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 · Published 2026-09-15 · Updated 2026-09-15
Purpose
Allowing dependants (spouse, children, sometimes parents) to join a resident or principal visa holder.
Who is it for?
Close family members of someone legally resident or on a qualifying visa in the destination.
Typical application method
Application sponsored by the principal resident with relationship and funds proof.
Can Krosz help?
Krosz helps you understand the dependent visa route and prepare documents. We are a private service and not a government authority.
Krosz does not publish fabricated processing times, fees, validity or stay durations. Country-specific figures appear only when pulled from Krosz's verified visa database.
Tell us where you're planning to travel and our team can help you understand the application process.
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, the destination and your circumstances — always confirm for your exact combination.
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 are shown. 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
A category-specific application timeline. 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.
Krosz tool
Tell us where you want to travel and your passport. We'll route you to the right Krosz visa page.
Destinations
Only destinations where Krosz has verified data for this purpose are shown. We never claim every country offers a visa with the same name.
Krosz does not currently process this visa category for specific destinations.
Contact the relevant embassy or authority for the country you plan to visit, or for guidance.
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
General, educational reasons relevant to this category. We never publish invented refusal rates.
Practical
FAQ
Tell us where you're planning to travel and our team can help you understand the application process.
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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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