How to Renew Alien Card in Kenya

Being a foreigner in a country can limit you from having certain freedom and privileges, especially if your stay there is overdue. In a place like Kenya, having an Alien Card sorts out those uncertainties and grants you the necessary privileges you need to function well in the country. But you have to understand how to renew your Alien card in Kenya to avoid embarrassment or other legal issues.

Having an Alien Card simplifies life in Kenya, as it allows you to legally open bank accounts, sign contracts, or engage in formal employment – all while showing you comply with Kenyan law. Without it, you risk fines or deportation.

In this article, we explain what the Alien Card is, why it’s important, and detail the requirements and steps to renew it in Kenya, including up-to-date fees.

1What is Alien Card in Kenya?

2Key points about the Alien Card in Kenya

3What is the importance of an Alien Card in Kenya?

4What are the requirements to renew my alien card in Kenya?

5How much does it cost to get an alien card in Kenya?

6How to Renew Alien Card in Kenya

What is Alien Card in Kenya?

Close-up Of A Person’s Hand Stamping With Approved Stamp On Text Approved Document At Desk, Contract Form Paper

The Alien Card – sometimes officially called the Foreign Nationals Certificate – is essentially a residence permit card issued by Kenya’s Immigration Department to foreigners.

It is a mandatory government-issued identification card of foreigners living in Kenya. The Alien Card should be registered and obtained by any non-Kenyan residing in Kenya over 90 days.

The card will be used as a document to confirm the legal residence, and in such a way, it will be needed during procedures such as work permits, driving licenses, or even bank account opening. Practically, it appears as a green plastic card (just as large as an ID card in Kenya) that foreigners have at all times.

In case you are already holding an Alien Card, it normally lasts two years (generally two years to your visa/permit), then you need to renew it before expiry.

Key points about the Alien Card in Kenya

Purpose: It is also official evidence that you are a legitimate resident of Kenya. The immigration law requires the possession of this card to all foreigners who would reside longer than three months tourist’ visa in the country.
Usage: You can use an Alien Card to use the services that are reserved to residents (such as enrolling children to school, signing rental agreements, or getting a job). It is also required for the renewal of work permits or taxes.
Law: The Immigration Act mandates Alien Cards for all long-staying foreign nationals. As one government notice put it, “the law requires that all foreigners residing in Kenya for a period exceeding 90 days be registered” (a requirement that includes getting an Alien Card).

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What is the importance of an Alien Card in Kenya?

The Alien Card’s importance cannot be overstated – it is a legal requirement for foreign residents and a gateway to legal status. Per recent government policy updates, Alien Cards are now required for all foreign nationals residing in Kenya. This means if you earn money, work, study, or live in Kenya beyond a few months, you must have one.

The following are some of the reasons that make the Alien Card significant:

Legal compliance: An Alien card indicates that you are officially registered with the immigration. Without it, you are essentially undocumented under Kenyan immigration law. The government makes it mandatory and even imposes stiff fines for non-compliance (recently, the fee for failing to renew or obtain an Alien Card was raised to KSh 10,000 per year).
Access to services: Many public services require showing your Alien Card for identification – for example, getting a driving license, accessing government hospitals, or dealing with utilities. Banks in Kenya usually want it for KYC (Know Your Customer) when opening an account for an expatriate.
Work and permits: If you’re a worker or dependent, renewals of your work permit or residency permit will not proceed without a valid Alien Card. It is effectively tied to your visa/permit.
Travelling in Kenya: You require it as ID. It can be requested by police or officials during roadblocks or airport departures.

The Alien Card is essential to other non-Kenyan persons, who would like to lawfully stay, work or study in Kenya. Losing or having an expired Alien Card may lead to difficulties or legal issues. Recent changes even made the Alien Card costlier (now KSh5,000 per year), signaling the government’s emphasis on keeping records of foreign residents.

What are the requirements to renew my alien card in Kenya?

