Residence in Kenya: permits and requirements
Living legally in Kenya is possible through 5 permit types: permanent, work, entrepreneurship, study. Each program has its own requirements; below are the duration, renewal, costs and documentation according to the country's official sources.
Permanent incoming
Residence type #1 of 5
Permanent residence for expatriates with a long stay and relatives of Kenyans
Requirements
- Having held a work permit for at least 7 years
- Continuous residence in Kenya for 3 years before the application
- Being the spouse of a Kenyan married for at least 3 years
- Being the child of a Kenyan citizen born abroad
Documentation
- Valid passport
- Former work permits
- Marriage certificate (where applicable)
- Proof of continuous residence
- Criminal record certificate
- Medical report
- Passport-size photos
Frequently asked questions about residence in Kenya
How many types of residence permits are there in Kenya?
Kenya offers 5 residence permit types, grouped into the categories permanent, work, entrepreneurship, study. Each permit has its own requirements, duration and documentation, detailed in this fact sheet according to the country's official sources.
How long do residence permits in Kenya last?
Durations vary by permit type: Indefinite; 2 years; 1 year (renewable according to the duration of the studies). The exact details of each type appear in the corresponding fact sheet.
Can residence permits in Kenya be renewed?
It depends on the type: 4 of 5 permits are renewable. Each fact sheet on this page indicates whether the permit in question allows renewal.
What documentation is usually required to reside in Kenya?
Although each permit requires its own file, the most recurrent documents are: Valid passport; Certificado médico. The complete list by residence type appears in each fact sheet, together with the corresponding official link.
Does residence in Kenya lead to nationality?
Yes, through the Registration by residence pathway, which requires 7 years of legal residence. The complete requirements are in the nationality fact sheet of Kenya.
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Anything to correct or add about Kenya?
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