Last updated: 26 April 2026 | Service area: Kenya | Application portal: eFNS / Government of Kenya Single Sign-On
A Dependant Pass in Kenya is the immigration authorization issued to a foreign national who is a dependant of a Kenyan citizen, valid permit holder, permanent resident or exempted person. The application is filed online through eFNS using Form 28 and is mainly used for spouses, children and other dependants who need lawful residence in Kenya.
Dependant Pass Kenya Cost, Requirements and Process
Cost: The official issuance fee is KES 20,000 for a spouse or child of a Kenyan citizen, KES 10,000 for a spouse or child of a work permit or permanent residence holder, and gratis for East African Community states. The final amount should always be confirmed from the live eFNS invoice.
Requirements: Prepare Form 28, a detailed cover letter, passport or ID copies for both sponsor and dependant, current immigration status, two coloured passport-size photos of the dependant, proof of relationship, proof of sufficient income and any special dependency evidence.
How to apply: Create or access a Government of Kenya Single Sign-On account, log into eFNS, choose the Dependant Pass tab, complete Form 28, upload documents, submit, monitor the dashboard, pay after approval and present application print-outs if required.
Restriction: A Dependant Pass is not a work permit. It does not authorize employment, trade, business or training in Kenya without the required separate authorization.
On this page
Dependant Pass Cost in Kenya: Official Fees
The official Immigration fee is an issuance fee payable after approval. Use the table below as the page’s main cost answer, but treat the eFNS invoice as the final payment authority because portal charges and government fee presentation can change.
| Applicant category | Official issuance fee | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse and children of a Kenyan citizen | KES 20,000 | Payable after approval when the invoice appears in eFNS. |
| Spouse and children of work permit and permanent residence holders | KES 10,000 | The sponsor’s permit or permanent residence proof should be attached clearly. |
| East African Community states | Gratis | Confirm nationality treatment and the live portal invoice at filing. |
| Professional support, certification, translations, affidavits or courier | Varies | Not an Immigration fee. Budget separately where documents need preparation. |
Who Qualifies for a Dependant Pass in Kenya?
A Dependant Pass may be issued to a person who is dependent on a sponsor lawfully entitled to enter or remain in Kenya. The main qualifying sponsor categories are:
| Sponsor category | Common dependant examples | Evidence to emphasise |
|---|---|---|
| Kenyan citizen | Foreign spouse or child | Kenyan ID/passport, certified marriage or birth certificate, proof of support. |
| Valid permit holder | Spouse or child of Class D, G, K or other permit holder | Valid permit, passport copies, relationship evidence and income proof. |
| Permanent resident | Spouse or child of permanent resident | Permanent residence proof, civil documents and continued support evidence. |
| Exempted person | Eligible dependant linked to exempt status | Exemption proof, relationship evidence and financial support evidence. |
| Special dependency case | Parent, adult dependant or person dependent due to disability, medical condition or age | Medical reports, disability evidence, age or incapacity proof, affidavit and support records. |
Dependant Pass Requirements in Kenya
The Dependant Pass application is filed online through eFNS using Form 28. Prepare the documents before logging into the portal because incomplete, inconsistent or poorly scanned uploads commonly lead to queries and delays.
Official core requirements
- Duly filled and signed Form 28 — Dependant Pass online application form.
- Detailed cover letter addressed to the Director General of Immigration Services.
- Copy of valid national passport bio-data page and/or national identity card for both applicant and dependant.
- Current immigration status for both the applicant/sponsor and the dependant.
- Two recent coloured passport-size photographs of the dependant.
- Evidence of relationship, such as certified marriage certificate, birth certificate, adoption order, guardianship evidence or death certificate where applicable.
- Proof of sufficient and assured income to sustain the sponsor and the dependant.
- Sworn affidavit of incapacity or inability to sustain self where the dependant is relying on special dependency grounds.
- Valid copy of work permit with at least six months to expiry for applicants holding work permits.
- Documentary proof of condition leading to dependency, such as medical condition, disability, age or other relevant circumstance.
- English translations for documents in foreign languages by an embassy, public notary or authorized/recognized institution.
- Copy of the official checklist where requested by eFNS/Immigration.
How to Apply for a Dependant Pass in Kenya on eFNS
The official application is made online through the Government of Kenya Single Sign-On and eFNS. The procedure should be presented clearly because this is one of the strongest search and AI Overview intents for this page.
- Create or sign in to Government of Kenya Single Sign-On.
Use the correct sponsor/applicant account and email address. - Log into eFNS.
Access the Foreign Nationals Services portal using the Single Sign-On account. - Select Apply Now.
Open the application section in the eFNS portal. - Open Submit Applications and select the Dependant Pass tab.
Start the Dependant Pass workflow. - Complete Form 28.
Fill the online form carefully. The form is printed at the end of the application for signing and records. - Upload supporting documents.
