Dependant Pass Fees in Kenya
The most important fee point is that Dependant Pass fees are normally issuance fees payable after approval, as invoiced through eFNS. The portal invoice should always be treated as the final payment reference.
| Category | Official fee | When paid | Practical note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dependant pass for spouse and children of a Kenyan citizen | KES 20,000 | Upon approval / eFNS invoice | Use the invoice generated on eFNS before payment. |
| Dependant pass for spouse and children of work permit and permanent resident holders | KES 10,000 | Upon approval / eFNS invoice | Commonly invoiced after approval, not necessarily at initial submission. |
| East African Community nationals | Gratis | As treated by portal / Immigration | Confirm eligibility and final portal treatment before relying on this line. |
| Professional filing support | Varies | As agreed with consultant / advocate | Covers document review, cover letter, eFNS support, follow-up and renewal guidance. |
Requirements for Dependant Pass Kenya
The official requirements focus on proving three things: the dependant’s identity, the principal applicant’s lawful status, and the legal or factual dependency relationship between them.
Fast checklist: what to prepare first
- Form 28 — completed online, printed and signed.
- Detailed signed cover letter addressed to the Director General / Director of Immigration Services.
- Passport or national ID copies for both the applicant/principal and the dependant.
- Current immigration status for both the principal applicant and dependant.
- Two recent coloured passport-size photos of the dependant.
- Evidence of relationship, such as a certified marriage certificate, birth certificate or other relevant civil document.
- Proof of sufficient and assured income to sustain the principal and the dependant.
- Documentary proof of dependency condition where the case relies on medical condition, disability, age or similar circumstances.
- Valid copy of work permit with at least six months to expiry where the principal is a work permit holder.
- Certified English translations for documents not in English.
Relationship documents
- Spouse: certified marriage certificate and passport/ID documents.
- Child: certified birth certificate showing the parent-child relationship.
- Widow/widower or special family case: death certificate, civil documents and supporting explanation where applicable.
- Other dependency cases: affidavit, medical documents, disability evidence, age-related evidence, school records or financial support evidence depending on the facts.
Financial support documents
- Bank statements for the principal applicant or sponsor.
- Payslips, employment letter or business income proof where relevant.
- Proof of accommodation or residence arrangements where useful.
- Clear explanation of how the dependant will be maintained in Kenya.
Dependant Pass Processing Time and Validity
There is no single guaranteed public processing time for every Dependant Pass application. A practical planning range for clean applications is often 4–12 weeks, but cases can take longer where documents require verification, translations, additional explanations or special dependency evidence.
| Stage | What happens | Timing impact |
|---|---|---|
| Document preparation | Collect civil documents, certify copies, translate documents and prepare cover letter. | Fast if documents are available; slower for foreign marriage/birth certificates. |
| eFNS submission | Complete Form 28, upload documents and submit through eFNS. | Depends on file quality and completeness. |
| Immigration review | Immigration checks eligibility, relationship evidence, principal status and proof of support. | Queries or verification can extend timing. |
| Approval and invoice | After approval, eFNS generates an invoice under the dashboard/payment tab. | Payment and issuance depend on portal instructions and applicant response time. |
| Issuance / printout presentation | Applicant follows eFNS and Immigration instructions, including presenting printouts where required. | Delays occur where printouts, payments or presentation steps are missed. |
Validity: a Dependant Pass is usually tied to the principal applicant’s status. Where the principal’s permit is close to expiry, renew or regularise the principal’s status first because it directly affects the dependant’s case.
Who Qualifies for a Dependant Pass?
A Dependant Pass may be issued to a person whose spouse, parent or guardian is lawfully entitled to enter Kenya. The eFNS information pack lists qualifying principals as Kenya citizens, permit holders, exempted persons and permanent residents.
| Principal applicant | Common dependant examples | Key evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Kenyan citizen | Foreign spouse or child | Kenyan ID/passport, marriage or birth certificate, proof of support. |
| Work permit holder | Spouse or child of the permit holder | Valid work permit with enough remaining validity, passport copies, relationship evidence. |
| Permanent resident | Spouse or child | Permanent residence proof, civil documents, proof of support. |
| Exempted person | Eligible dependant linked to the exempted person | Exemption proof, relationship documents and financial support evidence. |
| Special dependency case | Parent, adult child or other person depending on facts | Medical, disability, age, financial dependency, affidavit and supporting evidence. |
How to Apply for a Dependant Pass on eFNS
The application is filed online through the Government of Kenya Single Sign On and eFNS. Prepare the documents first, then file. This avoids weak uploads and rushed explanations.
- Create or sign in to Government of Kenya Single Sign On.
Use the Government of Kenya Single Sign On account to access eFNS. - Log into eFNS.
Once logged in, select the “Apply now” link. - Open Submit Applications.
Choose the Dependant Pass tab and start the online application. - Complete Form 28.
