Dependent visas allow spouses, partners, and children to accompany primary work visa holders. Family ability to relocate often determines whether employees accept international assignments. Dependent visa rules vary significantly between countries and visa categories.
Eligible Dependents
Dependents typically include spouses and minor children. Some countries recognize unmarried partners or same-sex spouses where others do not. Adult children and parents generally do not qualify. Definition of dependent varies by country and visa type.
Work Rights
Whether dependents can work varies. Some countries grant automatic work authorization. Others require separate work permits. Some prohibit dependent work entirely. Spouse work rights significantly impact assignment acceptance, particularly for dual-career couples.
Application Process
Dependent applications are usually linked to the primary application. They require proof of relationship, may involve interviews, and follow similar processing timelines. Including dependents from the start is easier than adding them later in most systems.