Eligibility check
We confirm which family members qualify, any income or salary thresholds and the accommodation requirements for the destination.
Immigration Services
Dependent Visa Services to Keep Families Together
A dependent visa allows the spouse, children and sometimes other family members of a visa holder to live with them abroad. mitrGlobally prepares and files dependent visa applications – including attestation of marriage and birth certificates – so families can move together and settle quickly.
- Spouse, child and family visas for most destinations
- Marriage and birth certificate attestation handled
- Filed alongside the main applicant to keep timelines aligned
100% secure & compliant24/7 support150+ countries
- 150+Countries served
- 18+Years of expertise
- 24/7Expert support
- 10,000+Visas delivered
- 100%Secure & compliant
Quick answer
What is a dependent visa?
A dependent visa is a visa or permit that allows the family members of a main visa holder – usually a spouse or partner and children – to live in the same country for the same period. It is linked to the main applicant's work, study or residence status, and typically requires proof of relationship, sufficient income or sponsorship, and accommodation.
- Who qualifiesUsually spouse/partner and children
- Linked toMain applicant's visa or permit
- Key documentsMarriage and birth certificates
- Work rightsVary by country
18+years guiding employers, employees and families across borders
Overview
Dependent Visa Support for Families Moving Abroad
When someone moves abroad for work or study, the hardest part is often being separated from family. Most countries allow spouses and children to join the main visa holder – but the rules on who qualifies, what income is required and which documents must be legalised differ widely, and mistakes can delay a family reunion by months.
mitrGlobally's dependent visa service brings the family into the plan from day one. We confirm which family members can be included, check sponsor income or salary thresholds, arrange attestation or apostille of marriage and birth certificates, and prepare each application so it matches the main visa. Wherever possible, we file family applications together.
Rights of dependants
Dependants' rights vary. In some countries spouses may work freely; in others they need their own work permit. Children may attend public schools in some destinations, while others expect private schooling. We explain these rights before the move so families can plan careers, schooling and finances.
In the UAE, for example, residents can sponsor family members if they meet salary and accommodation requirements set by the authorities, such as the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security. Other countries set their own criteria, which we check for every case.
Once the family arrives, our relocation team can help with school search, registration and settling in.
- Spouse visas
- Child dependant visas
- Parent visas*
- Family residence permits
- Attestation
- Dependant renewals
What we do
Our Dependent Visa Services
Complete support for spouses, children and eligible family members.
Certificate attestation
Marriage and birth certificates are notarised, apostilled or embassy-attested as required, with translations where needed.
Document preparation
Sponsor documents, family documents, photographs and forms are prepared and checked for consistency.
Application filing
Applications are filed together with, or immediately after, the main visa to keep the family's timelines aligned.
Medicals & insurance
Medical tests and health insurance required for dependants are coordinated in advance.
Arrival formalities
Residence permits, ID cards and local registrations for each family member are handled after arrival.
Renewals & changes
Dependant permits are renewed alongside the main visa, and changes such as a new baby are added promptly.
Schooling support
Our relocation team helps families find and enrol children in suitable schools.
Who we help
Who Needs a Dependent Visa?
Families of people living, working or studying abroad.
Spouses and partners
Husbands, wives and, in some countries, unmarried or civil partners of visa holders.
Children
Children joining a parent abroad, including newborns added to an existing family permit.
Families of assignees
Families of employees on international assignments or employment visas.
Employers supporting families
Companies offering family relocation as part of an assignment or hiring package.
How it works
Our Dependent Visa Process
A family-focused process from eligibility to arrival.
Family assessment
We confirm which family members can join, sponsor requirements and the best timing.
Attestation
Marriage and birth certificates are legalised and translated as required.
Documents
Sponsor and family documents are collected and checked against requirements.
Filing
Applications are filed together with or after the main visa, with appointments booked.
Approval & travel
We track decisions and coordinate travel so the family arrives together.
After arrival
Residence permits, ID cards, registrations and school enrolment are completed.
Complete guide
Dependent Visa Guide for Families
What families should know before applying to join a loved one abroad.
Who counts as a dependant?
Most countries accept a legal spouse and children under a certain age – often 18 or 21 – as dependants. Some also accept unmarried or civil partners with proof of a genuine relationship, and a few allow parents in limited circumstances.