Fill the form carefully and ensure names, passport numbers, dates and relationship details match the uploaded documents. - Print and sign where required.
The eFNS information pack notes that Form 28 is printed at the end of the application. - Upload all supporting documents.
Upload the signed form, cover letter, passport/ID copies, relationship documents, photographs, proof of support and translations where needed. - Track the dashboard and email notifications.
eFNS sends automatic notifications through email and the online account. - Pay after approval where invoiced.
After approval, an invoice appears under Dashboard then Payments. Follow the official payment instructions. - Present printouts where required.
Application printouts may need to be presented to Immigration headquarters as directed.
Document Packs by Case Type
Organising the application by case type makes the file easier to review and reduces query risk.
| Case type | Documents to emphasise | Common risk |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign spouse of Kenyan citizen | Marriage certificate, Kenyan citizen’s ID/passport, spouse passport, proof of support, cover letter. | Foreign marriage certificates may need certification, translation or explanation. |
| Child of Kenyan citizen or permit holder | Birth certificate, child passport, parent passport/status, proof of support and residence details. | Name mismatch between birth certificate and passports. |
| Spouse/child of work permit holder | Principal’s work permit, passport, relationship documents, income proof and employer/support documents where useful. | Principal permit has less than six months to expiry. |
| Adult dependant or special dependency case | Affidavit, medical proof, disability evidence, school records, financial dependency records and strong cover letter. | Weak evidence of actual dependency. |
Renewal and Compliance Notes
- Start renewal early, ideally before the current pass expires.
- Check the principal applicant’s status first; the dependant’s status usually depends on it.
- Update civil documents, passport pages and financial support evidence where needed.
- Do not assume renewal is automatic; prepare a fresh, clean file.
- Do not work or trade on a Dependant Pass.
- For school-going dependants, confirm whether a pupil’s pass or other school-related immigration document is required.
Common Mistakes That Delay Dependant Pass Applications
| Mistake | Why it causes delay | Better approach |
|---|---|---|
| Uncertified marriage or birth certificates | Immigration may not accept weak relationship evidence. | Use certified copies and translate foreign-language documents properly. |
| Principal permit close to expiry | The dependant’s status is linked to the principal. | Renew or regularise the principal’s status before or alongside the dependant file. |
| Weak proof of support | Immigration must be satisfied the dependant can be sustained. | Provide bank statements, payslips, employment/business proof and a clear support explanation. |
| Name mismatch across documents | Spelling differences can trigger verification or affidavit requests. | Add an explanation letter, affidavit or corrected documents where appropriate. |
| Assuming the dependant can work | A dependant pass is not work authorisation. | Apply for the correct work permit or pass before employment or business activity. |
Official Sources
Immigration requirements and payment workflows can change. Check the official sources and use the eFNS invoice as the final fee reference.
- Directorate of Immigration Services — Dependant’s Pass
- eFNS Information Pack — Application for a Dependant Pass
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Dependant Pass in Kenya?
The official issuance fee is KES 20,000 for a dependant pass for spouse and children of a Kenyan citizen, KES 10,000 for dependants of work permit and permanent resident holders, and gratis for East African Community nationals where applicable.
What are the requirements for a Dependant Pass in Kenya?
The main requirements include Form 28, a signed cover letter, passport or ID copies for both the applicant and dependant, current immigration status, two passport-size photos of the dependant, proof of relationship, proof of sufficient income and documentary proof of dependency where applicable.
How long does a Dependant Pass take in Kenya?
A practical planning range is about 4–12 weeks for clean applications. Cases can take longer where documents are incomplete, foreign civil documents need translation or certification, or Immigration raises a query.
Can a Dependant Pass holder work in Kenya?
No. A Dependant Pass does not allow employment, trade or business activity. The holder must obtain the correct work authorization before working in Kenya.
Can a child study on a Dependant Pass?
The eFNS information pack states that a Dependant Pass does not entitle the holder to receive education or training in Kenya without a valid pupil’s pass. Confirm the correct student or pupil status before school enrolment.
Can a Dependant Pass be renewed?
Yes. Renewal is usually tied to the principal applicant’s immigration status. Start early and ensure the principal’s permit, permanent residence or citizenship evidence is valid and clear.
Can a Dependant Pass holder own shares in a Kenyan company?
Yes, shareholding is separate from employment. However, actively working in, managing or trading through the company may require the appropriate work permit or other immigration authorisation.
How Biz Brokers Kenya Helps
We help principals and families prepare clean, well-organised Dependant Pass applications that reduce avoidable eFNS queries.
Need help with a Dependant Pass in Kenya?
We assist with Form 28, document review, cover letters, eFNS filing support, renewals and special dependency cases.
Call: +254 757 884 710
Email: info@bizbrokerskenya.com
WhatsApp: Chat on WhatsApp
This page is intentionally focused on Dependant Pass Kenya fees, requirements and processing time. Keep the broader Immigration Services page as the category hub and avoid duplicating long dependant pass copy there.