You can have a life-changing experience when you move to the United Kingdom with your family. If you wish to live, work, or study in the UK with your spouse, children, or dependents, the UK offers a variety of visa options. Sponsorship requirements, eligibility requirements, and documentation requirements vary by visa category.
Including visa options, requirements, and long-term settlement options for moving to the UK with your family in 2025.
1. Gaining a better understanding of UK immigration for families
In the UK, immigration is based on points and focuses on skills, sponsorship, and financial capability. A family visa allows the principal applicant (the primary visa holder) to bring their dependents – usually their partner and children under 18 – with them.
Dependents: what do they mean?
- Spouse or civil partner
- Unmarried partner (at least two years together)
- Younger than 18-year-olds
- Children over 18 may be eligible if they are financially dependent and live on their own
2. Different types of visas are available to families moving to the UK
There are a variety of visa routes you can take to move to the UK with your family. Whether you’re working, studying, joining a partner, or investing, the best option depends on your needs.
Below are the most popular visa categories that allow dependents.
3. The skilled worker visa
Families moving to the UK commonly use the Skilled Worker Visa (formerly Tier 2 General Visa). An offer of a job from a licensed UK employer makes it possible for foreign nationals to settle in the UK.
Eligibility requirements
- A job offer from a UK employer must be approved by the Home Office.
- A job on the eligible occupation list must meet a minimum salary threshold (usually £26,200 or more).
- It is necessary to meet English language and financial requirements.
Bring your family members
- A spouse or partner
- Ages 18 and under
- Dependents over 18 in the UK
Determining dependent requirements
- Proof of relationship (marriage certificate or birth certificate)
- Sufficient funds for financial support
- Applicants who are dependents of skilled workers must apply separately
The benefits
- Dependents can work, study, or start a business in the UK.
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) allows your family to become permanent residents after five years.
4. Health and care worker visas
Healthcare professionals who work in the NHS or for a supplier of the NHS should take this course.
Routes that are family-friendly
- Dependents can accompany you once your visa has been granted.
- There is no Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), so your visa fees are lower.
- Dependents are not prohibited from working or studying.
Eligibility requirements
- Health or social care employment offer that qualifies
- Sponsorship certificate from employer
- Minimum salary (varies by job)
- English proficiency
The permanent residence status of this visa also comes after five years of continuous residence.
5. Visas for global talent
For the Global Talent Visa, applicants must be recognized as leaders or potential leaders in academia, research, the arts, or technology.
The Reasons It Is Suitable For Families
- It is possible for dependents to accompany a main applicant.
- In order to apply for a job in the UK, you only need an endorsement from a government-approved organization in your field.
- It is the right of all family members to work and study.
Family eligibility
- A spouse or partner
- Those under 18 years old
- Financial proof of ability to support dependents and proof of relationship
In just three years, this visa can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain for exceptional applicants.
6. Founders’ and innovators’ visas
Innovator Founder Visas (which replace Start-Up and Innovator Visas) are available to entrepreneurs wanting to start or invest in a UK business.
Key Benefits
- From the beginning, you can bring your family along.
- Work and study can be done freely by dependents.
- Provides for permanent residency after three years if business conditions are met.
Qualifications
- A viable, innovative, and scalable business idea is required.
- An endorsement from an approved UK endorsing body.
- A sufficient amount of money to support yourself and your family.
For skilled entrepreneurs or tech startup founders seeking long-term residency in the UK, this visa is ideal.
7. International Student Visas (for Families of International Students)
There is a possibility of bringing your dependents with you if you intend to study in the UK for a degree-level course under a Student Visa (formerly known as Tier 4 Visa).
Who is allowed to bring their dependents with them
- Students enrolled in a postgraduate course that lasts at least nine months (Master’s or PhD) are eligible to apply.
- Students who are sponsored by a government scholarship or who are participating in a certain research program.
Rights of dependents
- Generally, spouses and partners can work full-time (except if they are professional athletes or doctors in training).
