A family or dependent visa lets the family members of a resident or visa holder join them abroad. It is linked to the principal's status and usually grants a stay matching theirs, with conditions on work and settlement.
By Krosz Editorial Team · Reviewed by Krosz Visa Operations · Updated 2026-09-15
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Destination
Passport
Purpose
Allowing dependants (spouse, children, sometimes parents) to join a resident or principal visa holder.
Who it’s for
Close family members of someone legally resident or on a qualifying visa in the destination.
How you apply
Application sponsored by the principal resident with relationship and funds proof.
How Krosz helps
Krosz helps you understand the dependent visa route and prepare documents. We are a private service and not a government authority.
Destinations
Researched from official immigration sources. Each country has its own detailed guide.
H-4 Dependent Visa (with H-4 Employment Authorization Document for eligible spouses)
Skilled Worker / Health and Care Worker visa – dependant partner and child
Spousal Open Work Permit (family of foreign workers and students) and dependant study/visitor status
Residence visa for family members (sponsored by an expatriate resident)
Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) – Subsequent entrant
National visa for family reunification (spouse/child of EU Blue Card or skilled worker)
Dependant's Pass
Family (dependant) residence visa and dependant iqama
Join Family visa – Stamp 1G for spouses/partners of employment permit holders
Partner of a Worker Work Visa
Figures come from each country's official immigration source, linked on every guide. Always confirm before applying.
Overview
A family or dependent visa lets qualifying family members join a principal who is legally resident or holds a qualifying visa (work, study, investor, etc.) in the destination.
It is linked to the principal's status: it usually lasts as long as the principal's visa and may end if the principal's status ends. Work rights for dependants vary by route.
It differs from a spouse visa (specifically for husbands and wives) and from family reunion (for joining settled relatives), though the categories overlap in some countries.
Exemptions depend on your nationality, destination and circumstances — always confirm for your exact case.
Activities
Living with family
Residing with the principal in the destination.
Limited work
Some dependent visas allow work; many restrict it.
Schooling
Children attending school in the destination.
Travel in & out
Entering and leaving during the stay.
What you normally cannot do
Documents
Only documents relevant to this category. Exact requirements vary by country — confirm for your destination.
Passport
Valid with sufficient validity and blank pages.
Photograph
Recent photo meeting the destination's rules.
Application form
Completed dependent visa application.
Relationship evidence
Marriage and birth certificates proving the family tie.
Principal's visa
Copy of the principal's visa or residence permit.
Funds proof
Evidence the principal can support the dependants.
Accommodation
Proof of suitable accommodation for the family.
Process
Steps may differ by destination and your circumstances.
Confirm the principal's status
Check the principal's visa allows dependants.
Prove relationships
Gather marriage and birth certificates.
Show funds & accommodation
Prove the principal can house and support the family.
Apply & pay
Submit the dependent visa application sponsored by the principal.
Processing
The authority verifies the relationship and the principal's status.
Decision
Receive a visa linked to the principal's stay.
Need help with your Family / Dependent Visa?
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Comparison
| Point of comparison | Family / Dependent Visa | Spouse Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Who | Spouse, children, sometimes parents | Husband or wife (and sometimes partner) |
| Basis | Principal's visa or residence | Marriage to a resident/citizen |
| Stay | Linked to the principal's visa | Often a path to settlement |
| Work rights | Varies by route | Often more generous |
Be prepared
Practical
FAQ
About the Family / Dependent Visa, answered by Krosz visa experts.
A visa for family members to join a principal who is a resident or holds a qualifying visa, linked to the principal's status.
Usually a spouse and minor children; some routes include parents or other relatives. It depends on the country and route.
It varies. Some dependent visas allow work; many restrict it. Check the specific route's work rights.
Usually linked to the principal's visa — it ends if the principal's status ends.
Yes, the principal usually must show they can support the family without public funds.
A dependent visa covers broader family and is tied to the principal's visa; a spouse visa is specifically for a husband or wife and often leads to settlement.
Yes, dependent children generally can attend school in the destination.
The dependent visa usually ends too. You would need an independent basis to stay.
Share your trip and a Krosz visa expert will explain the family / dependent visa process for your destination. No documents or payment needed at this stage.
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Krosz is a private visa & travel assistance service — not a government website, agency or embassy. Visas are granted solely by the relevant government authorities.
Krosz is a private visa assistance platform and is not affiliated with any government or embassy. Visa decisions are made by the relevant authorities. Last reviewed: 2026-09-15.
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