A parent visa lets the parents of a settled adult child join them abroad. It is designed for elderly or dependent parents and usually requires the child to sponsor and support them, with strict eligibility rules.
By Krosz Editorial Team · Reviewed by Krosz Visa Operations · Published 2026-09-15 · Updated 2026-09-15
Purpose
Allowing parents of a settled adult child to join them abroad.
Who is it for?
Parents who meet age, dependency or care requirements, sponsored by a settled child.
Typical application method
Sponsored application with relationship, dependency and funds proof.
Can Krosz help?
Krosz helps you understand the parent 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 parent visa lets a settled adult child sponsor their parent to live in the destination. It is designed for elderly or dependent parents who need care or companionship.
Eligibility is strict: many countries set age thresholds, require proof of dependency, and cap how many parents can be sponsored. Financial support requirements are common.
It differs from a dependent visa (for the family of a work or study visa holder) and from family reunion (broader family joining).
Exemptions depend on your nationality, the destination and your circumstances — always confirm for your exact combination.
Activities
Living with child
Residing with or near the sponsoring child.
Care & support
Receiving care and support from the sponsor.
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 parent visa application.
Relationship evidence
Birth certificate proving the parent-child relationship.
Dependency proof
Evidence of dependency or care needs where required.
Sponsor support
Proof the child can support the parent financially.
Health & character checks
Medical and police clearance where required.
Process
A category-specific application timeline. Steps may differ by destination and your circumstances.
Check eligibility
Confirm the parent meets age or dependency rules.
Prove the relationship
Gather the child's birth certificate showing the parent link.
Show sponsor support
Prove the child can house and support the parent.
Apply & pay
Submit the parent visa application sponsored by the child.
Processing
The authority verifies dependency, relationship and support.
Decision
Receive the visa, often with a path to longer 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 | Parent Visa | Dependent Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor | Settled adult child | Principal work/study visa holder |
| Who | Parents, often elderly | Spouse and children of the principal |
| Basis | Parent-child relationship + dependency | Family tie to the principal's visa |
| Work | Usually not allowed | Varies by route |
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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