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Republic of Kenya Department of Immigration Services

Department of Immigration Services eFNS Foreign Nationals Services
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Passes

Dependant pass

For dependants, such as a spouse or child, of Kenyan citizens, permit holders, exempted persons and permanent residents.

Form 28 Invoice on approval
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Who it is for

A dependant pass is issued to a person whose spouse, parent or guardian is lawfully entitled to enter Kenya (regulation 27(1) of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Regulations, 2012).

Who qualifies

It is issued to dependants of:

  • Kenyan citizens
  • permit holders
  • exempted persons
  • permanent residents

What you need

Have these ready before you apply. Incomplete applications are not accepted.

  • Duly completed and signed Form 28, printed at the end of your online application

  • Detailed, signed cover letter from the applicant, addressed to the Director of Immigration Services

  • Two recent colour passport-size photographs of the dependant

  • Copies of the valid national passport or national ID (bio-data page) of both the applicant and the dependant

  • Evidence of the relationship between the applicant and the dependant: duly certified copies of the marriage, birth or death certificate, as applicable

  • Proof of sufficient and assured income to support yourself and the dependant (not needed if you hold a work permit)

  • English translations of any documents in other languages, by an embassy, a notary public or an authorised or recognised institution

  • Documentary proof of any other condition leading to dependency, such as a medical condition, disability or age

  • For applicants holding a work permit: a valid copy of the permit, held for at least six months before the date of application

Fees

The fee for this application is shown on your invoice before you pay. All fees are paid through eCitizen.

How to apply

  1. Step 1: Sign in with eCitizen

    Use your Government of Kenya eCitizen account. If you do not have one yet, registration is free.

    Create an eCitizen account

  2. Step 2: Complete the application

    Fill in Form 28 online, for yourself or on behalf of someone else, and print it when you finish.

  3. Step 3: Pay once it is approved

    An invoice is raised when your application is approved. Pay it through eCitizen by M-PESA, Airtel Money or card.

  4. Step 4: Present your documents

    Take your printed application and the documents listed above to the immigration office named under “Good to know”.

  5. Step 5: Follow your application

    You receive email and account notifications as your application moves through each stage.

Good to know

  • Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
  • Engaging in any form of business or employment without the requisite permit or pass is an offence.
  • Printed applications must be presented at Immigration headquarters.
  • A dependant pass does not entitle the holder to education or training at any institution in Kenya without a valid student pass (regulation 30(1) of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Regulations, 2012).
  • Knowingly misleading an immigration officer is an offence.
  • Notification of approval is not authority to engage in business, a profession, employment or residence: you must first obtain the dependant pass.
  • It is an offence for a dependant pass holder to engage in any form of trade or employment, whether for gain or not.