Kenya - Applying For a Spouse/Family Visa

ProcedureEdit

Apply In-Person

Applications can be done in person. The first step is to write a detailed and Signed Cover letter requesting for the dependent visa addressed to the Director of Immigration Services.
Visit the Immigration Offices or Kenya missions abroad to make the application .Here you are required to present the letter to the immigration officer. The immigration officer will provide you with Application for Dependants Pass Form 28 [hhttps://kenyalink.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/form-28-application-for-dependants-pass1.pdf Application for Dependants Pass Form 28] to fill.
You should then proceed to pay the application fees for the dependant visa and acquire proof of payment receipt. A fee of Ksh. 5,000 charged for the dependant pass.
A security bond of KES 100,000 will also be required to be made with your bank or insurance company (to be done once pass is approved). The Security Bond Form The Security Bond Form will be required by your bank/insurance company. Once the bond is issued, the stamped copy/receipt will then be submitted to Immigration along with the application fee.
You should then attach the following documents to the application form before submission.

(i) Detailed and Signed Cover letter from the applicant addressed to the Director of Immigration Services requesting dependant pass.

(ii) Two (2) recent colored passport size photographs of the dependant

(iii) Copy of a valid national passport / National ID (bio-data page) for both the applicant and the Dependant.

(iv) Evidence of the relationship between the applicant and the dependant i.e. duly certified copies of marriage certificate, birth certificate, and death certificate, whichever applicable

(v) Proof of sufficient and assured income to sustain self and the dependant.

(vi) Documentary Proof of any other condition leading to dependency e.g. Medical condition, disability, age among others.

(vii) A valid copy of permit for those applicants holding a work permit (at least six months prior to date of application).

(viii) Deed poll on with particulars of any change of dependant’s name (if applicable)

(ix) Proof of payment receipt.
You should then lodge the completed application to the immigration offices or Kenya mission abroad.
After lodging the application the dependent pass will be ready for collection after review at the immigration office after 5 working days.
You are required to bring proof of identification when collecting the dependent pass
You will be contacted through text and/or email when to collect your ready document.

Once you obtain your spousal Visa you do not need to renew your Visitors Visa once it expires after 6 months.

Apply Online
Step 1 : Make Online Application

Create a log in account within the Government of Kenya Single Sign On portal. eFNS portal
Log in using the account you have created above to access eFNS portal.
Once logged in the eFNS portal, select the Apply now Link.
Click on the "Submit Applications" tab and select the Dependant Pass tab.
Confirm if you have the following required documents;

(i) Detailed and Signed Cover letter from the applicant addressed to the Director of Immigration Services requesting dependant pass.

(ii) Two (2) recent colour passport size photographs of the dependant

(iii) Copy of a valid national passport / National ID (bio-data page) for both the applicant and the Dependant.

(iv) Evidence of the relationship between the applicant and the dependant i.e. duly certified copies of marriage certificate, birth certificate, and death certificate, whichever applicable

(v) Proof of sufficient and assured income to sustain self and the dependant.

(vi) Documentary Proof of any other condition leading to dependency e.g. Medical condition, disability, age among others.

(vii) A valid copy of permit for those applicants holding a work permit (at least six months prior to date of application).

(viii) Deed poll on with particulars of any change of dependant’s name (if applicable)

Verify that you have the required document/pre-requisites and you meet the relevant criteria before you apply. Click on the "Apply Now" button on your right to apply.
Fill in the required information and upload your passport photo picture and police clearance certificate. Click on the ’’continue’’ button to proceed to make payments and print your application.
After your application is approved, an invoice will be generated which you can see by clicking on "Dashboard" then "Payments" Tab. Proceed to make payments using the options given on the site. A fee of Ksh. 5,000 charged for the dependant pass.
- If unable to pay using any of the online modes, print your invoice by clicking on "Dashboard" then "Payments" Tab.
- Present your invoice and Banker's cheque at the Immigration Counter at Nyayo House, Nairobi for payments
You should then print your filled application and present to the immigration department offices or Kenya missions abroad.