- There is no charge for children to attend public schools in the UK.
Documents required for this process
- Proof of relationship
- There is evidence that financial support has been provided:
- There is a monthly cost of £845 (inside London) for each dependent, and a monthly cost of £1,334 (inside London) for each dependent
- Test for tuberculosis (if applicable)
In particular, the Graduate Route or Skilled Worker Visa is a popular choice for students who plan to transition into work and settle as soon as possible after graduation.
8. Visa for graduates
Upon completing a degree in the UK, an international student can apply for a Graduate Visa that allows them to stay and work for up to two years (three years for PhD holders).
Bringing the family together
Under the Graduate Visa, dependents who were already in the UK during your study period are allowed to remain with you during your study period. After graduation, however, new dependents cannot be added to the account.
As a result of future employment sponsorships, this can be a very effective means of securing permanent residency.
9. Visas for UK families
In the event that a member of your family (spouse, parent, child, or partner) is already settled in the UK or is already a British citizen, you may apply for a Family Visa to join them in the country.
The most common types
- Visa for Spouses and Partners – a visa that is available to spouses and long-term partners of British citizens or residents.
- Visa for parents of children born in Britain – for parents of children born in Britain.
- The child visa is intended for children who wish to join their parents who live in the UK.
Requirements for Eligibility
- Proof of a genuine relationship (for a spouse/partner visa).
- Requirements for minimum income:
- £29,000 annual income (as of 2025).
- Proof of accommodation and maintenance.
- A1 level or higher English language test is required.
Benefits
- The visa is valid for a period of 2.5 years (extendable).
- In 5 years, it will lead to a permanent settlement (ILR).
- It is possible for dependents to work or study freely.
10. Visa for UK ancestry
The UK Ancestry Visa is available to citizens of Commonwealth countries (including Nigeria, Canada, Australia, and others) with a UK-born grandparent, who wish to apply for it.
What Makes It So Attractive
- No matter what profession you choose to pursue, you will be able to work freely.
- It is possible for your spouse and children to come as dependents.
- The visa is valid for 5 years, allowing the holder to become a permanent resident of the country.
Criteria for Qualification
Having the ability to work and support your family without the help of the government.
Proof of ancestral connection (birth certificates) is required.
A Student Visa (formerly known as Tier 4 Visa) allows you to bring your dependents with you to the UK to study for a degree-level course.
Dependents who may accompany their parents
- The program is open to students enrolled in a postgraduate course lasting at least nine months (Master’s or PhD).
- Government scholarship recipients or students participating in a specific research program.
Dependents’ rights
- (Except for professional athletes and doctors in training, spouses and partners are permitted to work full-time).
- Children in the UK attend public schools free of charge.
This process requires the following documents
- Relationship proof
- Several sources of financial support have been provided:
- Each dependent costs £845 per month (inside London) and £1,334 per month (inside London).
- Tuberculosis test (if applicable)
For students who plan to transition into work and settle after graduation, the Graduate Route or Skilled Worker Visa is a popular option.
8. Obtaining a graduate visa
Graduate visas are available to international students who have completed a degree in the UK and wish to stay and work for up to two years (three years for PhD holders).
Family reunions
Dependents who were already in the UK during your study period are allowed to remain with you during your study period. New dependents cannot be added to the account after graduation, however.
The benefits of future employment sponsorships can make this an effective method of obtaining permanent residency.
9. Family visas for UK residents
A Family Visa can be applied for if a member of your family (spouse, parent, child, or partner) is already residing in the UK or is already a British citizen.
Types most common
- Visa for Spouses and Partners – a visa for spouses, civil partners, and long-term partners of British citizens.
- Parental visa for children born in Britain – for parents of children born in Britain.
- A child visa is intended for children who wish to join their British parents.
Eligibility requirements
- Valid proof of a genuine relationship (for a spouse/partner visa).
- Minimum income requirements:
- Income of £29,000 per year (by 2025).
