Dependant's Pass & Re-entry Pass
KENYA DEPENDANT'S PASS: COMPLETE GUIDE FOR FAMILIES & EXPATS
A Dependent Pass (DP) in Kenya is a legal immigration document issued to individuals who are financially and legally dependent on someone residing in Kenya under a valid immigration status. This includes spouses, minor children (usually under 21), and in special cases, elderly parents or close relatives. The pass does not grant the right to work or run a business in Kenya — its sole purpose is residence.
Governed under Regulations 27(1) and 28 of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Regulations, 2012, the pass is part of Kenya’s effort to support family unity while maintaining strict immigration control. It allows dependents to lawfully stay in Kenya for the same period the sponsor is permitted to stay.
You’ll often hear “Dependent Pass” and “Dependant Pass” used interchangeably in Kenya. Both terms refer to the same immigration status.
WHY DO YOU NEED A DEPENDANT PASS IN KENYA?
If you’re in Kenya on a long-term permit — say, a work or business permit — and you’re bringing your spouse or children with you, they can’t legally stay in the country without a valid status. That’s where the Dependent Pass comes in. Here’s why it’s essential:
Legal Compliance: Staying in Kenya without a valid immigration status is illegal and could lead to fines, deportation, or blacklisting.
Family Unity: It allows your family to legally live with you in Kenya for the duration of your stay.
Access to Services: Having a dependent pass may help your dependents access essential services like healthcare, education, and sometimes bank accounts.
Security: With a valid status, your dependents are protected from immigration enforcement.
Skipping this crucial step can cause unnecessary complications for your family. Always plan ahead and apply for dependent passes when moving to Kenya with loved ones.
WHO QUALIFIES FOR A DEPENDANT PASS IN KENYA?
The government of Kenya has defined clear categories of who may be considered a dependent. The eligibility extends to:
Spouses: Legally married partners of valid permit holders, Kenyan citizens, or permanent residents.
Children: Biological, adopted, or stepchildren who are under the age of 21.
Elderly Parents or Relatives: In limited cases, parents or close relatives may qualify if they can prove dependency based on financial need, medical reasons, or disability.
Exempt Persons: Dependents of diplomats and certain categories of exempt individuals also qualify.
Remember, each application is evaluated individually. While spouses and children are typically approved with ease, elderly parents or relatives must provide strong documentation of dependency to satisfy immigration requirements.
WHAT ARE THE KEY ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS?
Getting approved for a dependent pass isn’t automatic — certain criteria must be met:
Proof of Relationship
For a spouse: Certified marriage certificate.
For a child: Certified birth certificate.
For parents: Birth certificate of the sponsor and additional proof of relationship.
Dependency
The applicant must demonstrate that the dependent relies on them financially or medically.
For elderly parents, this often means providing medical reports or proof they can’t live alone.
Sponsor’s Valid Status
The sponsor (person in Kenya) must have a valid long-term immigration status (e.g., work permit, permanent residency).
Sufficient Income
The sponsor must show evidence of financial ability to support the dependent — typically via bank statements, salary slips, or employment contracts.
No Intent to Work
Dependents must not intend to take up employment or conduct business unless they apply for a separate work permit.
These conditions ensure that the dependent will not become a public burden or violate Kenya’s immigration rules.
DEPENDANT PASS FOR ELDERLY PARENTS
Bringing elderly parents to Kenya for care is a growing trend – and understandably so. Kenya recognizes humanitarian grounds for such applications, but additional scrutiny applies.
To successfully apply for an elderly parent:
Provide medical documentation (e.g., doctor’s letter, diagnosis) showing the parent needs care.
Submit financial support proof showing that the sponsor can take care of them in Kenya.
Include relationship documentation such as the sponsor’s birth certificate.
An affidavit of dependency may be needed to confirm that the parent has no independent income.
Pro tip: Write a strong, detailed cover letter explaining the need for the parent to join you in Kenya. Immigration officers take these letters seriously, especially when paired with solid evidence.
COMMON TYPES OF SPONSORS FOR DEPENDANT PASSES
Not everyone in Kenya can sponsor dependents — you must hold an eligible immigration status. The main types of sponsors include:
Kenyan Citizens: Can sponsor foreign spouses and children.
Work Permit Holders: Those with valid permits like Class D (Employment), Class G (Investor), etc.
Permanent Residents: Those with long-term settled status in Kenya.
Exempt Persons: Diplomats, UN staff, and certain regional officials.
If your status is temporary (e.g., visitor visa), you cannot sponsor dependents for long-term stay.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR DEPENDANT PASS APPLICATION IN KENYA
A well-prepared application prevents unnecessary delays. Here’s what you’ll need:
Completed Form 28 (Dependant Pass Application)
Cover Letter addressed to the Director General of Immigration
Passport copies (bio-data page + immigration pages) for both sponsor and dependent
Marriage or birth certificate, depending on relationship
Sponsor’s valid immigration permit or residency proof
Current immigration status of the applicant and dependant
Proof of financial ability (bank statements, pay slips) of the applicant
Medical reports or affidavits (for elderly or dependent relatives)
Translations of any non-English documents
For minors: Consent letter if one parent is not applying
- Copy of checklist.
