Kenya is one of Africa’s most desirable destinations for families seeking a vibrant, warm, and opportunistic new home. With its thriving business hubs, world-class international schools, diverse cultural landscape, and breathtaking natural beauty, it offers an unparalleled environment to settle with your spouse, children, and loved ones.

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If you wish to settle your foreign spouse, children and any other dependants in Kenya, they require a Dependant’s Pass to legally reside in the country. In this guide, we explain who qualifies, the requirements, and how professional legal support can help your household settle legally and securely.

1. What is a Dependant’s Pass?

A Dependant’s Pass is issued to a spouse or child, or a person who because of age, disability or any incapacity, or for some other reason, is unable to adequately maintain himself, and is maintained by the applicant.

2. Who can Apply for a Dependant’s Pass?

The following sponsors are eligible to apply for a Dependant’s Pass on behalf of their loved ones:

• Kenyan citizens with foreign spouses and children.
• Foreign permit holders.
• Permanent residents.
• Exempted persons (A foreigner who is allowed to live and work in Kenya without requiring a permit or pass).

3. Benefits of a Dependant’s Pass

• Live in Kenya legally for the duration of the pass.
• Enjoy stability and ease of travel in and out of the country.
• Settle in one of Africa’s most desirable destinations.

4. Who Qualifies for a Dependant’s Pass?

A Dependant’s Pass is issued to dependants of Kenyan citizens, foreign permit holders, permanent residents and exempted persons.

5. Can you work or study in Kenya on a Dependant’s Pass?

A Dependant’s Pass strictly grants residency only and does not authorize the holder to engage in any form of employment, business, or local trade. If a dependant wishes to work, they must independently qualify for and apply for a relevant work permit. If a child wishes to attend school or university, they must apply for a Student’s Pass.

Once a child on a Dependant’s Pass reaches the age of 21, their pass legally expires as they are no longer classified as a minor dependant. If they wish to continue residing in Kenya, they must transition to their own independent permit or pass, such as a student’s pass for higher education or a work permit.

We guide families through this transition seamlessly to ensure your child’s residency remains uninterrupted.

5. Key Requirements and Documentation

The immigration authority requires strict documentary evidence to approve a Dependant’s Pass. As your legal representatives, we help you collate and prepare:

• A detailed cover letter from the applicant addressed to the Director of Immigration Services.
• Copies of the applicant’s and dependant’s valid national passports.
• Evidence of the relationship between the applicant and the dependant eg certified copies of marriage certificate and birth certificate.
• Documentary proof of any condition leading to dependency (if applicable) e.g. medical condition, disability, age.
• Documentary proof of sufficient income to maintain the applicant and the dependant for the duration of their stay in the country eg copies of bank statements.
• Valid copy of a Kenyan permit, if the applicant is a permit holder.
• Security Bond of Kshs. 100,000/- (a refundable financial guarantee required by the government). This is applicable only to dependants of foreign permit holders and permanent residents; dependants of Kenyan citizens are exempt.

6. The Application Process: How We Help

Navigating Kenya’s immigration portals and administrative hurdles can be overwhelming. We handle the entire process for you including:

• Preparation & Portal Submission: We assess your documents, prepare the cover letter, ensure total compliance, and manage the complete online application through the Department of Immigration Services (eFNS) portal.
• Approval Tracking: We actively track your application’s status.
• Security Bond & E-Dependant’s Pass Issuance: Upon approval, we guide you through paying the issuance fees and securing the mandatory security bond before the E-Dependant’s Pass is generated.
• Application for Re-entry Pass: Once the Dependant’s Pass has been approved, we assist you to apply for a Re-entry Pass for your dependant. A Re-entry Pass is required by a dependant for re-entry into the country after traveling. It is valid for the duration of the dependant pass.
• Appointment for Biometrics: We assist you to book an appointment at the immigration office for taking of the dependant’s biometrics and endorsement of the Dependant’s Pass and Re-entry Pass on their passport.
• Application for Registration as a Foreign National: We assist with the process of applying for your dependant’s registration as a foreign national, after which they are issued with a foreigner certificate (Alien Card). * Alien cards are not required for dependants who are below the age of 18 years.

7. What are the Costs?

When budgeting for your dependant’s residency, you should account for government fees and legal representation:

• Government processing fees: Nil. No processing fees are payable.
• Government Issuance fees:
  o Dependant’s Pass for dependants of Kenyan citizens and permanent resident holders: Kshs. 20,000/-.
  o Dependant’s Pass for dependants of permit holders and exempted persons: Kshs. 10,000/-.
• Alien Card Application: Kshs. 5000/- per year.
• Security Bond: Kshs. 100,000/- (often managed through an insurance firm for a lower premium).
• Legal Fees: These are tailored to the complexity of your specific application.

8. Common Mistakes Foreign Applicants Make

Attempting a DIY application without legal guidance significantly increases your risk of costly mistakes. Common pitfalls include:

• Submitting incomplete documentation – Missing key documents such as bank statements causes delays.
• Failing to meet financial requirements – You must clearly prove sufficient income.
• Engaging unqualified brokers – Often results in exorbitant fees and failed deliveries.

9. Why use our immigration lawyers?

We provide end-to-end assistance with your application. We advise on your dependant’s eligibility, prepare the required documents, handle complex cases and follow up for approval. We provide a seamless, stress-free transition so you can focus on building your new life in Kenya with complete peace of mind.

Let us help you and your family settle in Kenya smoothly. Contact us to start your Dependant’s Pass application today.