Step 2 : Make security bond payment

A security bond of KES 100,000 will also be required to be made with your bank or insurance company (to be done once pass is approved). The Security Bond Form The Security Bond Form will be required by your bank/insurance company. Once the bond is issued, the stamped copy/receipt will then be submitted to Immigration along with the application fee.

Step 3 : Visit immigration offices or Kenya missions abroad to complete application

After printing the application and invoice you are required to visit an immigration office in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu or Kenya missions abroad to submit the application and required documents.
You must present the following documents to the immigration office or Kenyan mission abroad office.

(i) Detailed and Signed Cover letter from the applicant addressed to the Director of Immigration Services requesting dependant pass.

(ii) Two (2) recent colour passport size photographs of the dependant

(iii) Copy of a valid national passport / National ID (bio-data page) for both the applicant and the Dependant.

(iv) Evidence of the relationship between the applicant and the dependant i.e. duly certified copies of marriage certificate, birth certificate, and death certificate, whichever applicable

(v) Proof of sufficient and assured income to sustain self and the dependant.

(vi) Documentary Proof of any other condition leading to dependency e.g. Medical condition, disability, age among others.

(vii) A valid copy of permit for those applicants holding a work permit (at least six months prior to date of application).

(viii) Deed poll on with particulars of any change of dependant’s name (if applicable)

(ix) Police clearance (if requested)

(x) Proof of payment receipt.

(xi) Proof of payment of security bond.
After lodging the application for dependant pass. The application will be ready for collection at the immigration office after 7 to 30 working days.
You shall receive automatic notifications via email and on your online account about the progress of your application.

Required DocumentsEdit

Detailed and Signed Cover letter from the applicant addressed to the Director of Immigration Services
Two (2) recent colored passport size photographs of the dependant
Copy of a valid national passport / National ID (bio-data page) for both the applicant and the Dependant.
Evidence of the relationship between the applicant and the dependant i.e. duly certified copies of marriage certificate, birth certificate, and death certificate, whichever applicable
Proof of sufficient and assured income to sustain self and the dependant.
Documentary Proof of any other condition leading to dependency e.g. Medical condition, disability, age among others.
A valid copy of permit for those applicants holding a work permit (at least six months prior to date of application).
Deed poll on with particulars of any change of dependant’s name.
Proof of payment receipt.
Duly filled Security Bond Form
Duly filled Application for Dependants Pass Form 28
Certified copy of Sworn affidavit of incapacity/ inability to sustain self ( in case of male dependants )

Note : Documents in foreign languages should be translated into English by either the Embassy, Public Notary, or authorized /recognized institution.

Office Locations & ContactsEdit

Department of Immigration Services - Head Office
Nyayo house
Passport Section Ground Floor,
Kenyatta Avenue/ Uhuru Highway
P.O. Box 30191, 00100 Nairobi.
Tel: +254-20-2222022, +254-20-2217544,+254-20-2218833
Email: [email protected]
Website:Ministy of Immigration Contacts

electronic Foreign Nationals Services (eFNS): Link

EligibilityEdit

This Visa is issued to persons who are Dependants of:

Kenya Citizens
Permit holders
Exempted persons
Permanent residents

The dependant should fulfil either of the following conditions.

Be a legally married spouse of opposite sex (Marriage certificate a must).
Be your child below the age of 18 years ( Birth certificates showing your relationship to them required)
Be any other person who absolutely depends on you e.g. parents, brother or sister among others (You must qualify this using documentary evidence such as medical documents etc.)

The dependent must be in possession of a valid passport with blank pages where the Visa will be placed.

FeesEdit

Processing fees Nil
Issuance Fees (Payable upon approval) Ksh. 5,000/=

ValidityEdit

Dependent Passes automatically expire once the Spouse’s entry permit expires. Dependent Passes do not need to be renewed.