Older children, adult relatives and partners without formal documentation are where rules differ most, so checking eligibility early avoids disappointment.
Sponsor income and accommodation
Many countries require the main visa holder to earn above a set threshold and have suitable accommodation for the family. Meeting these conditions – and documenting them clearly – is central to a successful application.
Why attestation matters
Marriage and birth certificates issued in one country often need apostille or embassy attestation to be accepted in another. This step can take weeks, so it should begin as soon as the move is confirmed.
Can dependants work or study?
Work rights for spouses vary widely. Children can usually study, but access to public schools differs. Understanding these rights early helps families plan.
When dependants should travel
Families can sometimes travel together with the main applicant; in other cases dependants follow once the main permit and residence are in place. We plan the timing that works best.
If circumstances change
Births, marriages, divorces or a change in the main applicant's job can affect dependant status. Notify us early so permits can be updated correctly.
Glossary
Dependent Visa Terms Explained
Plain-English definitions of the terms you will meet during the process.
- Main applicant
- The person who holds the primary visa or permit – for work, study or residence – that dependants are linked to.
- Sponsor
- The person or employer who supports the dependant application and meets financial requirements.
- Dependant
- A family member, usually a spouse or child, who is permitted to live abroad based on the main applicant's status.
- Apostille
- A certificate authenticating a public document for use in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.
- Embassy attestation
- Legalisation of a document by the embassy of the destination country, required where apostille is not accepted.
- Salary threshold
- The minimum income a sponsor must earn to bring family members.
- Family residence permit
- A permit allowing family members to live in the country, often issued as an ID card.
- Dependant work rights
- The permission, if any, for a dependant spouse to take up employment.
Checklist
Dependent Visa Documents Checklist
Most dependent visa applications ask for these documents.
- Passports of all family members
- Attested marriage certificate
- Attested birth certificates of children
- Main applicant's visa or permit
- Sponsor's employment contract and salary proof
- Proof of accommodation
- Passport photographs
- Health insurance
- Medical certificates where required
- Consent letter if one parent is not travelling
Compare
Who Can Usually Join on a Dependent Visa?
A general guide. Rules vary by country, so always check specific requirements.
| Family member | Typically eligible? | Common conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse | Yes, in most countries | Attested marriage certificate, sponsor income |
| Unmarried partner | In some countries | Proof of genuine, durable relationship |
| Children under 18 | Yes, in most countries | Birth certificate, parental consent |
| Adult children | Sometimes | Often must be unmarried, dependent or studying |
| Parents | Limited | Higher income thresholds or special categories |
Expert insights
5 Expert Tips for Dependent Visas
Help your family join you faster.
Legalise certificates first
Apostille or embassy attestation is often the slowest step – begin immediately.
Check name consistency
Names should match across passports and certificates; correct discrepancies before filing.
Confirm income thresholds
Ensure the sponsor's salary meets the requirement and is documented clearly.
Plan school timing
Align the family's arrival with school term dates where possible.
Renew together
Keep dependant permits aligned with the main permit to avoid gaps.
Challenges we solve
Family Visa Challenges We Solve
Common issues that delay dependent visa applications.
Slow certificate attestation
How we solve it: We manage notary, apostille and embassy attestation in parallel with other steps.
Income or accommodation gaps
How we solve it: We check requirements early and advise on how to meet them.
Name and date mismatches
How we solve it: We spot inconsistencies and help correct them before filing.
Separate timelines
How we solve it: We file family applications together wherever possible.
Why mitrGlobally
Why Families Trust mitrGlobally With Dependent Visas
Experienced, caring support that keeps families together.
150+countries served
10k+visas delivered
18+years of expertise
24/7expert support
Coverage in 150+ countries
A trusted network of local immigration partners gives us current, on-the-ground knowledge in every major destination.
18+ years of expertise
Our specialists have prepared thousands of applications for corporates, families and individual travellers.
100% secure & compliant
Documents are handled confidentially and every application follows the destination's immigration law.
24/7 support
Questions do not wait for office hours. Reach our team on phone, email or WhatsApp whenever you need us.
Family-first approach
We plan every dependent visa around the family's needs and timelines.
