Introduction:
Planning to move abroad for work or study? Naturally, you’d want your spouse and children to join you. In 2025, most developed countries offer Dependent Visas for family members of the main visa holder (whether it’s a work visa, student visa, or PR).
However, the rules, processing time, and benefits of dependent visas vary from country to country. This blog will give you a clear understanding, so you can plan confidently.
Who Can Apply as a Dependent?
Most countries allow the following family members to apply:
- Spouse (legally married husband or wife)
- Children (usually under 18 or 21 years depending on the country)
Note:
Parents, siblings, or extended family are usually not allowed under dependent visas unless applying under family reunification or visitor categories.
Common Documents Required:
To apply for a dependent visa, you usually need:
- Valid passport of all dependents
- Marriage certificate (must be attested or notarized)
- Birth certificate of children
- Financial proof (bank statements, salary slips, income tax returns)
- Accommodation proof abroad (rental agreement or hotel booking)
- Letter of support or sponsorship from the primary visa holder
- Additional documents may be requested depending on the country, like police clearance or medical tests.
Country-Wise Dependent Visa Rules
Canada:
- Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP): Allows your spouse to work full-time.
- Children: Can attend free public schools (till Grade 12).
- Application is tied to the main visa holder’s status (work/study/PR).
- Medical and police clearance may be required.
- Processing Time: 8–12 weeks
- Language requirement: Not mandatory for dependents.
Australia:
- Dependent visa allows spouse to work full-time if the main applicant holds PR or a subclass 482/186 visa.
- You must show sufficient financial capacity to support your dependents.
- Health insurance is compulsory for all family members.
- For student visa holders, spouse work rights may be limited depending on the course.
- Processing Time: 6–10 weeks
- Language requirement: Usually not needed for spouse/children.
United Kingdom (UK):
- Spouse of a Skilled Worker visa holder can work full-time.
- Children can attend public or private schools.
- You may need to show English language proficiency for the main applicant (not always for dependents).
- Must show maintenance funds and accommodation proof.
- Processing Time: 4–8 weeks
- Visa duration: Linked to the main applicant’s visa.
Germany:
- Spouse and children of Blue Card or PR holders can apply for dependent visas.
- Spouse may need basic German language knowledge (A1 level).
- Children can access free public education.
- Must show stable income and accommodation proof.
- Processing Time: 6–12 weeks
- Tip: Language is important – learn basic German for faster approval.
Singapore:
- If you are working in Singapore on an Employment Pass (EP), your legally married spouse and children (under 21) can apply for a Dependent Pass (DP).
- If you are on an S Pass, you can apply for dependents only if your monthly salary is at least SGD 6,000.
- Spouse on DP is not allowed to work unless they apply separately for a Letter of Consent (LOC) or Work Permit.
- Children can attend international schools or local schools (subject to approval).
- Processing Time: 3–6 weeks
- Important: DP is only valid as long as your main work pass is valid.
UAE & Gulf Countries:
- You can sponsor your wife and children if your monthly salary is above AED 4,000–5,000 (depending on emirate).
- Spouse can apply for a work permit after arriving.
- Children can study in private schools.
- No PR option, but long-term residence is possible with stable job.
- Processing Time: 2–6 weeks
- Tip: Always keep work visa renewed on time to avoid cancellation of dependents’ visas.
Top Tips to Ensure Smooth Dependent Visa Process:
- Apply together if possible – applying as a family can save time and effort.
- Avoid errors in marriage/birth certificates (names should match passports).
- Ensure all documents are properly attested (as per country’s embassy requirements).
- Plan your finances properly – countries want to see that you can support your family.
- Consult an expert to avoid delays or rejections.
Conclusion:
Moving abroad is not just a career decision; it’s a family journey. Whether you’re going to Canada, Australia, UK, Singapore, or UAE – every country has its own rules for bringing dependents.
Don’t take chances with your family’s future. At VA Immigration, we guide you with:
- Country-wise dependent visa rules
- Proper document checklist
- Application filing & follow-up
- Expert legal advice and support
Get in touch with our team and let us help you reunite with your family, without stress or confusion.