Permanent residence
Lifelong residence status for former citizens, long-term work permit holders and the families of Kenyan citizens.
4 categories
About permanent residence
Permanent residence is granted under section 37 of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, 2011. There are four categories of application.
You must hold a valid residence status when you apply, with no break in status for at least the three years before your application. Spouses and children of permanent residents can also apply.
Living in Kenya as a permanent resident
- Permanent residence is lifelong, unless it is revoked under section 39 of the Act.
- Permanent residents can take up any lawful employment or business without a work permit.
- Permanent residents still need a foreign national certificate (alien card), and are not issued with Kenyan passports.
- Permanent residents must live in Kenya, and must report any absence of one year or more.
- A permanent resident who qualifies can apply for citizenship. Permanent residence ends automatically when citizenship is acquired.
Choose the right category
Each page sets out who can apply, the documents you need and how to apply.
- CategoryA Former citizens of Kenya For Kenyan citizens by birth who renounced or lost their citizenship, and their spouses and children. Requirements and how to apply
- CategoryB Holders of work permits For people who have held work permits for at least 7 years, with 3 years’ continuous residence, and their spouses and children. Requirements and how to apply
- CategoryC Children of Kenyan citizens For children of Kenyan citizens who were born abroad and hold the citizenship of their country of residence. Requirements and how to apply
- CategoryD Spouses of Kenyan citizens For spouses of Kenyan citizens who have been married for at least three years. Requirements and how to apply