Dependant Pass Kenya Requirements and Documents
A successful application must prove both the principal’s qualifying lawful status and the legal or factual basis of the dependency. Prepare the documents before starting the online application so names, passport numbers, dates and relationship records remain consistent.
Who can sponsor a dependant?
- Kenyan citizens supporting a foreign spouse or child.
- Work permit holders supporting a qualifying dependant.
- Permanent residents supporting a qualifying dependant.
- Exempted persons supporting a qualifying dependant.
Form 28 and core document checklist
- Duly completed and signed Form 28.
- Detailed signed cover letter addressed to the Director General or Director of Immigration Services.
- Valid passport bio-data page or national ID copies for the principal and dependant.
- Evidence of current immigration status for the principal and dependant.
- Two recent colour passport-size photographs of the dependant.
- Certified evidence of relationship, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate.
- Proof of sufficient and assured income to maintain the principal and dependant.
- Valid work permit with at least six months remaining where the principal is a permit holder.
- Sworn affidavit and supporting evidence where dependency is based on incapacity, age, disability or a medical condition.
- Certified English translations for documents issued in another language.
- Copy of the applicable official Dependant Pass checklist.
Documents by applicant type
| Application type | Important evidence | Common issue |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign spouse of a Kenyan citizen | Certified marriage certificate, Kenyan passport or ID, foreign spouse’s passport and proof of financial support. | Names, dates or spellings differ across the marriage certificate and passports. |
| Child of a Kenyan citizen | Certified birth certificate, child’s passport, Kenyan parent’s ID or passport and proof of support. | The birth certificate does not clearly establish the parent-child relationship. |
| Spouse or child of a work permit holder | Principal’s valid permit, passports, marriage or birth certificate, current status and income evidence. | The principal’s permit has less than six months remaining. |
| Dependant of a permanent resident | Permanent residence evidence, passports, relationship documents and proof of support. | The principal’s status evidence is outdated or incomplete. |
| Special dependency based on age, disability or medical condition | Sworn affidavit, medical or disability evidence, support records and a detailed factual explanation. | The records do not demonstrate actual dependency. |
How to Apply for a Dependant Pass in Kenya
The application is submitted online through the Government of Kenya Single Sign-On system and the eFNS portal. Complete the document review before filing.
- Confirm eligibility.
Verify the principal’s qualifying status and identify the document proving the relationship or dependency. - Prepare the full document pack.
Review passports, civil documents, current status, photographs, income proof, translations and any special dependency evidence. - Create or access a Government Single Sign-On account.
Use the account to enter the eFNS portal. - Open the Dependant Pass application.
Select Apply Now, then Submit Applications, and choose the Dependant Pass category. - Complete Form 28.
Enter the principal and dependant details exactly as shown in the supporting records. - Print, sign and upload the required forms.
Upload clear scans in the correct sections and retain the completed application. - Submit and monitor the file.
Track email and dashboard notifications and respond promptly to any Immigration query. - Pay after approval.
Open Dashboard and Payments and follow the invoice instructions. - Present application printouts where directed.
Follow the live eFNS instructions on presentation at Immigration headquarters or another designated office.
Pre-filing review in Nairobi
We review Form 28, civil documents, the principal’s immigration status, financial support, translations and the eFNS upload file before submission.
Dependant Pass Kenya Cost and Official Fees
The following are the official issuance fees published by Immigration. The final payment reference is the invoice generated in the applicant’s eFNS dashboard after approval.
| Dependant category | Official issuance fee | Payment stage |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse or child of a Kenyan citizen | KES 20,000 | After approval, as invoiced through eFNS |
| Spouse or child of a work permit holder | KES 10,000 | After approval, as invoiced through eFNS |
| Spouse or child of a permanent residence holder | KES 10,000 | After approval, as invoiced through eFNS |
| East African Community national | Gratis | Subject to the portal’s treatment of the applicant’s eligibility |
Other costs to consider
- Professional application review or filing support, where instructed.
- Certification, notarisation or translation of civil and supporting documents.
- Courier or document-procurement expenses for foreign marriage or birth records.
- Additional affidavits, medical evidence or dependency documentation where applicable.
Get a Free Dependant Pass Quote
Share the sponsor’s immigration status, the dependant’s nationality, the available marriage or birth certificate and the applicant’s current location. We will identify the likely document scope, professional support required and any obvious filing risks.
How Long Does a Dependant Pass Take in Kenya?
