Kenya Dependant Pass Application Guide

Last updated: 10 July 2026 | Service area: Kenya | Application portal: eFNS / Government of Kenya Single Sign-On

A Kenya Dependant Pass allows an eligible foreign spouse, child or other dependant to live in Kenya under the sponsorship of a Kenyan citizen, valid permit holder, permanent resident or exempted person. The application is submitted online through eFNS using Form 28.

How to Apply for a Kenya Dependant Pass – Step-by-Step Process

The application is made through the Government of Kenya Single Sign-On and eFNS portal. Prepare the full document pack first so that the information entered in Form 28 matches the supporting records.

1. Confirm eligibility.
   Confirm that the sponsor is a Kenyan citizen, valid permit holder, permanent resident or exempted person, and that the applicant is a qualifying dependant.
2. Prepare the documents.
   Gather the cover letter, identity records, current immigration status, photographs, relationship documents, income evidence and any special dependency evidence.
3. Sign in to Government Single Sign-On.
   Create or access the correct account and open the eFNS Foreign Nationals Services portal.
4. Select the Dependant Pass application.
   Choose Apply Now, open Submit Applications and select the Dependant Pass option.
5. Complete Form 28.
   Enter the sponsor and dependant details carefully. Check names, passport numbers and dates before proceeding.
6. Upload and submit the supporting documents.
   Use clear, complete and correctly oriented scans. Foreign-language documents should have an acceptable English translation.
7. Monitor the eFNS dashboard.
   Check for status updates and answer any Immigration query promptly.
8. Pay after approval.
   When the application is approved, pay the invoice generated under the eFNS payments section and complete any required presentation or issuance steps.

Cost of a Dependant Pass in Kenya

The government charge is an issuance fee payable after approval. The invoice generated in eFNS should be treated as the final payment instruction.

Dependant Pass Application Duration & Processing Time

Kenya Immigration does not publish one guaranteed processing period for every Dependant Pass application. The review period depends on the completeness of the documents, the sponsor’s lawful status, verification of foreign civil records, special dependency evidence, Immigration workload and the speed of response to any query.

Kenya Dependant Pass Requirements and Eligibility

Who qualifies for a Dependant Pass?

The pass is intended for a person who is genuinely dependent on a qualifying sponsor lawfully entitled to remain in Kenya. Common cases include a foreign spouse or child of a Kenyan citizen, a spouse or child of a permit holder, a dependant of a permanent resident, or a person whose dependency is supported by age, disability, medical condition or another documented circumstance.

Required documents

• Duly completed and signed Form 28.
• Detailed cover letter addressed to the Director General of Immigration Services.
• Valid passport bio-data page and/or national identity document for the sponsor and dependant.
• Evidence of the current immigration status of both sponsor and dependant.
• Two recent coloured passport-size photographs of the dependant.
• Evidence of relationship, such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, adoption order or guardianship record.
• Proof of sufficient and assured income to maintain the dependant.
• A valid work permit with at least six months remaining where the sponsor is a work permit holder.
• An affidavit and supporting medical, disability, age or incapacity evidence where the application relies on special dependency.
• Recognized English translations for documents issued in another language.
• Any additional document requested through the eFNS checklist or during review.

Validity, renewal and sponsor status

The dependant’s immigration position is linked to the sponsor’s qualifying status. A change, expiry or cancellation of the sponsor’s permit, permanent residence or exemption can affect the dependant. Renewal or continuation planning should therefore begin before either status expires.

Work, business and study restrictions

A Dependant Pass is a residence authorization for a dependant; it is not a work permit. It does not authorize employment, business, trade or professional activity. Where the dependant intends to work, the appropriate Kenya work permit should be considered separately. For school or formal training, confirm whether a pupil, student or internship pass is required.

Common application mistakes

• Using a generic cover letter that does not explain the relationship, dependency and sponsor status.
• Uploading unclear, incomplete or uncertified relationship records.
• Failing to translate foreign-language documents into English through a recognized channel.
• Applying when the sponsor’s permit is close to expiry without dealing with renewal.
• Providing weak proof of financial support.
• Ignoring differences in names, dates or passport details.
• Assuming the pass automatically permits work or schooling.

Official sources

Requirements and fees should be checked against the Directorate of Immigration Services and eFNS before filing because portal instructions and government charges may change.

• Directorate of Immigration Services — Dependant’s Pass
• eFNS — Application for a Dependant Pass

Frequently Asked Questions