Kenyan Dependant Pass

The Kenyan Dependant Pass allows immediate family members of a foreign national residing lawfully in Kenya to join and live with them during their authorised stay.

• The main applicant must hold a valid permit or status in Kenya, such as a work permit, investor permit, retirement permit, or be a citizen or permanent resident.
• Eligible dependants include a legally married spouse (heterosexual only), biological or adopted children, or parents who rely financially on the main applicant.
• Children require a Student Pass once they reach kindergarten age, as a Dependant Pass is only valid for pre-school-age minors.
• The Dependant Pass is issued for the duration of the main applicant’s permit, and can be renewed, provided the main applicant’s status remains valid.
• Applicants aged 18 or older must submit a valid police clearance certificate from their country of origin.
• All applicants must hold a passport with at least six months’ validity at the time of application.

Last updated: 30/09/2025

To apply for a Kenyan Dependant Pass, the following forms and supporting documents must be submitted. All documents must be in English or officially translated into English by a sworn translator:

• A duly filled and signed Form 28 – Dependant Pass (available on the eFNS platform).
• A detailed and signed cover letter from the main applicant, addressed to the Director of Immigration Services, clearly explaining the need for the dependant to reside in Kenya.
• Two recent passport-sized colour photographs of the dependant.
• Copy of a valid passport or national ID (bio-data page) for both the main applicant and the dependant.
• Proof of relationship, such as certified copies of a marriage certificate (for spouses) or birth certificate (for children).
• Copy of the main applicant’s permit or proof of legal status in Kenya.
• Bank statements showing the main applicant’s ability to financially support the dependant.
• Documentary evidence for other dependency grounds where applicable (e.g. disability, medical condition, age).
• Copy of the official checklist (available on the eFNS platform).

Preparation:
The application review process generally takes up to 72 hours. If all documents are complete and in order, the application may proceed to submission via the eFNS platform.

Submission:
When applying for the Kenyan Dependant Pass, applicants should expect a standard processing time of 1 to 3 months from the date of submission. Timelines can vary significantly depending on internal workflows and document review requirements. All applications are submitted electronically through the eFNS portal.

Post:
Once a Dependant Pass is approved, the applicant has 30 days to pay the government fees and finalise the security bond. After payment, the permit enters the issuance phase, which typically takes 1 to 10 working days. Once issued, the pass must be endorsed in the applicant’s passport. The applicant must then apply for re-entry, which takes an additional 1 to 2 weeks to process.

Following endorsement, the applicant is required to apply for an Alien ID. If no delays are encountered, issuance of the Alien ID usually takes 6 to 8 weeks.

There is no processing fee for a Kenyan Dependant Pass.

Permit Approval Fee: 5,050 KES for one year, 10,050 KES for two years
Re-Entry Fee: 5,050 KES for one year, 10,050 KES for two years
Alien ID Fee: 5,050 KES for one year, 10,050 KES for two years

Pass application fees must be paid to the Immigration Office via the eFNS platform.

Security Bond: Approximately 10,000 KES
The bond covers a period of one or two years and can be obtained from licensed Kenyan insurance providers such as Kenya Alliance or Jubilee Insurance.

The following is a step-by-step breakdown of the application process for the Kenyan Dependant Pass. This process applies to eligible family members of individuals who hold valid status in Kenya.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Eligible applicants include married heterosexual spouses, children, and parents who are fully financially dependent on the main applicant.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

• Ensure all documents are properly certified by the relevant authority.
• Documents not in English must be translated and stamped by a sworn translator.
• All forms must be signed, and the signature must match that in the applicant’s passport.

Step 3: Submit Documents on the eFNS Platform

• Once all documents are in order, the application must be submitted via the eFNS platform.
• It takes 5–10 working days for Immigration Officers to acknowledge receipt of the documents.
• Once received, changes cannot be made unless officers specifically reopen the application for amendment.

Step 4: Wait for Processing

• Standard processing time is 1–3 months, but delays can occur.
• If delays are suspected, the applicant must visit Nyayo House in person to follow up. Email communication is typically not effective.

Step 5: Upon Approval

• Once approved, the applicant has 30 days to pay the government fee and arrange the security bond.
• Upload proof of payment to eFNS.
• Submit the following physical documents to the Immigration Office (5th Floor, Issuance Department):
  • Printed approval notice
  • Security bond and payment receipt
  • Passport bio-data page copy
• The issued dependant pass will be uploaded to eFNS within 1–10 working days.

Step 6: Arrival in Kenya and Passport Endorsement

• Travel to Kenya on an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).
• Visit Nyayo House, 17th Floor with your passport and printed dependant pass for endorsement.

Step 7: Re-Entry Application

• Once endorsed, apply for re-entry via eFNS to allow multiple entries/exits.
• Required documents include:
  • Online form and payment proof
  • Passport original and copy
  • Main applicant’s work/residence permit or Kenyan ID (copy)
  • Dependant pass (copy)
  • Entry and exit history

Step 8: Alien ID

• Once the pass is endorsed, apply for an Alien ID on eFNS.
• Pay the fee and schedule biometrics appointment at Nyayo House.
• Processing time is typically 6–8 weeks.

Additional Resources:

• Foreign Nationals Services (eFNS) Portal
• Directorate of Immigration Services (DIS)