Skip to main content

Republic of Kenya Department of Immigration Services

Department of Immigration Services eFNS Foreign Nationals Services
Apply Now

Foreign national registration

Foreign national certificate (alien card)

The registration certificate for foreign nationals living in Kenya: first issue, renewal, correction or replacement.

Form 50 Invoice on submission
Apply Now

Who it is for

Every foreign national resident in Kenya for more than 90 days must be registered and hold a foreign national certificate, also known as the alien card.

The registration process

You produce a valid passport or other travel document to establish your identity and nationality, two passport-size photographs taken within the twelve months before you attend, and any other particulars an immigration officer asks for, and your biometrics are taken. Residents produce a valid permit or pass, and visitors a valid visitor’s pass. For a renewal you bring your previous certificate; if it was lost, a valid police abstract as proof of the loss.

The application is received, verified and approved, and your fingerprints are then taken to produce the certificate.

How long it is valid

A certificate is valid for up to two years when first issued and can be renewed for further periods of two years. If your permit or pass expires within that time, the certificate expires on the same date. Permanent residents are issued a certificate valid for up to three years.

What you need

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

Bring these with your printed application form when you present it at Nyayo House:

  • Duly completed and signed online application Form 50, printed at the end of your application

  • Copy of your valid passport, to establish your identity and nationality

  • Two recent colour passport-size photographs on a white background, taken within the last twelve months

  • For residents: a valid permit or pass

  • Your previous foreign national certificate Renewals

  • For a lost certificate: a valid police abstract as proof of the loss

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 50 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 registration fee is non-refundable.
  • Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
  • Engaging in any form of business or employment without the requisite permit or pass is an offence.
  • You must be present in person when the application is presented at Immigration headquarters or a regional office for registration.
  • Giving false or misleading information is an offence punishable by law.
  • Anyone who contravenes an order issued to a foreign national commits an offence and is liable to a fine, imprisonment or both.