Spouse Visa Kenya: The Process, Timeline, and Tips

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Basic Information on Kenya Spouse Visa

The Kenya Spouse Visa (Category D Visa) is a residence permit issued for foreign nationals married to a Kenyan citizen. It is essential that the marriage has been valid for at least 3 years. The visa is issued by the Kenyan Government, but during the visa processing, the applicants must appear before the Permanent Residence Advisory Committee.

It is possible to apply for the permit traditional way in-person or complete the online registration form using the selected electronic device. Both regular visa and e-Visa grant the same privileges.

Eligibility for the Kenya Spouse Visa

If you wish to enter Kenya on the Spouse Visa, you must meet specific requirements. This residence permit is issued for dependants of Kenyan citizens or Kenyan permanent residents.

What is more, the dependant must fulfil one of the following conditions:

be legally married to the opposite sex (requires marriage certificate)
be a child aged below 18 years (requires birth certificate)
be a person dependent on relatives (requires documentary evidence)

Additionally, you must remember that the persons listed below will not be given a Dependant Pass in Kenya, regardless of circumstances:

gay couples
unmarried couples (engaged)
unofficial couples (boyfriend, girlfriend)
travelers considered a threat to the Kenyan society

Application for the Spouse Visa to Kenya

Since the Kenya Spouse Visa application is available both in traditional and digital forms, you may proceed with the registration of your choice.

In-Person Application Process

If you wish to apply for the Kenya Spouse Visa traditionally, follow the instructions below:

write a cover letter requesting the visa addressed to the Director of Immigration Services
visit the Kenyan Immigration Office or Kenyan Embassy to request the visa application
submit the completed visa application form called Dependants Pass Form 28
make the payment for the visa application fee
make a security bond of 100,000 KES with a bank or insurance company
submit the required documents to the visa application form
lodge the completed questionnaire to the Kenyan Immigration Office or Kenyan Embassy
wait for the visa approval

You will be notified via text or e-mail as soon as your visa is authorized. To collect the approved permit, you must bring your identification document. Depending on the number of processed inquiries, waiting time may take up to 30 days.

Online Application Process

Those who would prefer to apply for an entry permit to Kenya from the comfort of their home may proceed with online registration. The process consists of the following steps:

create a personal account on the Government of Kenya website
click the “Submit Applications” button and select the Dependant Pass registration
complete the registration form with relevant information and the required documents
make the payment for the registration fee
print out the completed registration form
make a security bond of 100,000 KES with a bank or insurance company
submit the printed registration form and required documents to the Kenyan authorities (Immigration Officer or Embassy)
wait for the visa approval

You will receive a text or e-mail notification when your visa is approved. While visiting the Kenyan office to collect the permit, remember to bring your identification document. If there are many visa applications, the processing may be prolonged and last up to 30 days.

Requirements for the Kenya Spouse Visa

You cannot proceed with the application procedure for Kenya Spouse Visa if you do not meet all the necessary requirements. Below, you may find a detailed list describing all the documents you should prepare for registration.

Basic Requirements

If you wish to obtain the Kenyan Spouse Visa, you must obtain the following documents:

duly filled Security Bond Form
duly filled Dependants Pass Form 28
2 recent passport-size photos
valid passport of the applicant
valid passport of the spouse
proof of sufficient income
proof of making the fee payment
proof of relationship (marriage certificate)
proof of good conduct (police record)
copy of valid tax compliance certificate
copy of the Dependant Pass issued in Kenya
copy of valid foreigner certificate (alien card)
application letter signed by the spouse
cover letter signed by the applicant
issuance fee of 50,000 KES

Only if all the requirements are met may you apply for the visa. Remember that all the documentation should be issued or translated into English. Other languages are not accepted.

Information Required from Applicant

Every applicant must complete the suitable form for the Kenyan Spouse Visa and answer all the questions relating to their:

name and surname
country of origin
immigration status
relationship to the dependant
contact information (address, telephone number, e-mail address)
additional information (in case of other dependants, including spouse and children)

Information Required from Dependant

During the visa application process, dependants will be asked to provide some personal information in the registration form. The required details concern the following:

name and surname
country of origin
gender
marital status
date and place of birth
contact information (address, telephone number, e-mail address)
passport information (number, place of issue, date of issue, date of expiry)

Visa Processing

The processing time of your visa inquiry may vary significantly, depending on the number of visas waiting to be issued by the authorities of Kenya. However, the waiting time is usually between 7 and 30 working days.

As soon as your visa is approved, you will be notified via text or e-mail. It is recommended that once you have applied for the visa, you should check your inbox regularly.