Special pass cost in Nairobi, Kenya
The official Special Pass fee for a non-East African national is USD 200 per month upon approval. East African Community nationals are generally issued on a gratis basis. The payable amount must be confirmed from the final invoice generated in eFNS.
| Fee item | Amount | When paid | Important note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-East African applicant | USD 200 per approved month | After approval | Use the amount shown under Dashboard → Payments in eFNS. |
| East African Community national | Gratis | As directed by Immigration | Confirm the live portal position and final approval instructions. |
| Professional application assistance | Quoted after file review | Before professional work begins | Depends on the sponsor arrangement, number of applicants, urgency, document readiness and query-handling scope. |
Government fee examples
| Approved period | Indicative official fee for a non-East African applicant |
|---|---|
| 1 month | USD 200 |
| 2 months | USD 400 |
| 3 months | USD 600 |
| 6 months | USD 1,200 |
Special pass requirements in Kenya
The application is made through eFNS using Form 32. The sponsor and applicant should prepare a complete, consistent file before submission. The role, assignment dates, requested period and sponsor explanation should match across every document.
Core document checklist
- Form 32, duly completed, signed and stamped by the sponsoring organization.
- Detailed signed cover letter addressed to the Director of Immigration Services, explaining the sponsor, applicant, assignment, location, dates and temporary purpose.
- Two recent passport-size colour photographs.
- Copy of the valid passport bio-data page.
- Current immigration status where the applicant is already in Kenya.
- Registration certificate of the sponsoring organization, such as a certificate of incorporation or equivalent record.
- Assignment, invitation, engagement or contract documents supporting the temporary activity.
- Certified academic and professional certificates relevant to the proposed role.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Copies of previous permits or passes, where applicable.
- Official receipt or acknowledgement where the applicant is waiting for another permit or pass to be processed.
- Clearance from the relevant regulatory body, where the profession or activity is regulated.
- Certified English translations for foreign-language documents.
Sponsor and applicant responsibilities
| Sponsoring or host organization | Foreign applicant |
|---|---|
| Signed and stamped Form 32 | Valid passport bio-data page |
| Detailed sponsor cover letter | Recent passport photographs |
| Certificate of incorporation or registration | Current Kenya immigration status, where applicable |
| Assignment, engagement, invitation or contract documents | CV and certified academic or professional certificates |
| Regulatory or sector clearance where applicable | Previous permits, passes and translated documents where applicable |
How to apply for a special pass in Nairobi, Kenya
The application begins online through Government of Kenya Single Sign On and eFNS. After online submission, follow all portal, printout, presentation, payment and collection instructions issued by Immigration.
- Confirm the correct immigration route.
Assess whether the proposed activity is genuinely temporary and suitable for a Special Pass rather than a work permit, investor permit, internship or research pass, or another authorization. - Confirm the proper sponsor.
Identify the Kenyan host or sponsoring organization connected to the assignment and verify that it can support the application with truthful documentation. - Prepare the complete document file.
Collect the sponsor records, applicant passport records, photographs, status documents, assignment evidence, CV, certificates, translations and regulatory clearance where applicable. - Access the eFNS portal.
Create or sign in to a Government of Kenya Single Sign On account, open eFNS, select Apply Now, choose Submit Applications and select the Special Pass tab. - Complete and print Form 32.
Enter the applicant, sponsor, assignment, address, duration and immigration status accurately. Print the generated form and obtain the required signatures and stamp. - Upload clear supporting documents.
Use readable scans and verify that names, passport numbers, dates, role descriptions and sponsor details are consistent throughout the file. - Submit, track and respond.
Monitor the eFNS dashboard and email notifications. Respond promptly and completely to any Immigration query. - Pay after approval.
Open Dashboard and Payments, pay the generated invoice within the required period and retain proof of payment. - Obtain the Special Pass before starting the activity.
Follow the printout, presentation, collection or endorsement instructions issued by Immigration and keep the holder’s activities within the approved sponsor, scope and period.
Common application mistakes
- Using a sponsor that has no genuine connection to the assignment.
- Submitting a weak cover letter that does not explain the temporary purpose.
- Requesting a period that conflicts with the contract or project dates.
- Uploading an unsigned or unstamped Form 32.
- Failing to show the applicant’s current status where already in Kenya.
- Using inconsistent job titles, passport details or sponsor names.
- Omitting certified qualifications or regulatory clearance where relevant.
- Failing to respond to dashboard queries or pay the invoice in time.
