UK Dependent Visa Documents and Requirements 2026

A UK dependent visa allows the family members of visa holders to join or remain with them in the UK. Dependants can usually live, work, and study here for the same duration as the main applicant. This guide covers who qualifies as a dependant, what documents are required, and how to apply in 2026.

Who counts as a dependant?

For most UK visa routes, the following people can apply as dependants:

• Spouse or civil partner— you must be legally married or in a civil partnership. A cohabiting partner can also qualify in most cases (see “unmarried partner” below).
• Unmarried partner — you must have been living together in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years. Evidence of cohabitation is required.
• Children under 18 — biological children, legally adopted children, and stepchildren can all qualify. Children aged 16 or 17 who are already living independently may not qualify in some cases.

Parents, siblings, and other extended family members generally cannot apply as dependants under the points-based system routes. They would need to apply under a separate route (such as the Adult Dependent Relative route) if applicable.

Which visa routes allow dependants?

Most main work and study routes allow dependants, though the rules differ by route:

Documents required for a UK dependent visa

For all dependant applicants

• Valid passport — must be valid for the duration of the visa being applied for (UKVI recommends at least six months beyond the intended stay).
• Current visa or leave to remain for the main applicant— a copy of the main applicant’s BRP or eVisa confirmation showing they have valid leave on a qualifying route.
• Proof of relationship to the main applicant — see below by relationship type.
• Two passport-size photographs — if attending a biometric appointment outside the UK.
• Tuberculosis test results — if you are applying from outside the UK and your country of residence is on the TB testing list.

For spouse or civil partner dependants

• Marriage or civil partnership certificate (translated into English if not in English)
• Relationship evidence — photographs together over time, correspondence, shared financial records, evidence of cohabitation (joint bank account, joint tenancy, joint utility bills)
• Evidence the relationship is genuine and subsisting — the Home Office may request this even for married couples if there are factors that raise questions about the genuineness of the relationship

For unmarried partner dependants

• Evidence of cohabitation for at least two years — the Home Office requires a continuous cohabiting relationship for two years immediately before the application
• Joint tenancy agreements, utility bills, or bank statements showing the same address for the two-year period
• Statutory declaration from the main applicant and dependant confirming the relationship (some applicants include a letter from a person who knows both parties)

For child dependants

• Birth certificate showing the names of both parents
• If the child is applying without one parent, evidence that the absent parent has consented — a letter of consent signed by the absent parent, or evidence they are deceased, or evidence of sole parental responsibility
• Adoption certificate if the child is adopted — must be a legally recognised adoption in the country where it took place
• If the child is over 16: evidence they are still dependent on the main applicant (in full-time education, or otherwise dependent financially)

Financial requirements for dependants

For Skilled Worker dependants, there is no separate income threshold that applies only to the dependant. The main applicant’s salary must meet the Skilled Worker threshold (£38,700 per year as of April 2026, or the going rate for the role if higher). No additional savings are required just because a dependant is joining.

For Student visa dependants, additional maintenance funds are required. The exact amount depends on where in the UK the applicant is studying and how long they have been in the UK. As of 2026, the amounts are £845 per month (London) or £680 per month (outside London) for the dependant, on top of the main applicant’s own maintenance requirement.

Can dependants work in the UK?

Dependants of Skilled Worker, Global Talent, and HPI visa holders can work without restriction in the UK — they are not tied to a sponsor and can take any job.

Dependants of Student visa holders who are eligible to join (postgraduate students) can also usually work, subject to a weekly hours limit.

Applying from inside or outside the UK

If the main applicant is already in the UK and the dependant is outside the UK, the dependant applies for entry clearance (a visa to travel to the UK) at a UK Visa Application Centre in their country.

If the dependant is already in the UK on a different visa, they can apply to switch to dependent leave in-country, without travelling.

If the main applicant and dependant are both outside the UK, they can apply at the same time, submitting linked applications simultaneously.

Dependent visa fees 2026

The Home Office fee for a dependent visa is the same as the main applicant’s fee per category. For a Skilled Worker dependent, the fee is £827 (up to 3 years) or £1,636 (more than 3 years) as of April 2026. Each dependant pays this fee separately. The Immigration Health Surcharge is also payable per person per year.

Getting the right documents together

Dependent visa applications are refused more often due to missing relationship evidence than for any other reason. VisaVault generates a personalised document checklist for the main applicant’s visa route that covers both the main applicant and their dependants. Start with the Skilled Worker visa checklist or the spouse and partner visa page depending on your route.