Uganda Dependant and Student Pass

The Uganda Dependant Pass and Student Pass are issued to foreign nationals who are not entering Uganda for employment but require lawful stay based on family or education status. These passes are issued by the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control and are linked to a qualifying principal applicant or educational institution.

The Dependant Pass applies to spouses and minor children of foreign nationals who hold valid Work Permits or other immigration status in Uganda. The Student Pass applies to foreign nationals enrolled in recognised educational institutions, including primary, secondary, and tertiary education.

These passes do not grant work authorisation. Individuals holding a Dependant Pass or Student Pass who intend to work must apply separately for a Work Permit (Entry Permit).

Last updated: 14/04/2026

Applications for Dependant and Student Passes require documentation confirming the relationship to the principal applicant or proof of enrolment in an educational institution.

Dependant Pass – spouse requirements:

• A valid passport of the dependant
• A recent passport-sized photograph
• A marriage certificate (officially translated into English where required)
• A copy of the principal applicant’s passport
• A copy of the principal applicant’s Work Permit or immigration status
• A cover letter from the principal applicant

Dependant Pass – child requirements:

• A valid passport of the child
• A recent passport-sized photograph
• A birth certificate confirming parentage
• A copy of the principal applicant’s passport and immigration status
• A cover letter from the parent

Student Pass requirements:

• A valid passport
• A recent passport-sized photograph
• An admission letter from the educational institution
• A support letter from the institution
• A valid student identification, where applicable

Additional documentation may be requested depending on the applicant’s circumstances and the institution or relationship involved.

The processing time for Dependant and Student Pass applications is generally shorter than for work permits due to the simplified nature of these applications.

Typical processing timelines:

• Dependant Pass: approximately 5 working days
• Student Pass: approximately 3 working days

Processing times may vary depending on application completeness and whether additional verification is required by the authorities.

The government fees for Dependant and Student Passes are set by the immigration authorities and vary depending on the type of pass.

Dependant Pass fees:

Spouse: approximately USD 350

Child: approximately USD 200

Student Pass fee:

Student Pass: approximately USD 100

All fees are subject to change and should be confirmed at the time of application.

Applications for Dependant and Student Passes are submitted through the official immigration system and are typically linked to a principal applicant or educational institution.

Step 1: Prepare supporting documentation

The applicant gathers all required documents, including proof of relationship or admission to an educational institution.

Step 2: Submit the application

The application is submitted electronically through the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control platform.

Step 3: Await processing

The authorities review the application and may request additional information if required.

Step 4: Receive approval

Once approved, the pass is issued and linked to the applicant’s immigration status in Uganda.

Disclaimer

At IBN Immigration Solutions, an Envoy Global company, we adhere to standards of transparency. As a private immigration firm, we operate in accordance with the laws and regulations governing immigration in Uganda. We are not affiliated with the Government of Uganda. Our clients pay for our expertise in handling applications for both temporary and permanent residency.

While forms required during the process may be obtained free of charge from the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control, we also provide them as part of our service. Individuals who prefer to deal directly with the authorities may visit the official website at www.immigration.go.ug/