Republic of Kenya · family
Dependant's Pass
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Pass for a dependant of a Kenyan citizen, a work-permit holder, a permanent resident or an exempted person.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - confirm current timelines on the eFNS portal.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - a fee applies per the official schedule; confirm current amounts on the official Dependant's Pass page.
- Typical duration
- Aligned to the sponsor status; renewable while the relationship and sponsor status continue.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Overview
The Dependant's Pass is issued to a dependant of a Kenyan citizen, a work-permit holder, a permanent resident or an exempted person. The applicant must evidence the family relationship and that the sponsor can support them. Applications are filed online through the Directorate of Immigration Services eFNS portal.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Be a dependant of a Kenyan citizen, work-permit holder, permanent resident or exempted person.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
- ✓Documentary proof of the family relationship.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
- ✓Evidence that the sponsor can support the dependant.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
- ✓A valid passport.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
Common blockers
- !Relationship not documented or outside the qualifying categories.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
- !Sponsor status lapsed or not evidenced.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
- !Insufficient evidence of support.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Marriage or birth certificate proving the relationship.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
- ·Sponsor proof of status (citizenship, permit or permanent residence).Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
- ·Passport bio-data and photographs.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
- ·Evidence of means of support.Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm the sponsor status allows sponsoring the dependant.
Build the evidence pack
Gather relationship and support documents.
Submit through the official channel
File the Dependant's Pass application online through the eFNS portal.
After approval
On approval, the dependant resides in line with the sponsor status and renews as required.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicant + sponsorUse official Dependant's Pass route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Dependant's Pass.
Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya) · verified
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Frequently asked questions
Who can be sponsored on a Kenya Dependant's Pass?+
A dependant of a Kenyan citizen, a work-permit holder, a permanent resident or an exempted person, with proof of the relationship and means of support. Confirm the current rules on the official Directorate of Immigration Services page.
Can a Dependant's Pass holder work?+
A Dependant's Pass is based on the family relationship; taking up employment generally requires the relevant work-permit class. Confirm the current conditions on the official page.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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