A dependant’s pass lets a foreign spouse, child or other dependant live in Kenya with someone who has the right to be here - a work permit holder, a permanent resident, an exempted person, or a Kenyan citizen.

Who can get one

The dependant of:

  • A work permit holder - for example a spouse or children coming with someone on a Class D permit.
  • A permanent resident or an exempted person (such as some diplomats and international staff, whose arrangements are often handled separately by their organisation).
  • A Kenyan citizen - a foreign spouse or child.

Fees

  • Dependants of work permit and permanent residence holders: KES 10,000 issuance fee.
  • Dependants of Kenyan citizens: KES 20,000.
  • Citizens of East African Community states: free.

Check the current fees on the Directorate of Immigration Services’ site before paying. Employers often pay for employees’ families.

Documents

Applications are made on the eFNS (Foreign Nationals Services) portal with Form 28. You normally need:

  • A cover letter to the Director General of Immigration.
  • Passports (and ID for Kenyan citizens) of the applicant and the dependant, and both people’s current immigration status.
  • Two passport photos of the dependant.
  • Proof of relationship - a certified marriage certificate for a spouse, birth certificates for children.
  • Proof of income to support the dependant.
  • The principal’s work permit, with at least six months left.
  • An affidavit or evidence of dependency where asked, for example for older children or dependent relatives.

Timing

Apply as soon as the principal permit is approved, or together with it. Plan for several weeks. A dependant’s pass usually runs for the same period as the principal permit and must be renewed with it.

After approval

The pass is endorsed in the passport. Adults then register as foreign nationals and get a foreigner certificate (alien ID), needed for a bank account, SIM cards and more. See eCitizen, KRA PIN and IDs.

Can a dependant work?

No - not on a dependant’s pass alone. A spouse who wants to work needs their own work permit, or permission from Immigration. Volunteering can also need the right status. See Volunteering in Nairobi.

Children

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