5 Countries Where Student Dependent Visas Let You Bring Your Family Along

Choosing to study abroad often means facing the difficult decision of leaving loved ones behind. Fortunately, several popular study destinations understand the importance of family support and offer dependent visa programs that allow spouses and children to join you.

Here are five countries where international students can apply for visas for their dependents, and explain what each program offers.

1. Germany

Germany’s “Spouse Visa” and “Family Reunion Visa” allow married partners and young children to accompany a student holding a German residence permit. To qualify, you must show:

• Proof of Relationship: Marriage certificate for spouses; birth certificates for children.
  
• Adequate Living Space: Your student accommodation or rented flat must meet local size requirements.
  
• Financial Means: Bank statements or scholarship letters demonstrating you can support your family (usually about €870 per person per month).
  
• Health Insurance: Coverage for every family member from day one in Germany.

Once granted, spouses may work full-time without restriction, while children of school age can attend public schools tuition-free. There is no separate study permit needed for minors in primary or secondary education.

2. Australia

Australia’s Subclass 500 Student Visa allows dependents—spouses and children under 18—to join the primary visa holder. Key points include:

• Eligibility: Must be living with you and financially dependent.
  
• Evidence of Support: Show at least AUD 7,362 per year for each family member, plus AUD 3,152 annually for travel costs.
  
• Health Checks: Each dependent must complete a medical examination before arrival.

Your spouse can work up to 40 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during study breaks. Children can enrol in Australian schools, but you’ll pay domestic school fees after the first year of full-time primary or secondary study.

3. Canada

Canada’s Study Permit automatically allows spouses and common-law partners to apply for an Open Work Permit, and dependent children to apply for a Study Permit:

• Relationship Proof: Marriage or partnership documents and birth certificates for children.
  
• Financial Requirement: Show CAD 10,000 plus CAD 4,000 per dependent for living expenses.
  
• Biometrics & Medicals: Required for most applicants.

Spouses with an Open Work Permit have no hourly limit, enabling them to work anywhere in Canada. Children under 18 can attend public schools at no extra tuition cost, while older dependents (18–22) may need a separate Study Permit and could pay international fees.

4. Finland

As an EU member, Finland offers a Residence Permit for Family Ties to dependents of international students who hold a residence permit for studies:

• Documentation: Marriage certificate, proof of cohabitation, and birth certificates.
  
• Financial Proof: A minimum of €560 per month per family member.
  
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage until they join Finland’s national health scheme.

Spouses may work full-time without needing a separate work permit. Children can attend Finnish schools free of charge. Upon graduation, families may qualify for extended permits if the student finds employment.

5. New Zealand

New Zealand’s Student Visa includes the option to add dependents—partners and children under 24, to your application:

• Eligible Relationships: Must be legally married or in a stable de facto relationship (proof of shared finances, joint lease).
  
• Funds Requirement: NZD 22,000 per year for partners, NZD 3,000 per child per year.
  
• Health & Character Checks: Each family member must meet New Zealand’s health and police requirements.

Partners can work full-time if their course is at level 7 or above. Children of school age can study at public schools but may pay domestic fees only after one year if their parents remain on a student visa.