The Directorate of Immigration Services does not publish a guaranteed processing period for every Dependant Pass application. For practical planning, a complete and straightforward file may take approximately 4–12 weeks. Verification, incomplete documents, Immigration queries or an expiring principal permit may extend the timeline.
| Stage | What happens | Possible delay |
|---|---|---|
| Document preparation | Form 28, civil records, passport copies, status evidence, photographs, income proof and translations are assembled. | Missing foreign records, certification or translation requirements. |
| Online submission | The application and supporting file are submitted through eFNS. | Incorrect entries, poor scans or incomplete uploads. |
| Immigration review | Immigration reviews the principal’s status, relationship, dependency and financial support. | Name mismatches, verification or requests for further evidence. |
| Approval and payment | The official invoice is generated after approval. | Failure to monitor the dashboard or pay promptly. |
| Final compliance step | The applicant follows the portal directions and presents printouts where required. | Failure to comply with presentation instructions. |
Common reasons for delay
- The marriage or birth certificate is not certified or does not clearly prove the relationship.
- Names, dates or passport details differ between Form 28 and the supporting documents.
- The principal’s permit has less than six months remaining.
- Proof of sufficient and assured income is weak or incomplete.
- Foreign-language documents have not been translated into English by an accepted authority.
- A medical, disability, age-based or other dependency claim lacks supporting evidence.
- The applicant does not monitor the eFNS dashboard for queries, approval or payment.
Validity and renewal
The dependant’s status is linked to the principal’s qualifying status. A further application may be made where the principal’s lawful status and the dependency continue. Review the principal’s permit or permanent residence evidence and prepare updated documents before the existing status expires.
Can a Dependant Pass holder work or study?
Work: a Dependant Pass does not authorise employment, trade or business activity. Obtain the correct Kenya work permit before working.
Study: a child or other dependant may require a valid pupil’s pass before undertaking education or training in Kenya.
Dependant Pass FAQs
How much does a Dependant Pass cost in Kenya?
The official issuance fee is KES 20,000 for the spouse or child of a Kenyan citizen and KES 10,000 for the spouse or child of a work permit or permanent residence holder. EAC nationals may be treated as gratis where applicable.
What are the requirements for a Kenya Dependant Pass?
The main requirements are Form 28, a detailed cover letter, identity documents, current immigration-status evidence, two photographs, proof of relationship, proof of sufficient income and any additional dependency evidence.
How long does a Dependant Pass take in Kenya?
A complete application may take approximately 4–12 weeks for planning purposes, but Immigration does not guarantee a fixed processing period for every file.
How do I apply for a Dependant Pass in Kenya?
Create or access a Government Single Sign-On account, log in to eFNS, select the Dependant Pass application, complete Form 28, upload the supporting documents, monitor the dashboard and pay the invoice after approval.
Is “Dependent Pass Kenya” the same as “Dependant Pass Kenya”?
Yes. “Dependant Pass” is the official Kenyan spelling. “Dependent Pass Kenya” is an alternative spelling commonly used by applicants searching for the same immigration category.
Can a foreign spouse of a Kenyan citizen apply?
Yes, subject to a certified marriage certificate, the Kenyan spouse’s identification documents, the foreign spouse’s passport and evidence of financial support.
Can a child apply for a Dependant Pass?
Yes, where the relationship is shown by a certified birth certificate and the principal has the required qualifying status and financial ability to support the child.
Can a Dependant Pass holder work in Kenya?
No. The holder must obtain the correct work permit or other lawful authorisation before engaging in employment, trade or business.
Can the pass be renewed?
A further application may be made where the principal’s qualifying status and the dependency continue. Updated documents should be prepared before the existing status expires.
Can I get Dependant Pass application help in Nairobi?
Yes. Biz Brokers Kenya provides eligibility review, Form 28 preparation, document checks, eFNS filing support and Immigration follow-up from its Kilimani, Nairobi office.
Official sources
- Directorate of Immigration Services — Dependant’s Pass
- eFNS Dependant Pass information pack
- Kenya Dependant Pass checklist
Related immigration guidance
Need Help With a Dependant Pass Application?
Send us the principal’s status document, the dependant’s passport, the marriage or birth certificate, current immigration-status evidence and proof of financial support for an initial document review.
Office: Kose Heights, Argwings Kodhek Road, Kilimani, Nairobi, Kenya
Call: +254 757 884 710
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