Foreign nationals seeking to regularise their stay in Kenya will be required to provide a range of immigration and supporting documents, with the requirements depending on their status and whether they are employees, traders, professionals, investors or other qualifying residents.
The requirement applies to foreign nationals who have been resident in Kenya for more than 90 days, subject to exemptions under the law. It is separate from the permits required to work, trade, invest or undertake other activities in the country.
Speaking to the Nation , Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi said East African Community nationals seeking to reside, work, trade, invest or undertake other lawful activities in Kenya should apply for the Class R permit.
The permit is available to citizens of Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia, and carries no processing or issuance fee.
Burundians queue at Nairobi Embassy to register after Ruto order
“We wish to clarify that foreign-national registration is separate from the Class R Permit. Kenyan law requires foreign nationals residing in Kenya for more than 90 days to be registered. This registration process is distinct from the Class R Permit application and should not be confused with a charge for the permit,” he said.
Mr Mudavadi said EAC nationals whose immigration documents need to be regularised should use official government channels and avoid brokers.
“Nobody should be charging an EAC citizen for the Class R Permit. The government has made the permit free. Applicants should use the official eFNS and eCitizen platforms and deal directly with the Directorate of Immigration Services,” he said.
For the Class R permit, applicants are required to provide a valid passport, their current immigration status where applicable, and supporting documents based on the activities they intend to undertake.
Burundians queue at the Embassy of Burundi Chancery in Nairobi on September 7, 2026 to regularise their documents.
Photo credit: Evans Habil | Nation Media Group
These include a cover letter explaining the activities to be undertaken, a certificate of registration of the organisation or business, academic or professional certificates and, for regulated professionals, clearance letters or licences from the relevant bodies.
Additional requirements apply depending on the applicant’s status. Investors, employees, professionals and small-scale traders will therefore be required to provide different supporting documents.
Where required, applicants must print their processed documents and present themselves at designated Immigration offices for verification, endorsement and other procedures.
Foreign nationals who have lived in Kenya for more than 90 days are required by law to register, while EAC citizens have been urged to complete any applicable registration requirements through official Directorate of Immigration Services channels.
Burundians queue at the Embassy of Burundi Chancery in Nairobi on September 7, 2026 to regularise their documents.
Photo credit: Evans Habil | Nation Media Group
The clarification comes as the government seeks to reassure EAC nationals amid efforts to strengthen immigration.
“East African integration is about bringing our people closer together, expanding opportunities and making our region more prosperous. Kenya will continue to support lawful and orderly movement of EAC citizens while protecting the integrity of our immigration system,” Mr Mudavadi said.
“Our EAC brothers and sisters should continue to come to Kenya, invest, trade, work and contribute to our economy. Those who are already here should regularise their documentation and continue with their lawful activities with confidence,”he said.
