How to Apply for a Kenya Alien ID (2026 eFNS Registration Guide)

Foreign nationals who plan to live, work, study, or run a business in Kenya for a long period are required to apply for an Alien Identification Card, commonly known as an Alien ID. Kenyan immigration authorities issue this document, and it acts as official proof that a foreigner is legally registered and living in the country. This document is similar to a national ID for Kenyan citizens. The Alien ID is important for accessing essential services such as opening bank accounts, signing contracts, applying for work permits, and meeting immigration requirements.

This guide explains everything you need to know about applying for a Kenyan Alien ID in 2026, including:

Individuals who are required to apply for the Kenyan alien ID
Individuals who are exempt from applying for the Kenyan alien ID
The documents required during application for the Kenyan alien ID
Application fees for applying for the alien ID
Step-by-step registration procedures.

What is a Kenya Alien ID (Foreign Nationals Certificate)?

The Alien Card, officially known as the Foreign Nationals Certificate, is a government-issued identification document given to foreign nationals who stay in Kenya for more than 90 days, as per Bright (2025). The Department of Immigration Services issues it under the Ministry of Interior and National Administration. It acts as official proof that a foreigner is legally registered and allowed to remain in the country. Foreign nationals living, working, studying, or carrying out business activities in Kenya are legally required to register as foreigners according to Kenya’s immigration laws and regulations.

Who is Required to Register for a Kenya Alien ID?

Not every visitor to Kenya is required to apply for an Alien ID. The requirement mainly applies to foreign nationals who plan to stay in the country for a long period for reasons such as employment, investment, education, business activities, or family residency. Under Kenya’s immigration regulations, foreigners staying beyond a certain period must register with the Department of Immigration Services and obtain a Foreign Nationals Certificate as proof of legal residence in the country. The following categories are needed to register for an alien ID.

Foreign nationals staying in Kenya for more than 90 consecutive days
Holders of valid work permits under any permit class
Investors and business owners with Class G permits or similar authorizations
Dependents of permit holders with valid dependent passes
Permanent residents living in Kenya
Foreign spouses of Kenyan citizens with the required immigration status or permits

Who is Exempt from Foreign National Registration in Kenya?

While most foreign nationals staying in Kenya for more than 90 days are required to register for an Alien ID, Kenyan immigration law also provides a number of exemptions. Some individuals are not required to obtain a Foreign Nationals Certificate because of the nature of their immigration status, official responsibilities, or the length of their stay in the country. The following categories are generally exempt from Foreign National Registration in Kenya as per the Kenya Directorate of Immigration Services.

Serving members of foreign armed forces stationed or operating in Kenya under official agreements
Public officers and, where applicable, their spouses or children serving under diplomatic or official government assignments
Persons specifically exempted under Section 34(3) of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act
Refugees registered under the Refugees Act, 2006
Foreign nationals staying in Kenya continuously for not more than three months, provided they hold valid visitor passes or other lawful immigration authorization, such as a Special Pass.

Benefits of Having a Valid Alien ID in Kenya

The Alien Card is an important document for foreign nationals living in Kenya. It acts as official proof that a foreigner is properly registered with the Department of Immigration Services and is legally allowed to stay in the country.

Legal compliance – It confirms that you are legally registered under Kenyan immigration laws and helps you avoid penalties, fines, or other legal issues related to unlawful stay.
Access to services – It is required when accessing important services such as opening a bank account, obtaining a driving license, receiving healthcare services, or signing official contracts.
Work permit and residency processing – It is needed when applying for or renewing work permits, dependent passes, and other immigration-related documents.
Identification purposes – It serves as an official form of identification for foreign nationals and may be requested by authorities during routine checks, travel, or official verification within Kenya.

Documents Required for Kenya Alien ID Application 2026

Work permit - one of the document required for application of Kenya alien ID — *A Work Permit Is One of the Documents Required For the Application for Kenya Alien ID*

Before beginning your Kenya Alien ID application, it is important to prepare all the required documents in advance. A study by HowKE Team highlights the following documents that are required.

Form 50 – Online Application Form-This is the official Alien ID application form completed through Kenya’s eFNS immigration portal. After entering all the required details online, you must print and sign the completed form before submitting it.
Copy of Valid Passport Biodata Page-Applicants must provide a clear photocopy of the passport biodata page showing personal details such as full names, passport number, nationality, and photograph.
Two Coloured Passport-Size Photographs-You are required to submit recent passport-size photographs that meet immigration standards. The photos must be, must be coloured photos have a White background, and be taken within the last 12 months
Proof of Residence (Valid Permit or Pass)- Applicants must show evidence that they are legally staying in Kenya. This is usually provided through a valid immigration permit or pass. This document includes the Work permit, Dependent pass, Student pass, and permanent residence certificate

How to Apply for a Kenya Alien ID Online

For one to apply for a Kenyan Alien ID, it requires two steps: you will have to create an eFNS account and verify it, and then, after that, you will be required to log in to your account, fill in the required form, and upload the required documents. I have explained these two steps in the simplest way below.

