Dependent
A dependent is a relative of the main applicant who can be included in the application because they rely on the applicant financially or otherwise.
In investment migration programs, the concept of a dependent defines who the main applicant may include in the application in addition to themselves. This usually covers a spouse and minor children, and in many programs also adult children who are students, parents, and other relatives who are financially supported.
For a relative to be recognized as a dependent, it is often necessary to confirm the nature of the dependence — for example, financial support, living together, or the absence of their own income. An age limit may apply to children, and parents may be required to be in the applicant's care.
The categories of dependents and the conditions for including them differ substantially between programs. The exact list of those who can be registered as a dependent and the supporting documents required are set by each country and program separately.
| What it is | A family member included in the investor's application |
| Who it concerns | Families obtaining status together |
| Who usually qualifies | Spouse, children, sometimes dependent parents |
| Not to be confused with | A co-applicant filing a separate application |
| Role in investment migration | Receives status together with the main applicant |
How it works in practice
- The main applicant lists dependent family members at the application-preparation stage — the agent checks who qualifies under the specific program's rules.
- A separate document package is collected for each dependent: identity documents, birth or marriage certificates, proof of dependency.
- Adult dependents generally undergo due diligence on a par with the main applicant.
- Government fees and the required scale of participation usually depend on family composition, so the list of dependents affects the budget.
- After approval, dependents receive their status documents together with the main applicant or shortly after.
Common pitfalls
- ! Children's age is assessed under the program's rules: a child who qualified at filing may «age out» of the category by the time of decision — clarify this in advance.
- ! Adding a relative after approval is not possible everywhere and usually costs more than including them in the original application.
- ! Issues with one dependent during due diligence can delay or jeopardize the entire family application.
- ! Dependency of parents and adult children must be proven with documents — verbal assurances are not enough.
“Dependency is a status you can lose mid-process: a child who starts working or marries may stop qualifying. Everyone on the file is screened in their own right, so decide who is on it at the very start.”
Susana Ablyamitova — LawyerFAQ
Who can be considered a dependent family member?
Usually a spouse and minor children, and, depending on the program, adult children who are students, parents, and other supported relatives.
Is it necessary to prove a relative's dependence?
Often yes: proof of financial support, living together, or the absence of their own income may be required, and requirements vary by program.
Can a spouse or child be added after the status is granted?
Many programs allow adding new family members later — for example, a spouse after marriage or a newborn child. The conditions and fees differ from the original filing and depend on the program.
Do dependent family members undergo due diligence?
Yes, as a rule all adult dependents go through the same checks as the main applicant. For minor children the check is usually limited to documents.
What happens when a dependent child becomes an adult?
If citizenship has already been granted, it remains. Residence statuses work differently: a grown-up child may need their own basis for renewal — the rules depend on the country.
Does the number of dependents affect the cost of participation?
Usually yes: government fees, contributions and due diligence costs grow with family size. The exact calculation is set by each program separately.