Attach the cover letter, passport/ID copies, current status, photos, relationship proof, income proof, translations and special dependency evidence where applicable. - Submit and monitor the dashboard.
eFNS sends automatic notifications by email and through the online account. Respond promptly to any Immigration query. - Pay after approval.
Once approved, the invoice appears under Dashboard > Payments. Pay through the available mode or follow the banker’s cheque instructions where required. - Present application print-outs if required.
Immigration guidance states that application print-outs must be presented to Immigration Headquarters.
Need help preparing a Dependant Pass application?
Business & Immigration East Africa assists with Form 28 review, cover letters, eFNS filing, document checklists, translations/affidavit guidance, Immigration follow-up and renewal planning.
Dependant Pass Kenya Processing Time
Kenya Immigration does not provide one guaranteed processing time for every Dependant Pass file. For planning purposes, straightforward and well-supported applications may take several weeks, while complex files can take longer where foreign documents, translations, affidavits, status issues or special dependency evidence require verification.
| Stage | Planning estimate | What affects timing |
|---|---|---|
| Document preparation | 2–10 working days | Certification, translation, affidavits, foreign document issues and sponsor availability. |
| Online filing | Same day once documents are complete | Portal access, scan quality and complete information. |
| Immigration review | Several weeks to a few months | Queue, document completeness, verification and response to queries. |
| Approval, payment and final issuance | After approval | Invoice generation, payment confirmation and presentation requirements. |
Validity, Renewal and Sponsor Status
A Dependant Pass is usually tied to the sponsor’s lawful status in Kenya. If the sponsor’s permit, permanent residence, exemption or qualifying status expires, changes or is cancelled, the dependant’s status may also be affected. Start renewal planning early, especially where the sponsor is a work permit holder and the permit has less than six months remaining.
- Check the sponsor’s permit, permanent residence or citizen/exempt status documents.
- Confirm the dependant’s passport validity before filing or renewal.
- Keep proof of ongoing relationship and financial support.
- Address school, work, foreign national registration or re-entry requirements separately where applicable.
Can a Dependant Pass Holder Work, Do Business or Study in Kenya?
| Activity | Allowed on Dependant Pass? | Practical advice |
|---|---|---|
| Residence in Kenya as a dependant | Yes, once the pass is issued | Keep the pass and sponsor status valid. |
| Employment or paid work | No | Apply for the correct work authorization before employment. |
| Trade, business or professional activity | No | Seek the relevant permit/pass before engaging in business or professional work. |
| Education or training | Not automatically | Confirm whether a pupil/student pass is required before enrollment. |
Recommended 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 ID/passport, spouse passport, proof of support, cover letter. | Foreign marriage certificates may require 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 | Sponsor’s work permit with sufficient validity, passport, relationship evidence, income proof. | Permit has less than six months to expiry. |
| Adult dependant or special dependency case | Affidavit, medical evidence, disability proof, age-related evidence, financial dependency records. | Weak explanation of why the person cannot sustain themselves. |
Common Mistakes That Delay Dependant Pass Applications
- Submitting a generic cover letter that does not explain the relationship, dependency and sponsor status.
- Uploading uncertified or unreadable marriage, birth, adoption or guardianship documents.
- Failing to translate foreign-language documents into English through a recognized channel.
- Using a sponsor work permit that is close to expiry without addressing renewal.
- Weak proof of sufficient and assured income.
- Name, date of birth or passport number mismatch across the application and supporting documents.
- Assuming the Dependant Pass authorizes work, business or schooling automatically.
Official Sources Used
This guide is based on public guidance from the Directorate of Immigration Services and the eFNS Foreign Nationals Services portal, checked on 26 April 2026. Always confirm the final requirements and invoice inside eFNS before filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it Dependant Pass or Dependent Pass in Kenya?
The official Kenyan immigration spelling is generally Dependant’s Pass. Many users search for Dependent Pass, so both terms refer to the same immigration category in practical search usage.
How much is a Dependant Pass in Kenya?
The official issuance fee is KES 20,000 for spouses and children of Kenyan citizens, KES 10,000 for spouses and children of work permit and permanent residence holders, and gratis for East African Community states. Confirm the eFNS invoice before payment.
What is Form 28?
Form 28 is the official online Dependant Pass application form. It is completed on eFNS and printed at the end of the application.
Can my spouse work in Kenya on a Dependant Pass?
No. A spouse holding a Dependant Pass must obtain the correct work authorization before working, trading, doing business or engaging in a profession in Kenya.
Can a child attend school in Kenya on a Dependant Pass?
Do not assume the Dependant Pass is enough for school or training. Immigration guidance says the pass does not by itself entitle the holder to receive education or training without a valid pupil pass where required.
What if the marriage or birth certificate is foreign?
Use a certified copy. If the document is not in English, arrange a recognized English translation. Depending on the country of issue and file facts, notarisation, authentication or an explanatory affidavit may be useful.