Permanent residency is a person’s resident status in a country of which they are not citizens. This is usually for a permanent period; a person with such status is known as a permanent resident. In Kenya, a person may apply for permanent residency if; they were Kenya citizens by birth but have since renounced or lost citizenship status and/or are denied the opportunity by their countries of domicile to hold dual citizenship, they have held Kenya work permits for at least 7 years and have been continuously resident in the country for three years immediately preceding the permanent residence application, they are children of Kenya citizens born outside the country and have acquired foreign citizenship of their country of residence/domicile, or if they are spouses of Kenya citizens married for at least three years.
- Category A: (Ex-citizens of Kenya): Applicants who were Kenya citizens at birth but now:
- Have renounced or lost citizenship status.
- Are denied the opportunity by their countries of domicile from holding dual citizenship.
- The children and spouses of the above-mentioned applicants.
- Category B: (Lawful residents of Kenya): Applicants who have held work permits for at least 7 years:
- And have been continuously resident in the country for three years immediately preceding the permanent residence application.
- The children and spouses of the above-mentioned applicants.
- Category C: (Children of Kenya citizens): Children of Kenya citizens born outside the country and have acquired foreign citizenship of their country of residence/domicile.
- Category D: (Spouses of Kenya citizens): Applicants who are spouses of Kenya citizens married for at least three years.
| No. | Category | Processing fee (Non refundable) | Issuance fee (Payable Upon arrival) |
| 1. | Category A | $100 | $150 |
| 2. | Category B | ||
| Applicant | $100 | $5000 | |
| Spouse | $100 | $5000 | |
| Children (below 18 years) | $100 | $5000 | |
| 3. | Category C | – | – |
| 4. | Category D | $50 | $500 |