Step 1: Create or Sign Into Your eFNS Account

Know Your Required Document

Before you begin, identify which identification document applies to your category:

Kenyan Citizens, you will need your National ID number
Foreigners residing in Kenya, you will need your Foreign National Certificate (Alien Card) number
Others (visitors and new arrivals without either document), you will use your passport details and select the “Others” option when prompted

Visit the Official Portal

login to eFNS portal — *Logging Into the eFNS Portal*

Open your browser and go to the official eFNS portal
On the homepage, locate and click the “Sign In / Sign Up” button

Choose Your Login or Registration Path

Choosing your suitable login path — *Choosing Your Suitable Login Path*

If you have a personal eCitizen account: Click “Log in with eCitizen account”, enter your eCitizen credentials, and you will be redirected straight to your eFNS dashboard — no further registration is needed
If you do not have an eCitizen account, or your eCitizen account is an eVisa or business account: Click “Log in using eFNS account”, then click the “Create eFNS Account” link to proceed with new registration

Select Your Account Type

Once on the registration page, you will be asked to select your status
Choose from: Kenyan Citizen, Foreigner Residing in Kenya, or Others. Select the option that matches your situation.

Fill In Your Personal Details

Complete all required fields including your full name, active email address, and phone number
Enter your identification document number — National ID, Foreign National Certificate number, or passport number, depending on your account type
Double-check all entries before proceeding

Create a Password

Set a strong, secure password for your eFNS account
If you forget your password at any time, click the “Forgot Password” link on the login page and follow the prompts to reset it using your registered email address

Verify Your Account and Log In

Check your email inbox for a verification message from the eFNS system
Click the verification link to activate your account
Return to eFNS and log in using your email address and the password you created
You will land on your eFNS dashboard where you can submit applications, make payments, track application status, and book biometric appointments

Step 2: Fill Out Form 50 and Upload Documents

After creating an account and verifying it, you can now easily apply for the alien using the procedure explained below.

Access the eFNS Portal and Application

login to your account and start the application process — *Log Into Your Account and Start The Application Process*

Visit the official eFNS (Electronic Foreign Nationals Services) portal
Click “Login” and sign in using your eCitizen account credentials (the account created earlier)
After logging in, go to your main dashboard menu
Click the “Submit Applications” tab and select “Foreign National” from the available options
Click “Apply Now” under the Foreign Nationals Certificate (Alien Card) section

Fill out Form 50 and Upload Documents

Filling out Form 50 — *Filling Out Form 50: Your Personal Details*

Complete the online Form 50 by entering your personal details, including full names, passport number, date of birth, contact information, and current immigration status
Prepare and upload the required documents: a clear copy of your valid passport biodata page, proof of residence (such as a work permit, permanent residence, or dependent/student pass), and two recent coloured passport-size photographs with a white background. If applying for renewal, upload a copy of your previous Alien Card. If you are a dependent pass holder, also upload your spouse’s permit, passport endorsement page, and passport biodata page. If applying for a replacement due to loss, attach a valid police abstract as proof
Carefully review all information before submitting
Click “Save” to submit your completed application

Generate Invoice and Make Payment

Making payments for the alien card — *Making Payments for the Kenya Alien ID*

After submission, an invoice will be generated automatically
Go to your dashboard and open the “Payments” tab to view the invoice
The application fee is approximately KES 5,000 per year (for example, a 2-year Alien Card costs about KES 10,000)
Click the payment icon to choose your preferred payment method. Complete payment within 24 hours of invoice generation. Print and save your payment receipt, as it will be required later

Print Your Application and Documents

Log back into your eFNS account after payment confirmation
Go to “My Applications” under your dashboard
Download and print your completed Form 50
Print your payment acknowledgment receipt from the Payments section
Collect all supporting original documents such as your passport, permit, and photographs
Organize everything neatly in a folder for submission

Schedule Your Biometrics Appointment

Open the “Appointment” tab on your eFNS dashboard
Select and book a biometric capture appointment at your preferred immigration office
Choose a convenient date and time
Note that immigration offices close for lunch between 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm
Confirm your booking and save your appointment slip
You will also receive confirmation via SMS or email

Attend Your Appointment and Provide Biometrics

verifying your fingerprints at the Immigration office — *Verifying Your Fingerprints at the Immigration Office*

Arrive at the immigration office on your scheduled date and time
Carry all required documents, including Printed Form 50, Payment receipt, original passport, Valid immigration permits or pass, and two passport-size photographs
The immigration officer will verify your application and documents
Your biometric data (photo, fingerprints, and signature) will be captured

Receive Notification and Collect Your Alien Card

You will be notified via SMS or email once your Alien Card is ready
Visit the same immigration office where you submitted your application to collect the card. Carry your original passport and processing slip. Check all details on the card before leaving the office

Kenya Alien ID Application Fees and Costs

The Kenya Alien ID (Foreign Nationals Certificate) costs KES 5,000 per year (or part of a year) for both new applications and renewals. The fee is paid online through the eFNS portal, is non-refundable, and the certificate is usually issued with a validity period of up to two years.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Kenya Alien ID is an important requirement for foreign nationals planning to live, work, study, or conduct business in the country for an extended period. In the article above, I have explained the registration process, the documents you are required to have while preparing for the application, and how much the Kenya Alien ID costs. Since the Alien Card serves as official proof of lawful residence in Kenya, you need to keep it valid and updated to access important services, comply with immigration laws, and maintain legal residency status in Kenya.