Settling-in support
Schools, banking and registration services after arrival.
About us
About mitrGlobally
mitrGlobally is a global mobility partner that helps organisations, professionals and families move across borders with confidence. From our offices in Bangalore, India and Milton Keynes, United Kingdom, and a trusted partner network covering 150+ countries, we bring global mobility, immigration, travel and relocation services together under one roof – so every international move has one accountable team.
Our Dependent Visa service is part of our immigration practice. It connects directly with our other services, which means fewer hand-offs, fewer delays and a single point of contact from the first enquiry to the final settling-in step.
With 18+ years of expertise, more than 10,000 visas delivered and 24/7 support, we combine specialist knowledge with genuinely personal service. Every case is handled securely, confidentially and in line with the laws of the countries involved.
Every engagement starts with a free consultation to understand your situation and goals. You then receive a clear written plan with realistic timelines, the documents required and transparent costs, followed by regular updates until the work is complete. Applications are submitted only through official government channels. Whether you are an HR leader moving many people each year or a family planning a single move, you get the same careful, accountable service from one team.
- Honest advice. We tell you upfront if a route is unlikely to succeed, or if a simpler option exists.
- Official channels only. Applications go through government portals, embassies and authorised centres.
- Data protection. Your documents are shared only with the authorities and providers involved in your case.
- One accountable team. A single point of contact coordinates every step across countries and services.
- Transparent costs. Service fees are agreed in advance, with government fees shown separately.
- Global MobilityAssignments, policy, employer of record, payroll and workforce moves.
- ImmigrationVisas, work permits, residency, passports and compliance documents.
- TravelFlights, hotels, travel insurance, group travel and pet movement.
- RelocationHome search, banking, registrations, schooling and settling in.
FAQs
Dependent Visa FAQs
Straight answers to the questions our clients ask most. Need something more specific? Our team replies quickly.
Who can apply for a dependent visa?
Usually the legal spouse and children of a main visa holder. Some countries also accept unmarried partners, adult children who remain dependent, or parents in limited cases. We confirm eligibility for your destination before you apply.
Can my spouse work on a dependent visa?
It depends on the country. Some grant spouses full work rights, some allow work with a separate permit and others restrict employment. We explain the rules so your family can plan.
How long does a dependent visa take?
Timelines vary by country and often depend on certificate attestation. Some applications are decided within weeks; others take longer. Filing together with the main applicant usually saves time.
Do marriage and birth certificates need attestation?
In many countries, yes. Certificates may need notarisation, apostille or embassy attestation, plus translation. We manage this process for you.
Is there a minimum salary to sponsor family?
Many countries set minimum income or salary requirements for sponsors. We check the current threshold and the evidence required for your case.
Can I add a newborn baby to my dependent visa?
Yes, in most countries a newborn can be added, but the application must usually be made within a set period after birth. We help you meet the deadline.
Can dependants study abroad?
Children can usually attend school. Spouses may be able to study, depending on local rules.
What happens to dependants if the main visa ends?
Dependant permits usually end when the main visa ends. Families may need to leave or change status, so plan ahead.
Can my parents come on a dependent visa?
Some countries allow parents to be sponsored under specific conditions, often with higher income requirements. Others only allow visitor visas.
Do dependants need health insurance?
Many countries require health insurance for each family member. We advise on suitable cover.
Do you help with schools after arrival?
Yes. Our relocation team helps families find and enrol children in suitable schools.
How much does dependent visa assistance cost?
Costs depend on the destination, number of family members and attestation needs. Contact us for a clear quote.
Can same-sex partners apply as dependants?
Some countries recognise same-sex marriages and partnerships for dependant purposes, while others do not. Recognition depends on the destination's laws and the documents you hold. We review your situation confidentially and explain the options available.
Can dependants travel before the main applicant?
Usually dependants travel with or after the main applicant, because their status depends on the main visa. In some cases, separate visitor visas can be used for short trips, but this does not replace the dependant application.
What if our marriage certificate is in a regional language?
Certificates in regional or non-official languages usually need certified translation, and sometimes a new certificate in an accepted format, before attestation. We guide you through the right sequence.
Free consultation
Bring Your Family With You
Tell us about your family and destination. We will confirm eligibility and handle each dependent visa application.