Bringing Family Members on the Global Talent Visa in 2025 doesn’t have to feel like navigating a maze of paperwork. The UK global talent dependent visa rules are fairly clear: eligible partners, spouses, and children can join you on your journey, provided you meet a few practical requirements. That usually means proving your income is steady, showing you’ve got enough living space, and meeting the updated eligibility standards.
This guide will walk you through the essentials: who qualifies as a dependant, what income you’ll need to demonstrate, and how the housing standards apply under the UK global talent dependent visa rules in 2025. The aim is to provide a clear outline of what to expect, so you can plan with confidence and meet the requirements without unnecessary confusion.
Government’s latest guidance on Global Talent Dependants
You can bring your partner and children as your dependents under the Global Talent visa, provided they meet the eligibility requirements and apply correctly. This forms the cornerstone of the dependent rules. The guidance sets out the framework for who qualifies and what conditions must be met, ensuring families can join applicants while maintaining clear standards.
Who Can Apply as a Dependant?
The Global Talent route allows:
- Dependent partners, typically spouses, civil partners, or long-term partners.
- Dependent children, usually those under 18 or over 18 but not living independently, though specific criteria may apply.
Applications must be made in line with Global Talent rules, either at the same time as the main applicant or separately.
Income Requirements in 2025
While the Global Talent route itself doesn’t require a fixed salary for the main applicant, the dependants must meet maintenance (financial support) requirements in line with the Codes of Practice on immigration, particularly under Appendix FM and financial guidelines.
Dependants must have access to sufficient funds, after housing costs, to reach a baseline equivalent to the standard support level in the UK welfare system. Clear financial evidence includes 28-day bank statements, payslips, or proof of sponsor support, depending on the route and arrangements.
Housing Space Standards
Although there is no explicit Global Talent housing rule in public guidance for dependants, the maintenance and accommodation test suggests that housing costs must be considered when assessing whether financial support is adequate.
In practice, you’ll need to show that your housing situation is suitable for the household—i.e., enough space for all family members. Accommodation expenses are deducted from your net income when assessing support capability.
Application Process for Dependants
Outside the UK:
- Partners and children apply online using your application number (GWF or UAN).
- Evidence of your relationship (marriage, civil partnership, cohabitation) and identity must be included.
Inside the UK:
- They may apply to extend or switch as a dependant, depending on their current visa.
Children Born in the UK:
- You must apply for their dependant status before they turn 18—even if born in the UK.
What Dependants Can and Can’t Do?
Once granted dependent status under Global Talent:
- They can work, subject to some exceptions like sports-related roles.
- They can study.
- They can travel in and out of the UK during their visa validity.
- After living in the UK for five years, they may be eligible to settle (ILR)—provided continuous residence and other eligibility conditions are met.
They cannot access most public funds or the State Pension.
Settlement Timeline for Dependants
Dependants under Global Talent generally follow these rules:
- After 5 years as dependants, they may qualify for settlement.
- Settlement ease depends on whether the lead Global Talent applicant has settled or become British—even then, dependants may apply under existing permissions if criteria are met.
Quick Reference Table: Dependents Under Global Talent
| Criteria | Details |
| Eligible dependants | Partner and children |
| Financial requirements | Adequate maintenance + housing, net income after costs ≥ UK support level |
| Housing requirement | Reasonable, adequate space; costs considered in financial assessment |
| Application mode | Online (outside UK) or extend/switch (inside UK) |
| Settling timeline | Eligible after 5 years in dependent status |
| Rights | Can work, study, travel; cannot claim public funds |
Final Thoughts!
Bringing family along on your Global Talent journey isn’t just about visas and paperwork—it’s about making a new place feel like home together. Whether that means finding the right space to settle, sharing meals around a new table, or simply knowing you’re all under the same roof, the process is ultimately about connection. As you take your next steps, keep in mind that every form and signature is just part of building that shared future. And as you navigate the journey, don’t forget to follow Global Talent Mag for insights and encouragement along the way.
