Immigration Law · European Union
Bring Your Children and Dependants With You Through the Right Dependant Visa Lawyer
A dependant visa lets children and other eligible family members join the main visa holder in Europe — but age limits, custody rules and the sponsor’s obligations are where applications get complicated. We match you, free of charge, with an immigration lawyer who handles dependant visa cases in your target country every day.
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Who this is for
For parents and principal visa holders bringing children and other dependants to live with them in Europe
A dependant visa lets the children and, in some cases, other eligible relatives of a principal visa holder join them in an EU or EEA country. It is the route that keeps families together when a work, study or residence permit is granted to one person and the rest of the household follows. But the details are exacting: most countries set an upper age limit for dependent children, require proof of the parent-child relationship and — where a child is joining only one parent — evidence of custody or the other parent’s consent. The sponsor usually has to show they can support each dependant, and the route available often depends on what kind of permit the main applicant holds. Getting a dependant’s status right from the start also matters for the school, health and settlement rights they will rely on later.
Why families get stuck
Dependant visa delays usually come down to age, custody and the sponsor’s permit.
Not the child’s identity.
Each country sets its own age limits, consent rules and sponsor obligations — and they rarely match what parents assume.
Age limits that cut children out
Most countries only allow dependent children up to a certain age, with exceptions for those still in education or dependent due to disability. A child who turns the limit during the process can be excluded unless the timing is managed.
Custody and consent complications
When a child joins only one parent, authorities typically require proof of custody or the other parent’s formal consent. Missing this document is a common, hard-to-fix cause of refusal.
The sponsor’s permit type matters
Not every visa allows dependants to join, and some restrict which family members qualify. The route open to your family depends on the exact permit the main applicant holds.
What you get
A dependant visa lawyer who keeps the family file complete
We only match you with immigration lawyers who regularly handle dependent and child visa applications in your target country.
Eligibility checked against the permit
Your lawyer confirms whether your main permit actually allows dependants to join, which family members qualify and whether age or status limits apply to your children, before you commit time and fees.
Custody and consent prepared
Where a child joins only one parent, your lawyer helps you obtain and correctly format the custody order or the other parent’s formal consent, so this common refusal ground is covered well before submission.
Relationship evidence assembled
Birth certificates, sworn translations and legalisations are gathered, checked and ordered so the parent-child relationship is established beyond any doubt, in the format the authority expects to receive.
Rights after arrival secured
School enrolment, healthcare registration and any path toward settlement for your dependants are planned from the start, so your children are covered and documented from their first day rather than sorted out later.
Coverage
Dependant visa lawyers across Europe
Dependant visa rules are set nationally, and age limits, consent requirements and sponsor obligations differ across countries. We match cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
Dependant visas — common questions
Who counts as a dependant for visa purposes?
Typically a dependant is a dependent child, and in some cases a spouse or other relative who relies on the main applicant for support. The exact definition and any age or dependency limits vary by country and by the type of permit the main applicant holds.
Is there an age limit for dependent children?
Most countries set an upper age limit, commonly around 18, with exceptions for children who remain in full-time education or are dependent due to disability. A lawyer can confirm the exact limit and any exceptions that apply in your case.
Do I need the other parent’s consent for my child?
When a child joins only one parent, most countries require proof of custody or the other parent’s formal consent. The required format varies, and obtaining it early is important because a missing consent document is a common reason for refusal.
Does every visa allow dependants to join?
No. Some permit types allow dependants, others do not, and some restrict which family members qualify or impose additional conditions. Your lawyer can confirm what your specific permit allows before you begin.
What does the sponsor need to show for a dependant?
The main applicant usually has to demonstrate that they can support each dependant financially and provide adequate housing. The income and accommodation requirements vary by country and by how many dependants are joining.
Can my dependants work or study after they arrive?
In most European countries, dependants have the right to attend school, and older dependants may be allowed to work once a certain age or status is reached. The exact rights vary by country, so it is worth confirming what applies to your family.
Free case review
Get your dependants’ status right before you travel
Tell us about your permit and the family members joining you, and we’ll connect you with an immigration lawyer who handles dependant visa cases in your target country — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.