Documents to UseEdit

Form 28 Application for Dependants Pass :Application for Dependants Pass Form 28
The Security Bond Form: The Security Bond Form

Sample DocumentsEdit

Please attach sample completed documents that would help other people.

Processing TimeEdit

Processing of a Kenyan spousal Visa takes between 7 to 30 working days.

InstructionsEdit

Write a detailed and Signed Cover letter requesting for the dependent visa addressed to the Director of Immigration Services.
Visit the Immigration Offices or Kenya missions abroad to make the application.
Complete an application for Dependants Pass Form 28.
Pay the application fees for the dependant visa and security bond and acquire proof of payment receipt.
You should then attach the required documents to the application form before submission.
Lodge the completed application to the immigration offices or Kenya mission abroad.
The dependent pass will be ready for collection after review at the immigration office after 7 to 30 working days.
Bring proof of identification when collecting the dependent pass

Notes on application

(i) This application cannot be considered unless all the required particulars are completed in full.

(ii) One form of application is to be completed in respect of each dependant for whom a pass is required.

Those on Dependent Passes must obtain a 2 year re-entry pass (1 year re-entry pass for those whose spouses have a 1 year permit) and must renew this every time the spouse’s entry permit is being renewed.

Required InformationEdit

Applicant’s Particulars

(i) Full name

(ii) Contacts (Postal address, telephone number, email address)

(iii) Nationality (Attach passport/national identification card)

(iv) Immigration status (Attach permit or permanent residence certificate or evidence of exemption)

(v) Relationship to the dependant

(vi) Particulars of other dependants, whether in Kenya or elsewhere, including spouse and children (Full names, Relationship, Age and Country of Residence)

Particulars of Dependant

(i) Full names of dependant

(ii) Contact of dependent (Postal address, physical address, telephone number, email address)

(iii) Sex

(iv) Marital status (Attach proof of marriage)

(v) Date and place of birth (Attach birth certificate)

(vi) Passport Number

(vii) Date and place of issue

(viii) Nationality

(ix) Particulars of any change of dependant’s name (Attach proof)

Need for the DocumentEdit

This document is issued to a person whose spouse, parent or guardian is lawfully entitled to enter Kenya. It gives the holder entitlements of freely entering and residing Kenya

Information which might helpEdit

This document is issued to a person whose spouse, parent or guardian is lawfully entitled to enter Kenya.
All citizens of the East Africa Community(Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi) are exempted from payment of the Dependant pass fee
Dependant's pass does not entitle the holder to receive education or training in any establishment within Kenya, without a valid pupil's pass
Dependant pass is not for the purposes of facilitating/evasion from paying visa fees
Failure to make payment within 30 days from the date of approval will render it null and void
Documents in foreign languages should be translated into English by either the Embassy, Public Notary, or authorized /recognized institution
Although spouses of Kenyans are entitled to a dependent pass on application in the prescribed manner, the Department of Immigration vets all such applications and considers them on case by case and may at any time request for additional documents to support the application. Such application can also be rejected.
Once you obtain your spousal Visa you do not need to renew your Visitors Visa once it expires after 6 months.
A spousal Visa does not guarantee a foreigner to work in Kenya

External LinksEdit

Kenyan passes : Kenyan passes
Who Requires a Visa to enter The Republic of Kenya? : Who Requires a Visa to enter The Republic of Kenya?
Kenyan Embassies & Consulates : Kenyan Embassies & Consulates

OthersEdit

It is an offence for a person to knowingly mislead an Immigration Officer
Any kind of payment made should be done through the provided online module.
NB: The following people SHALL NOT be given a dependent pass in Kenya:

Gay couples.
Un-married partners.
Fiancés/boyfriends or girlfriends.
People who are a security threat to Kenya to mention just but a few.