Processing Time, Validity and Compliance
How long processing special pass application may take
The Directorate of Immigration does not publish a guaranteed processing period for every Special Pass application. For practical planning, a complete and straightforward application may take approximately 2–6 weeks. Processing may take longer where documents are incomplete, the sponsor arrangement is unclear, regulatory clearance is required or Immigration raises a query.
How long the Special Pass may be valid
Immigration describes a Special Pass as authorization to enter or remain in Kenya for a period not exceeding six months. The requested and approved period should be supported by the contract, project, assignment or pending-permit circumstances.
Applications linked to a pending work permit
A Special Pass may be relevant where a longer-term permit application is pending, but it does not replace the work permit. The applicant must remain within the Special Pass conditions and the approved temporary period while the separate permit application is considered.
Extensions and status protection
Any extension or further application is subject to Immigration review and discretion. Act before expiry, explain why additional temporary time is needed and provide updated sponsor and assignment records. Do not allow the applicant to continue working or remain without valid authority.
Special Pass or Work Permit?
A Special Pass is intended for a limited, approved temporary purpose. A work permit is the appropriate route for longer-term employment, investment, business or professional activity. The duration alone is not the only consideration; Immigration will also consider the nature of the activity, sponsor, role and supporting records.
| Issue | Special Pass | Work permit |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Defined short-term business, trade, professional activity or temporary assignment. | Longer-term employment, investment, business, consultancy or prescribed professional activity. |
| Duration | Temporary and limited to the period approved by Immigration. | Longer-term, subject to the permit class and approval period. |
| Sponsor or business link | Must match the specific host, activity and assignment. | Depends on the relevant employer, business or permit class. |
| Official fee structure | USD 200 per month for non-East African nationals; EAC nationals generally gratis. | Varies by permit class. |
| Authority to work | Only after the actual pass is obtained and only within its approved scope. | Only after the relevant permit is issued and subject to its conditions. |
Confirm the correct route before filing
Where the applicant will join a Kenyan employer, remain beyond a genuinely temporary project, run a Kenyan business or work in a regulated profession, review the Class D, Class G or other appropriate permit route before relying on a Special Pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Special Pass cost in Kenya?
The official fee for a non-East African national is USD 200 per month upon approval. East African Community nationals are generally issued gratis. Always use the final invoice generated in eFNS.
Do I need a Kenyan sponsor for a Special Pass?
Ordinarily, the application requires a sponsoring or host organization that signs and stamps Form 32, provides a detailed cover letter and supplies its registration documents. The sponsor must have a genuine relationship with the proposed assignment.
Can I apply without a registered Kenyan company?
The application still requires an appropriate sponsor or host arrangement. Where the overseas employer or applicant has no Kenyan entity, the local host, contractual structure and correct immigration route should be reviewed before filing.
Can the applicant be outside Kenya when applying?
The filing strategy depends on the applicant’s circumstances, intended entry date and sponsor arrangement. Where the applicant is already in Kenya, evidence of current lawful immigration status must be included. The applicant should not assume that filing creates authority to enter or work.
When may the applicant legally start working?
The applicant should begin only after obtaining the actual Special Pass. Submission, payment or an approval notification alone is not sufficient authority to undertake the approved activity.
What are the main Special Pass requirements?
The core file includes Form 32, a detailed cover letter, passport photographs, passport bio-data page, current immigration status where applicable, sponsor registration records, assignment evidence, CV, certified qualifications, previous permits or passes where applicable, translations and regulatory clearance where required.
How long does a Special Pass application take?
There is no guaranteed public processing time. A practical planning range for a complete file is approximately 2–6 weeks, although queried, regulated or complex applications may take longer.
Can a Special Pass be extended?
Further temporary authority may be considered depending on the circumstances and Immigration discretion. Any request should be made before expiry with updated justification and supporting records.
Is a Special Pass the same as a work permit?
No. A Special Pass is temporary and tied to an approved sponsor, activity and period. A work permit is a separate longer-term authorization under the relevant permit class.
Official Immigration sources
Requirements, fees and portal procedures can change. Check the live Immigration and eFNS information before submission or payment.
Need Help With a Kenya Special Pass Application?
Biz Brokers Kenya assists with eligibility review, sponsor and applicant checklists, cover letters, Form 32, eFNS filing, application tracking, Immigration queries and work permit transition planning from its Nairobi office.
Call: +254 757 884 710
Email: info@bizbrokerskenya.com
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