United Kingdom•Europe

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Dependent Visa

Residency Pathway PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

1 month – 1 year

Varies by processing route

Estimated Cost

GBP £5,854–£9,739

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

34 months

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work OK

Apply Now Official Information

Living in United Kingdom

Cost of Living

2% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary£31,000

Quality of Life

174/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Join a family member who holds a qualifying UK visa or has settled status.

The UK Dependent Visa lets spouses, partners, and children join a family member with valid UK leave or settled status. Dependants gain full work rights without individual sponsorship. Sponsors must earn £29,000/year; applicants need CEFR A1 English, with exemptions for under-18s, over-65s, and certain nationalities.

Leave is granted for 33 months, extendable in 30-month increments, with Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years. The dependent's status is tied to the sponsor's immigration compliance. An Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035/year applies on top of the visa fee.

This visa is ideal for immediate family members of UK workers, global talent holders, or settled residents wanting to live, work, and build long-term residence in the UK.

Curious about life in the United Kingdom?

Discover cost of living, salary benchmarks, tax rates, and quality of life — everything you need to know before you make the move.

Explore Guide

Cost Breakdown

Partner / parent / child (outside UK)GBP £2,064

Partner / parent / child (inside UK)GBP £1,407

Adult dependent relative (outside UK)GBP £3,635

Adult dependent relative (inside UK)GBP £1,407

Adult dependent relative with protection status (outside UK)GBP £452

Super priority serviceGBP £1,000

optional

Healthcare surcharge (per adult)GBP £2,588

TotalGBP £5,854–£9,739

Processing Time

Outside UK (standard)	2–3 months
Inside UK (requirements met)	1–2 months
Inside UK (requirements not met)	9 months – 1 year

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

2.8 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

United Kingdom

Skilled Worker Visa

Validity5 years per grant (renewable indefinitely)

Processing3 weeks

View Visa Details

United Kingdom

Global Talent Visa

Validity5 years

Processing5 days – 2 months

View Visa Details

United Kingdom

Innovator Founder Visa

Validity3 years

Processing2 weeks – 2 months

View Visa Details

United Kingdom

Student Visa

ValidityUp to 5 years

Processing2 weeks – 2 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Sponsoring family member must be settled in the UK or have valid leave to remain

Sponsor minimum income of £29,000/year (applications from April 11, 2024)

Valid passport

English language proof (exemptions: under 18, over 65, medical conditions, certain nationalities)

TB test results where applicable

Relationship evidence (marriage certificate, tenancy agreements, utility bills)

Sponsor cannot hold only a temporary work or student visa

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

29,000 GBP/yr

Min. Savings

16,000 GBP

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

English language test certificate (if applicable)

TB test certificate (if applicable)

Marriage or civil partnership certificate

Tenancy agreements or utility bills proving cohabitation

Certified translations of non-English documents

Sponsor's payslips or financial evidence showing £29,000+ annual income

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Right to live in the UK with sponsoring family member
Work permitted without restriction
Path to Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years
Can bring own dependants

Worth Knowing

High financial threshold: £29,000/year minimum sponsor income
Healthcare surcharge adds £1,940–£5,175 per adult on top of visa fee
Cannot apply if sponsor holds only a temporary work or student visa
English language requirement applies with limited exemptions
TB test required for applicants from certain countries
Exempt from income requirement if sponsor receives DLA, PIP, or Carer's Allowance