To renew an Alien Card in Kenya, one has to submit an updated application and documents. The renewal process is almost the same as a fresh application, except for some specific details:

Current Alien Card: You will have to surrender your expired (or about to expire) Alien Card. It will be cancelled (when the new one is issued).
Valid Passport and Permit: Your passport must be valid and you should have a valid Kenyan visa or residence permit (work permit, dependent pass, etc) which should not be expired. This proves your continued eligibility to reside. For renewals, you typically present both the passport and the existing immigration permit.
Application Form: Fill out Form 50 (the Directorate of Immigration’s application form for an Alien Card) on the online portal. The e-Citizen immigration services allow you to select “Alien Card – Renewal”.
Proof of Residence: Present results of current address in Kenya (e.g., utility bill, rental contract, or official written communication stating where one lives). This is needed to ascertain your living condition.
Passport Photos: Submit new passport-size photos, as per the requirements (white background, size etc.)
Purpose Documentation: In case it is applicable, any document supporting your stay (e.g. employment contract, admission letter) may also be requested, in particular when your terms of visa have changed.
Biometrics: Prepared to re-issue fingerprints and photo (the immigration office will take new biometrics).
Renewal Fees: You will pay the renewal processing fee (at the present, KSh 5,000 per year). In case you have a multi-year card, the amount of the fee is multiplied by the years.
Appointment Booking: After online payment, you will schedule an appointment at an Immigration office. On that day, you submit originals and copies of all required documents.

These requirements come from Kenya Immigration guidelines. In practice, ensure all your documents are up-to-date. The SafariCyber guide notes one should prepare documents such as passport, visa, proof of address and accept that you may need new biometrics.

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How much does it cost to get an alien card in Kenya?

The cost of an Alien Card was recently revised. As of March 2024, the government set the Alien Card issuance and renewal fee at KSh 5,000 per year. (Previously, it had been only KSh 1,000, but it increased fivefold.) For example, if you get a 2-year renewal, the fee would be KSh 10,000. These fees are non-refundable once paid.

In addition, failing to renew or obtain one can incur a KSh 10,000 penalty per year. There is also a KSh 2,000 fee for replacing a lost card.

So, expect to pay KSh 5,000 per year for your Alien Card renewal. This should be paid during the online application process on the FNS or eCitizen portal. Keep in mind this is just the government fee – there are no extra service charges beyond the official amount.

Renewing your Alien Card generally involves the Kenya Immigration department’s online portal (eCitizen or eFNS) and an in-person appointment. The steps are:

Online Application: Go to the Kenya eCitizen portal (sign in) and navigate to the Immigration Services section. Select “Alien Card – Renewal”. Complete the personal and passport information in the online form (Form 50).
Upload Documents: Scan and upload the documents needed: passport bio-data page, present visa/permit, address evidence, and passport photo.
Payment: Pay the renewal fee (KSh 5,000 per year) on M-PESA or card online.
Print Acknowledgement: Once done, the portal will give you a confirmation slip or payment acknowledgment – print this out, along with Form 50.
Booking an Appointment: You will be prompted to book an in-person appointment at a Directorate of Immigration registry or county immigration office.
Attend Appointment: On the appointment day, go to the immigration office with originals and copies of all documents: existing Alien Card, passport, visa, proof of address, photos, and the Form 50 printout. Submit them to the officer.
Biometrics: Your photo and fingerprints will be re-taken at the office as part of identity verification.
Waiting for Processing: After submission, you’ll receive a slip saying your application is in process. Processing can take a few weeks (often 4-8 weeks, depending on volume).
Card Collection: You will be notified via SMS or email when the new Alien Card is ready. Then return to the office to pick it up (remember your appointment slip).

The online portion (Steps 1–4) can be done from home. The official Immigration website confirms that applications (including renewals) are done via the FNS portal (FNS.immigration.go.ke). The SafariCyber overview adds that after online steps, you will get an appointment and a biometric capture.

Important: Start the renewal process well before expiration. To prevent penalties, the Alien Card will have to be renewed prior to expiry. Kenyan rules indicate that renewal should be started several months in advance (some say 3-6 months earlier) in order to allow continuity.

When you do this and pay the fee, the Alien Card will be renewed and you legally can continue living in Kenya without being interrupted. The renewed card will once again have a validity (normally 1-2 years, based on your visa length).

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FAQs

How much does it cost to get an alien card in Kenya?

KES 5,000 per annum

How much is it to renew a resident alien card?

$455

What happens if you overstay in Kenya?

can result in penalties, fines, or deportation.

Conclusion

One of the legal documents that expatriates in Kenya need is the Alien Card (Foreign Nationals Certificate). It establishes your legal authority to live, and most formal engagements necessitate it. It is important to know how to renew it to preserve your status in Kenya.

The above procedure is followed, and by paying the required fees, you will be able to renew your Alien Card and maintain the status of a legal resident in Kenya. Remember that the validity of the card is equal to your visa, so do not forget to plan (renew a few months in advance) to avoid fines.