A spouse or partner visa lets you join a settled partner — a husband, wife or sometimes a recognised unmarried partner — in their country of residence. It is based on the relationship and the sponsor's ability to support you.
By Krosz Editorial Team · Reviewed by Krosz Visa Operations · Published 2026-09-15 · Updated 2026-09-15
Purpose
Joining a settled spouse or recognised partner in their country of residence.
Who is it for?
Husbands, wives and sometimes unmarried partners of a citizen or resident.
Typical application method
Sponsored application with marriage/relationship proof and sponsor support evidence.
Can Krosz help?
Krosz helps you understand the spouse 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 spouse or partner visa lets you live with a settled partner in their country. The sponsor is usually a citizen or permanent resident; the applicant is the husband, wife or recognised partner.
It is designed for genuine, subsisting relationships. Applications are assessed for relationship authenticity, sponsor eligibility, and financial support capacity.
It differs from a dependent visa (which follows a principal's work or study visa) and from a fiancé visa (which precedes a marriage). Spouse visas often lead to settlement.
Exemptions depend on your nationality, the destination and your circumstances — always confirm for your exact combination.
Activities
Living with spouse
Residing with the sponsor in the destination.
Working
Most spouse visas allow work, sometimes with conditions.
Travel in & out
Entering and leaving during the stay.
Path to settlement
Many spouse visas lead to permanent residence.
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 spouse/partner visa application.
Marriage certificate
Official marriage certificate (or relationship proof for partners).
Relationship evidence
Photos, communication, joint finances showing a genuine relationship.
Sponsor support
Proof the sponsor meets the financial requirement.
Accommodation
Proof of suitable accommodation.
Process
A category-specific application timeline. Steps may differ by destination and your circumstances.
Confirm sponsor eligibility
Check the sponsor meets status and financial requirements.
Prove the relationship
Gather marriage certificate and relationship evidence.
Show financial support
Prove the sponsor meets the income or savings requirement.
Apply & pay
Submit the spouse/partner visa application.
Processing
The authority assesses relationship authenticity and finances.
Decision
Receive the visa, often with a path to settlement later.
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 | Spouse Visa | Dependent Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor | Citizen or permanent resident | Principal work/study visa holder |
| Basis | Marriage or recognised partnership | Family tie to the principal |
| Settlement | Often a clear path to permanent residence | Linked to the principal's visa |
| Work rights | Usually 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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