A family reunion visa lets family members separated by migration or displacement join a settled relative in their country of residence. It is commonly used by refugees, settled migrants and long-term residents to reunite their family.
By Krosz Editorial Team · Reviewed by Krosz Visa Operations · Updated 2026-09-15
Find requirements by country
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Destination
Passport
Purpose
Reuniting separated family members with a settled relative abroad.
Who it’s for
Close family of a settled resident, often a refugee or long-term resident.
How you apply
Sponsored application with relationship proof and the sponsor's status documents.
How Krosz helps
Krosz helps you understand the family reunion 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.
National (D) visa for family reunion (Familiennachzug) – spouse or child joining a foreign resident
Regroupement familial – long-stay visa (VLS-TS) for family reunification
Residence permit for stay with partner / family member (with MVV provisional residence permit)
Residence permit to move to a spouse, registered partner or cohabiting partner in Sweden
Family reunification residence title (Red-White-Red Card plus / Settlement Permit) for family of third-country nationals
Residency visa for family reunification (reagrupamento familiar) – prior AIMA approval required
Family reunification – residence permit for spouse or cohabiting partner
Figures come from each country's official immigration source, linked on every guide. Always confirm before applying.
Overview
A family reunion visa lets close family members join a relative who is lawfully settled in another country. It is a key route for refugees and long-term residents to bring over a spouse, children or sometimes parents.
It is designed for families separated by migration or displacement. The sponsor must usually hold a recognised protection status or long-term residence and meet support and accommodation requirements.
It differs from a dependent visa (family of a work or study visa holder) and from a spouse visa (specifically for a husband or wife).
Exemptions depend on your nationality, destination and circumstances — always confirm for your exact case.
Activities
Reuniting
Living with the sponsor in the destination.
Work
Most reunion routes allow work; some restrict it initially.
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 family reunion application.
Relationship evidence
Marriage and birth certificates proving family ties.
Sponsor status
Proof of the sponsor's protection status or residence.
Support proof
Evidence the sponsor can house and support the family.
Checks
Health and character checks where required.
Process
Steps may differ by destination and your circumstances.
Confirm sponsor status
Check the sponsor's status allows family reunion.
Prove relationships
Gather marriage and birth certificates.
Show support & accommodation
Prove the sponsor can house and support the family.
Apply & pay
Submit the family reunion application.
Processing
The authority verifies status, relationships and support.
Decision
Receive the visa, often with a path to longer stay.
Need help with your Family Reunion Visa?
Tell us where you're going — a Krosz visa expert will walk you through it.
Comparison
| Point of comparison | Family Reunion Visa | Dependent Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor | Settled resident or protection-status holder | Principal work/study visa holder |
| Who | Close family reuniting after separation | Family joining the principal during the visa |
| Settlement | Often leads toward settlement | Linked to the principal's visa |
| Work | Usually allowed | Varies by route |
Be prepared
Practical
FAQ
About the Family Reunion Visa, answered by Krosz visa experts.
A visa for close family members to join a settled relative — often a refugee or long-term resident — in their country of residence.
Usually a spouse and minor children; some routes include parents or other relatives. Eligible categories vary by country.
Most reunion routes allow work, sometimes with initial restrictions. Check the specific route.
Many reunion routes lead toward settlement over time. It is not automatic.
Reunion is for close family joining a settled resident; a dependent visa follows a principal's work or study visa.
Many countries allow refugees with protection status to reunite close family, often with support and accommodation duties.
Some routes set deadlines after the sponsor's status is granted. Apply promptly.
Relationship proof, the sponsor's status documents, support and accommodation evidence, and background checks.
Share your trip and a Krosz visa expert will explain the family reunion 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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