificate (alien card). These people are exempt:

  • serving members of the armed forces
  • public officers, and their spouses and children
  • people exempted under section 34(3) of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, 2011
  • registered refugees
  • visitors staying no more than three months with a valid visitor’s pass or other authority, such as a special pass
I have an eCitizen account. Do I also need an eFNS account?

No. Sign in with your personal eCitizen account. The exception is an eVisa or business eCitizen account: if that is the account you have, create an eFNS account instead.

What do I need if I want to work in Kenya?

Your employer in Kenya applies to the Director of Immigration Services for the entry or work permit. One account can hold applications for several people, so employers and families can apply on behalf of others.

How do I pay, and can I get a refund?

Fees are paid online through eCitizen, by M-PESA, Airtel Money or card, against the invoice in your account. Cash is not accepted at immigration counters. Processing fees are non-refundable.

Can I change my application after submitting it?

Yes, once the whole application is complete and until processing starts: open it from My applications in your dashboard. After processing starts the application is locked, and if anything more is needed the officer handling it will ask you through your account.

How will I know what is happening with my application?

Your account shows the current stage of every application, and you receive an email whenever it moves on or an officer needs something from you.

Can a permanent resident work without a work permit?

Yes. Permanent residents can take up any lawful employment or business without a work permit. They still need a foreign national certificate (alien card).

What can I do if my permit application is refused?

You can appeal to the Cabinet Secretary for a review of the decision, under section 22(1) of the Kenya Citizens and Foreign Nationals Management Service Act, 2011.

Help and contact

We are here to help

For questions about a service or an application, contact the Department of Immigration Services.

Visit

Nyayo House, Nairobi

Immigration headquarters. Present your application and attend appointments here or at a regional office.

Write

Director of Immigration Services P.O. Box 30191 Nairobi

Call

+254 20 2222022

For general enquiries about immigration services.

Ready to apply?

Sign in with your eCitizen account and choose the service you need.

Start an application Create an eCitizen account