Kenya • Immigration Consulting
The Kenya Dependent Pass is issued to the dependants of Kenyan citizens, work permit holders, exempted persons, and permanent residents. Under Kenya's immigration law, a "dependant" is a person who, by reason of age, disability, or any other incapacity, is unable to maintain themselves and relies on another person for their support.
A Dependent Pass is a residence status only, it does not authorise the holder to engage, directly or indirectly, in any income-generating activity in Kenya. A dependent spouse who wishes to work must obtain a separate work permit. Similarly, a Dependent Pass held by a child automatically expires when the child turns 21.
New World Immigration typically processes Dependent Pass applications in conjunction with the primary permit application, ensuring the entire family is authorised before or immediately after the primary applicant commences in Kenya.
The Dependent Pass is for the immediate family members, spouse and dependent children, of a valid Kenya work permit holder, permanent resident, or Kenyan citizen.
We confirm that the primary applicant's work permit or residence status is valid and has sufficient remaining validity to support a Dependent Pass application.
We assist in compiling all required documents, including certified marriage certificate, birth certificates, police clearances, proof of relationship, and passport copies for all parties.
The Dependent Pass application (Form 28) is submitted to the Department of Immigration Services, either concurrently with the primary application or separately thereafter.
Our Kenyan law firm monitors progress and responds to any queries from the Department during processing.
Upon approval, the Dependent Pass is endorsed in the dependent's passport. The validity period mirrors the remaining validity of the primary permit.
Dependent Passes must be renewed each time the primary permit is renewed. We manage this process simultaneously to avoid any gaps in residence authorisation.
Government fees vary depending on the immigration status of the primary permit holder.
Significant savings apply when Dependent Pass applications are processed concurrently with the primary permit application.
Processing times from submission to the Department of Immigration Services.
No. A Dependent Pass is a residence status only and does not confer any right to work or earn income in Kenya. If your spouse wishes to take up employment, they must apply for a separate work permit (such as a Class D or Class G) sponsored by a Kenyan employer or through their own qualifying business activity.
Yes. Dependent children may attend school or university in Kenya. In some cases, the educational institution may require evidence of the Dependent Pass.
A child's Dependent Pass expires automatically when they turn 21, regardless of the remaining validity of the parent's permit. This is a statutory provision under the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act.
For a spouse, a certified copy of the marriage certificate is required. For children, a certified copy of the birth certificate is required. These documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation. Proof of any other condition leading to dependency (e.g. medical condition or disability) is also required where applicable.
The Dependent Pass is linked to your primary permit status. If your permit is cancelled or expires without renewal, your dependants' passes are also affected. NWI provides advance renewal reminders to prevent this situation.
Yes. Dependent pass holders should ensure their re-entry status is in order when travelling outside Kenya to ensure their Dependent Pass remains valid upon return. Our law firm advises on this requirement.
Moving to Kenya as a family should be a seamless experience, and NWI ensures it is.
We process Dependent Pass applications in parallel with the primary permit wherever possible, so your family can settle into Kenya life together from day one.