Permanent Residence
Saclan International
PERMANENT RESIDENCE
Permanent Residency (PR) status grants a person a right to enter and remain in Kenya without any time limit on his or her stay.
This enables the applicant and Dependents to freely take up Employment, live or study in Kenya.
9.3 CATEGORIES OF PERMANENT
RESIDENCE
Permanent Residence in Kenya is classified in four categories that an applicant who is eligible and having met the stipulated criteria can apply under.
9.3.1 Ex- Kenyan Citizens
This category applies to Kenyan Citizens by Birth who renounced or lost Kenyan Citizenship status and are denied the opportunity by their Countries of domicile to hold Dual Citizenship.
In such circumstances, the ex-Kenyan can apply for Permanent Residence enabling them to freely Travel, Work or live in Kenya without losing the newly acquired Citizenship status of their Country of domicile.
The children and spouses of the ex- Kenyans can also apply for the category in line with the primary applicant.
9.3.2 Work Permit Holders
This category is for persons who have held a Kenyan work permit for at least seven (7) years and meets all the requirements under this category.
The applicant however must have been continuously resident in the Kenya for three years immediately preceding the Permanent Residence application.
The spouses and children qualify apply in line with the primary applicant.
9.3.3 Spouse of a Work Permit Holder
Spouses of work permit holders who qualify to apply for PR can submit an application to be considered.
The application must however be submitted independence of the main applicant.
9.3.4 Child of a Work Permit Holder
Children of work permit holders can submit an application to be considered.
9.3.5 Children of Kenyan Citizens
This applies to children of Kenya Citizens born outside the Country and have acquired foreign Citizenship of their Country of residence/domicile.
The Age limit of a child in Kenya is 21 years. However, if the child is over 21years, they have to make an application for PR independently.
9.3.6 Children of Registered Citizens
The children of persons who have registered as Kenyan citizens and who were born before their parents acquire citizenship can apply for PR if they meet all the relevant criteria.
9.3.7 Spouses of Kenyan Citizens
This category applies to spouses who are married to Kenyan Citizens.
The marriage must be genuine and subsisting and the applicant must have been married for a period of at least three years prior to submitting the application for consideration. Applicants must give ample proof of marriage and family life besides documentation provided.
9.3.8 Widows and Widowers
The widows and widowers of Kenyan Citizens, who were married for a period of at least 3 years prior to the death of their Spouse and meets the relevant qualifying criteria, can upon successful application be granted PR status in Kenya.
9.4 RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF PERMANENT RESIDENTS
A person who has been granted permanent resident in Kenya, have various rights and obligations they must adhere to in Kenya.
They are required to comply with residency obligation as may be prescribed and any conditions that may be imposed.
The rights and obligations include but not limited to the following:
9.4.1 Right to enter and remain in Kenyan permanently
A person who qualifies to be granted PR status in Kenya has a right to enter and remain in Kenya, with his spouses and dependents.
They are not subject to Immigration Control upon arrival or during their stay in Kenya.
9.4.2 Right to Employment
A holder of PR status has the right to be employed in Kenya. They are free to be engaged in both paid and unpaid employment without having to seek the relevant work permit for the jobs they undertake in Kenya.
9.4.3 Study in Kenya
A Permanent Residence holder has the right to attend Educational facilities without the requirements of obtaining a student pass.
9.4.4 Own Property in Kenya
A holder of a PR status has a right to own property legally in Kenya for both Commercial and Residential purposes.
9.4.5 Settle anywhere in Kenya
A person granted permanent residence has a right to freely move and settle anywhere in Kenya without restrictions whatsoever. They can live and conduct businesses in any part of Kenya.
9.4.6 Access Social Services and Facilities
A PR holder has the right to access and enjoy Social Services and facilities in Kenya.
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