Most people who move to the UK to work, study, or start a business also want to bring their family with them. If you’re already living in the UK on a work visa, student visa, or one of the other eligible residence permits, you may be able to apply for a UK Dependent Visa for your partner, children, or other dependents.

What is a UK Dependent Visa?

A UK Dependent Visa allows the eligible family members of a main visa holder to come to the UK. It applies to:

• Spouses or civil partners
• Unmarried partners (must have lived together for at least 2 years)
• Children under 18 (or over 18 if already in the UK as dependents)

Once granted, dependents can:

• Live in the UK
• Work or study (except for Student Visa dependents)
• Access healthcare through the NHS

Who Can Apply for a UK Dependent Visa?

A UK Dependent Visa is available to the family members of the following visa holders:

• Skilled Worker Visa
• Health and Care Worker Visa
• Student Visa (for spouse & children only)
• Innovator or Start-up Visa
• Global Talent Visa
• Investor Visa (Tier 1)

The main applicant (sponsor) must have a sound financial basis and a right to be in the UK.

UK Dependent Visa Requirements

1. Financial Requirements

The main visa holder must show they have enough money to support any dependents:

• For a spouse/partner: £285
• For one child: £315
• For each additional child: £200

(For some types of work visa (for example, Skilled Worker Visas) this is met automatically if the employer pays costs. )
2. Accommodation & Relationship Proof

• Marriage or partnership certificate (for spouses/partners)
• Birth certificate (for children)
• Proof of cohabitation (for unmarried partners)
• UK address & accommodation details

3. English Language Requirement

Only required for partners (not children), in some visa categories.

4. Health Surcharge & Insurance

Dependants will also have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to get access to the NHS.

UK Dependent Visa Application Process

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Dependents must prepare:

• Valid passport
• UK visa application form
• Proof of relationship (marriage/birth certificate, cohabitation proof)
• Financial evidence (bank statements, payslips, employment contract)
• Accommodation proof (rental agreement or property documents)
• Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applicable)

Step 2: Apply Online

You apply online at the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website.

Step 3: Pay Fees

• Visa application fee: £285–£1,500 (varies by visa type & duration)
• IHS fee: £624 per year for adults, £470 per year for children

Step 4: Attend a Biometric Appointment

Dependants will have to go to a UK visa application centre in their country to submit fingerprints & photographs.
Step 5: Wait for Decision

Processing time is usually 3-8 weeks, but you can pay for priority service (5-10 days)

How EU Helpers Can Assist You in the Process

UK Dependent Visa application can be complicated with stringent documentation and financial requirements. EU Helpers offers expert guidance to make the process stress free.

• Personalized Visa Consultation
• Document Verification & Preparation
• Visa Application & Submission Support
• Biometric Appointment & Interview Preparation
• Fast-Track & Priority Processing Support
• Post-Visa Support

Bringing your family to the UK is a big decision, but the dependent visa application process can be complicated. Get expert advice from EU Helpers to make the process smoother and improve your chances of approval.

Need Help with Your UK Dependent Visa?

Contact EU Helpers today to get started on your family reunification in the UK!