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Republic of Kenya Department of Immigration Services

Department of Immigration Services eFNS Foreign Nationals Services
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Permanent residence · Category B

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.

Form 23 Invoice on submission
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Who it is for

This category applies to people who have held Kenyan work permits for at least seven years and have been continuously resident in Kenya for the three years immediately before applying. It also includes their spouses and children.

Applicants must show that they are well placed to make a tangible contribution to the socio-economic development of Kenya; investors and highly qualified professionals are given priority. You may be asked to attend an interview in person to confirm these facts.

What you need

Have these ready before you apply. Incomplete applications are not accepted.

Work permit holders

Proof of lawful residence on work permits for at least seven years, with three years’ continuous residence in Kenya immediately before the application, and:

  • An application letter

  • Printed copy of the duly completed permanent residence application form (Form 23), signed and stamped by a magistrate or commissioner for oaths

  • Completed Category B questionnaire for intending applicants, generated when you complete your online application

  • Completed residence status form, generated when you complete your online application

  • Copy of your valid passport

  • Two passport-size photographs (a digital copy is also needed when you apply)

  • Original police clearance certificate, and a copy

  • Copy of your valid tax compliance certificate

  • Copy of your valid foreign national certificate (alien card)

  • Introductory letter from your employer, if you are employed

Spouse of a work permit holder

  • An application letter

  • Printed copy of the duly completed permanent residence application form (Form 23), signed and stamped by a magistrate or commissioner for oaths

  • Completed Category B questionnaire for intending applicants, generated when you complete your online application

  • Completed residence status form, generated when you complete your online application

  • Certified copy of the marriage certificate

  • Copy of your dependant pass or work permits

  • Two passport-size photographs (a digital copy is also needed when you apply)

  • Original police clearance certificate

  • Introductory letter from your employer, if you are employed

  • Copy of your valid passport

  • Copy of your valid foreign national certificate (alien card)

Child of a work permit holder

  • An application letter

  • Printed copy of the duly completed permanent residence application form (Form 23), signed and stamped by a magistrate or commissioner for oaths

  • Completed Category B questionnaire for intending applicants, generated when you complete your online application

  • Certified copy of your birth certificate

  • Certified copies of your parents’ birth certificates

  • Two passport-size photographs (a digital copy is also needed when you apply)

  • Copy of your dependant pass

  • Copy of your valid passport

Fees

The fee for this application is shown on your invoice before you pay. All fees are paid through eCitizen.

How to apply

  1. Step 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. Step 2: Complete the application

    Fill in Form 23 online, for yourself or on behalf of someone else, and print it when you finish.

  3. Step 3: Pay the invoice

    An invoice is raised when you submit your application. Pay it through eCitizen by M-PESA, Airtel Money or card.

  4. Step 4: Present your documents

    Take your printed application and the documents listed above to the immigration office named under “Good to know”.

  5. Step 5: Follow your application

    You receive email and account notifications as your application moves through each stage.

Good to know

  • The processing fee is non-refundable.
  • Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
  • Printed applications must be presented at the immigration office at Nyayo House, Nairobi.
  • Each adult must apply from their own personal account. Parents can apply for their children from their own account.