New Immigrants

Permanent residence is a status granted by the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Law and Regulations to:-

• Former citizens of Kenya.
• Children of Kenya citizens born abroad.
• Spouses to Kenyan citizens.
• A person who has held a work permit in Kenya for at least 7 years, their spouse, and children.

There are four categories of applications that can be made under Permanent Residence.

Ex-Citizens of Kenya

This applies to Kenyan citizen by birth who has since renounced or lost citizenship status and are denied the opportunity by their countries of domicile to hold dual citizenship.

Children and spouses of these applicants can also apply.

Lawful Residents of Kenya Holders of Work Permits

This applies to persons who have held Kenya work permits for at least seven (7) years and have been a continuous resident in the country for three years immediately preceding the permanent residence application.

It also includes their spouses and children.

Children of Kenya Citizens

This applies to children of Kenya Citizens born outside the country and who have acquired foreign citizenship of their country of residence/domicile.

Spouses of Kenya Citizens

This applies to spouses of Kenyan citizens married for at least 3 years. Applicants must give ample proof of marriage and family life besides the documentation furnished.

In this framework, applicants may be required to appear in person for an interview to confirm or verify these facts.