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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 D

Spouses of Kenyan citizens

For spouses of Kenyan citizens who have been married for at least three years.

Form 23 Invoice on submission
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Who it is for

This category applies to spouses of Kenyan citizens who have been married for at least three years. Applicants must give ample proof of their marriage and family life in addition to the documents, and 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.

  • An application letter from the Kenyan spouse

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

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

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

  • Original police clearance certificate, and a copy

  • Evidence of your marriage and family life

  • Certified copy of the marriage certificate

  • Copies of the Kenyan spouse’s passport, identity card and birth certificate

  • Copy of the foreign spouse’s passport or birth certificate

  • Copies of the foreign spouse’s work permits or dependant pass

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

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

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.
  • Customary marriages qualify if they are registered with the Registrar of Marriages in Kenya and the record has existed for at least three years.
  • In a polygamous marriage, every spouse with a valid marriage certificate for a genuine marriage of more than three years is eligible.
  • If your Kenyan spouse lost Kenyan citizenship under the repealed constitution, they must regain it before you can apply on the basis of marriage.
  • Widows and widowers of Kenyan citizens do not qualify for permanent residence; they can apply for citizenship instead.