Requirements for application & Documents (Checklist)

Below is the complete practical checklist you should prepare before lodging your application. Many of these items are required to be uploaded in the FNS portal and some must be certified/notarized.

Mandatory documents

• Completed and commissioned Form 23 — Application for Permanent Residence (signed & stamped by a Magistrate / Commissioner for Oaths).
• Application / detailed cover letter from the applicant addressed to the Director of Immigration Services.
• Category B questionnaire (generated and completed during the Online application)
• Residence Status form (auto-generated when you complete the Online application).
• Police clearance certificate(s) — Kenya Good Conduct and, where requested, from country of origin.
• Copy of valid passport (bio-data page) and recent passport-size photos (physical and soft copy for upload).
• Copies of all immigration permits (work permits, residence permits) held in Kenya for the past seven (7) years.
• Introductory / support letter from your employer (where applicable).
• Proof of Kenya residential address (utility bill or tenancy agreement) and full contact details (postal, telephone, email).
• Supporting family documents where relevant (marriage certificate, children’s birth certificates).

Supporting documents

• Tax Compliance Certificate (company and/or personal where applicable).
• Professional and educational certificates (academic transcripts, professional memberships).
• Employer records and employment history in Kenya (reverse chronological with duties and salary).
• If investor: certificate of incorporation, KRA PIN, authorized & paid-up capital, turnover, staff numbers and details of Kenyan participation.
• Three (3) Kenyan referees — full names, postal & residential addresses, ID/passport numbers, phone, and PIN if available.

Source: FNS permanent residence infopack and official checklist.

Cost of Permanent Residency Application in Kenya — Category B Permit Holders

The cost of applying for permanent residency in Kenya varies depending on the applicant’s residency category and recent government revisions. For Category B permit holders (lawful residents), the Directorate of Immigration Services (DIS) sets both a non-refundable application fee and a one-time issuance fee payable upon approval.

As of recent updates, the immigration fees for permanent residence in Kenya are as follows. Always verify the latest official rates on the Foreign Nationals Portal (FNS) before payment.

Important: The amounts above are indicative and may change based on new immigration regulations or Gazette notices. Official fees published by the Government of Kenya remain the legally binding reference.

How long does the application for a permanent residency take?

There is no fixed guarantee for processing time. Expect the following as practical guidance:

• Document collection & preparation: 2–6 weeks (police clearances, employer letters, certification of Form 23).
• DIS processing: a few months for straightforward cases — many applicants should expect 3–12 months; complex investor or contested cases may take longer (9–18 months).
• Delays typically arise from missing documents, requests for further verification, or high caseloads at DIS.

Tip: submit a complete, well-evidenced file and ensure referees and the employer are responsive to speed up processing.

How to apply for Permanent Residency in Kenya : Step-by-step practical guide

1. Confirm eligibility: verify you have at least 7 years of lawful permits and your continuous residence history in Kenya.
2. Collect & scan documents: passports, all permits, police clearances, professional certificates, employer letters, KRA docs, and referees' details.
3. Complete Form 23: fill Form 23 and get it commissioned/notarized by a Magistrate or Commissioner for Oaths. (Form 23 PDF and examples are available Online.)
4. Fill Online application: create an account on the DIS/FNS portal and start a Permanent Residence (Category B) application — the Category B questionnaire and Residence Status form are generated during the Online process.
5. Upload and pay: upload all supporting documents on the portal and pay the processing fee (confirm exact amount on the portal/Gazette).
6. Respond to queries: promptly answer any DIS requests and ensure referees/employer are reachable for verification.
7. Issuance payment: if approved, pay the issuance fee to complete the process and collect your Permanent Residence certificate/card per DIS instructions.

Printable Applicant Checklist

• Completed & commissioned Form 23
• Applicant cover letter
• Category B questionnaire (printed copy)
• Residence Status form (printed copy)
• Police clearance(s)
• Copies of passports + photos
• Copies of all Kenyan permits for last 7 years
• Employer introductory letter (if applicable)
• Tax compliance evidence where required
• Three Kenyan referees (full details)

Sample cover letter (editable template)

[Full name]
[Postal Address in Kenya]
[Email] | [Phone]

Date: [DD Month YYYY]

The Director,
Directorate of Immigration Services,
[Address or Portal reference]

RE: Application for Permanent Residence (Category B) — [Your full name, Passport No.]

Dear Sir/Madam,

I respectfully apply for Permanent Resident status under Category B. I have lived and worked lawfully in Kenya since [year]. I have held the following permits: [list permits with dates]. I am currently employed as [position] with [company name] and my employer has provided an introductory letter in support of this application.

Attached are: completed and commissioned Form 23, Category B questionnaire, Residence Status form, police clearance certificate(s), copies of my passports and permits for the past seven years, employer letter and other supporting documents as per the checklist.

I confirm my Kenya postal/residential address is: [address]. My referees' details are provided in the supporting documents.

I kindly request that my application be considered and remain available for any further information or an interview.

Yours faithfully,
[Signature]
[Name]
        

FAQs

Q — Can any permit holder apply after 7 years?

A — Only applicants who meet the lawful-residence criteria and continuous residence requirements are eligible.

Q — Do I need police clearance from my home country?

A — Yes. Kenya usually requires a Kenya Good Conduct certificate and may request police clearance from your country of nationality or previous residence.

Q — What happens after approval?

A — You will be required to pay the issuance fee and then collect the Permanent Residence certificate/card per DIS instructions. Once issued you will have the rights/obligations indicated by law for permanent residents.