- Colored Copy of passport size photos for both applicant & dependant
Ensure all documents are scanned clearly in PDF format with visible stamps and signatures. Use consistent spellings and names across all documents.
PROCESSING TIME & FEES
Understanding the timeline helps you plan better – especially if you’re coordinating travel, school enrollment for kids, or spousal support in Kenya.
Standard Processing Time: 1 to 6 months
Processing Fees: Dependant Pass for spouse and children of a Kenyan Citizen and Permanent Residents holders: KES 20,000. Dependant Pass for Work Permit holders KES 10,000.
Pro tip:
Submitting a complete and clean application with all documents correctly formatted and uploaded significantly reduces delays. Immigration often pauses applications that have inconsistencies or missing files.
Common factors that can delay processing include:
Name mismatches across passports and certificates
Weak or missing financial support evidence
Scanned documents that are unclear or improperly uploaded
Failure to respond to follow-up queries or clarification requests
Always apply well in advance of any planned travel or relocations to avoid being caught in limbo.
VALIDITY & RENEWAL OF THE DEPENDANT PASS
Dependent passes are usually issued to match the duration of the sponsor’s immigration status. So, if your spouse’s work permit is valid for two years, your dependent pass will likely be valid for the same period.
Here’s what to know about renewals:
Renew When Sponsor Renews: Once your sponsor renews their work or residence permit, you must also apply to renew your dependent pass.
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute: Begin your renewal process at least 60 days before your pass expires to avoid legal issues or a break in your status.
Updated Documents Required: Resubmit updated passport copies, proof of sponsor’s renewed status, and any changes in family or financial status.
No Automatic Renewal: You must reapply and pay the issuance fee again, even for renewals.
If you fail to renew on time, you risk overstaying, which can lead to penalties or refusal of future applications.
DEPENDANT PASS : PROS & CONS
This is one of the most frequently misunderstood parts of the dependent pass. Here’s the short answer:
Work: No, you cannot work in Kenya under a dependent pass. If you want to work, you must apply for a separate work permit suited to your employment category.
Business: Starting or running a business is considered economic activity and is prohibited under a dependent pass.
Study (Children): Yes, children can attend school in Kenya. However, in some cases, especially for international or private schools, you may be asked to provide supporting documents showing your immigration status.
What if you want to switch?
If you’re currently on a dependent pass and find an employer or want to start studying:
Apply for the correct pass or permit (e.g., work permit or student pass)
Do not start working/studying before the appropriate authorization is issu
RE-ENTRY PASS APPLICATION
A Re-Entry Pass is a document issued to a holder of a Dependant Pass who wishes to temporarily travel outside Kenya and return during the validity of their stay.
This pass allows the dependant to leave and re-enter Kenya multiple times without affecting their immigration status.
A Re-Entry Pass is valid for up to two (2) years from the date of issue. It is strongly advisable to apply for the pass before travelling outside Kenya.
With a valid Re-Entry Pass, the holder may re-enter Kenya at any time during the validity period of the pass.
APPLICATION PROCESS & REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must provide the following:
Duly filled and signed Form 16
Copy of the passport biodata page of the principal permit holder
Original and copy of the dependant’s passport
Original and copy of the Dependant Pass
Original and copy of the principal’s Work Permit (if the principal is a resident)
Original and copy of Kenyan passport (if the principal is Kenyan)
Two recent passport-size photos
PROCESSING FEE
Government Fees
KES 10,000
Maximum validity: 2 years
HOW CAN GREENTOD VISA SOLUTIONS HELP WITH MY APPLICATION?
Immigration processes can be complicated, and mistakes often lead to costly delays or even rejections. That’s why working with a trusted immigration services provider like Greentod Visa Solutions can give you peace of mind.
At Greentod Visa Solutions, we offer:
Eligibility assessments tailored to your unique case
Assistance in preparing strong cover letters and affidavits
Guidance through the application process on eCitizen or eFNS portals
Document review and organization to prevent common errors
Optional fast-track application support
Advisory services on permit renewals, status changes, and compliance
Whether you’re applying for your spouse, children, or elderly parent, our team is here to provide strategic visa solutions for global mobility. We help you avoid the pitfalls that delay dependent pass approvals – so you can focus on what matters most: being with your family.
Our Process
1. Consultation – We discuss your goals, timelines, and eligibility.
2. Document Preparation – We prepare and review all documents to meet immigration requirements.
3. Application & Follow-Up – We submit your application and follow up with the relevant authorities.
4. Ongoing Support – We assist with renewals, status changes, and post-approval needs.
Greentod Visa Solutions assists applicants through the entire permit or visa application process – from initial registration and document preparation to submission and post-approval compliance. Our team ensures that your application is accurate, complete, and increases the likelihood of a smooth and timely approval
Disclaimer
Greentod Visas & Travel Solutions is a Kenyan-based visas and Immigration consultancy dedicated to supporting clients through every step of their visa application & Immigration journey. While we work independently and are not affiliated with any embassy, our role is to provide guidance, document support, and application assistance. Visa issuance is solely at the discretion of the relevant embassy or immigration authority, and we do not guarantee approval or denial of any application.