- Accommodation and maintenance proof.
- It is necessary to take an English language test at the A1 level or higher.
The benefits
- There is a validity period of 2.5 years (extendable).
- In five years, the settlement will become permanent (ILR).
- Dependents are allowed to work or study freely.
10. UK ancestry visa
A UK Ancestry Visa is available to Commonwealth citizens (including Nigerians, Canadians, Australians, and others) with a UK-born grandparent.
Why It’s So Attractive
- You will be able to work freely regardless of what profession you choose.
- Dependents can include your spouse and children.
- A five-year visa allows the holder to become a permanent resident.
Qualification Criteria
- Birth certificates are required as proof of ancestral connection.
- Working and supporting your family without government assistance.
11. Visa application process for dependents
Dependent visa applications must be submitted separately, either with the main visa application or afterwards.
Documents required
- Passports must be valid for each member of the family
- A marriage certificate or birth certificate proves a relationship
- Sources of financial support
- Proof of accommodation in the UK
- Results of tuberculosis (TB) tests (if from listed countries)
- The payment of visa application fees and health surcharges
Requirements for processing
- In general, it takes three to eight weeks depending on the type and location of the application
- The availability of priority and super-priority services is common in many countries
12. Financial requirements of dependents
Demonstrate that you can provide a stable financial situation for your family without relying on public assistance.
Maintenance requirements for 2025
- Depending on the type of visa, main applicants must meet salary or savings thresholds.
- Among the dependents are:
- £285 for partner
- £315 for first child
- £200 for each additional child
It depends on the location and duration of the course how much money a student needs to obtain a Student Visa.
13. How much does it cost to move a family to the UK?
Expenses that should be included in your budget are:
- Visa application fees (varies by type and duration)
- IMHS (Immigration Health Surcharge) – £1,035 per person per year (except for health care workers).
- The cost of housing and living in the UK
- Relocation and flight ticket expenses
It is imperative to have a financial plan in place before entry and settlement so that everything runs smoothly.
14. Relocating permanently to the UK (permanent residence)
Under most visa categories, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years of continuous residence in the UK.
ILR-eligible families
- For you and your family to be able to reside legally in the UK, you must maintain continuous residence.
- There is a limit of 180 days abroad per 12-month period.
- The English requirement and the Life in the UK Test must be passed.
A person with ILR can stay in the UK indefinitely and apply for British citizenship after a year.
15. Assisting dependents with education and healthcare
The children of visa holders are entitled to free education in state-funded schools. The Immigration Health Surcharge provides access to NHS healthcare for family members.
Consequently, families seeking education and healthcare stability are well served in the UK.
16. Make sure you don’t make these mistakes
- There is a lack of documentation for dependents.
- Neglecting financial obligations.
- When applying for a visa, choosing the wrong category.
- The process of obtaining a spouse or partner visa without demonstrating a genuine relationship.
- Overstaying a visa is a violation of visa conditions.
It is possible to prevent costly delays and refusals by preparing and seeking professional guidance.
17. Making the relocation process as smooth as possible for your family
- Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application and organize your documents.
- Maintain digital and printed records for all official records.
- Find affordable housing near schools and workplaces.
- Make sure your dependents are covered before accessing the NHS.
- Keep up with changes to the Home Office’s immigration policy.
18. Moving to the UK with family has long-term benefits
- Healthcare provided by the NHS is of the highest quality.
- The public school system offers free education to children.
- There are work opportunities for both partners.
- Diversity, stability, and safety.
- Eligibility for citizenship and permanent residence.
19. A brief overview
Various visa routes are available for moving to the UK with your family, depending on your qualifications and goals. Most popular visas include Skilled Worker, Health and Care, Student, Family, and Innovator Founder visas.
Dependents can work, study, and live freely while establishing a clear path for permanent residency. If your family prepares accurate documents, meets financial requirements, and understands the terms of its chosen visa, you can enjoy a smooth transition to life in the United Kingdom.