Family Reunification Visas allow professionals, entrepreneurs, and families to relocate to a new country through dedicated immigration programmes. In 2026, 46 countries offer at least one family reunification visa pathway in our database, each with different income thresholds, processing timelines, and paths to permanent residency.
This page compares every family reunification visa programme we track, sorted by difficulty score (1 = easiest, 10 = hardest). Use the table below to quickly identify which countries match your budget, timeline, and long-term goals. Click any country name to see its full immigration profile.
Country Comparison Table
| # | Country | Programme | Income Req. | Processing | Difficulty | PR Path | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | Spousal Visa (with work rights) | — | 28–84 days | 3/10 | 5 yr | Yes |
| 2 | Turkey | Family Residence Permit | — | 30–60 days | 3.5/10 | 8 yr | Yes |
| 3 | Portugal | D6 Visa - Family Reunification | €920/mo | 60–120 days | 4/10 | 5 yr | Yes |
| 4 | Australia | Parent Visa (Subclass 143) | — | 120–210 days | 4/10 | 4 yr | Yes |
| 5 | Canada | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | — | 180–540 days | 4/10 | 3 yr | Yes |
| 6 | Denmark | Family Reunification with Spouse | — | 40–70 days | 4/10 | 6 yr | Yes |
| 7 | France | Family Reunification Visa | €32,830/mo | 60–105 days | 4/10 | 5 yr | Yes |
| 8 | Germany | Family Reunion Visa (Spouse) | €24,600/mo | 120–210 days | 4/10 | 5 yr | Yes |
| 9 | Ireland | Join Family / De Facto Partnership Visa | — | 120–210 days | 4/10 | 3 yr | Yes |
| 10 | Netherlands | Family Reunification - Minor Children | €27,533/mo | 60–105 days | 4/10 | No PR path | Yes |
| 11 | New Zealand | Partnership-Based Resident Visa | — | 60–105 days | 4/10 | 5 yr | Yes |
| 12 | Norway | Family Reunion - Child | €34,709/mo | 60–105 days | 4/10 | 7 yr | Yes |
| 13 | Singapore | Dependant's Pass | €2,200/mo | 30–60 days | 4/10 | No PR path | Yes |
| 14 | South Korea | F-6 Marriage Migrant Visa | — | 60–180 days | 4/10 | 3 yr | Yes |
| 15 | Spain | Family Reunification Visa | €7,200/mo | 30–60 days | 4/10 | 10 yr | Yes |
| 16 | Sweden | Family Reunion - Children | — | 120–210 days | 4/10 | No PR path | Yes |
| 17 | Switzerland | Family Reunification - Children | — | 40–70 days | 4/10 | 10 yr | Yes |
| 18 | United States | CR-1/IR-1 Spouse of US Citizen | €24,322/mo | 120–210 days | 4/10 | 5 yr | Yes |
| 19 | United Arab Emirates | Family Sponsorship Visa | €1,012/mo | 10–30 days | 4.0/10 | No PR path | Yes |
| 20 | Argentina | Family Reunification | — | 120–360 days | 4.0/10 | 2 yr | Yes |
| 21 | Israel | A-1 Temporary Resident Visa (Law of Return) | — | 42–84 days | 4.0/10 | 3 yr | Yes |
| 22 | Luxembourg | Family Reunification | €2,500/mo | 30–90 days | 4/10 | 5 yr | Yes |
| 23 | Jamaica | Marriage Exemption Certificate | — | 14–28 days | 4.0/10 | 3 yr | Yes |
| 24 | India | Entry (X) Visa (Family) | — | 14–28 days | 4/10 | — | Yes |
| 25 | Guatemala | Family Reunification Visa | — | 45–90 days | 4.0/10 | 2 yr | Yes |
| 26 | Malaysia | Dependent Pass | — | 7–14 days | 4.2/10 | 5 yr | Yes |
| 27 | Czech Republic | Family Reunification | €1,900/mo | 60–90 days | 4.5/10 | 5 yr | Yes |
| 28 | Zimbabwe | Spouse Residence Permit | — | 28–56 days | 4.5/10 | 5 yr | Yes |
| 29 | United Kingdom | Ancestry Visa | — | 15–56 days | 4.5/10 | 5 yr | Yes |
| 30 | Austria | Family Reunion - Spouse/Partner of Austrian Citizen | €15,288/mo | 30–60 days | 5/10 | 5 yr | Yes |
| 31 | Bahrain | Family Residence Visa (Dependent Visa) | — | 3–7 days | 5.0/10 | — | Yes |
| 32 | China | Q1 Visa - Long-Term Family Reunion | — | 7–28 days | 5.0/10 | — | Yes |
| 33 | Fiji | Exemption Status - Child of Fiji Citizen | — | 20–30 days | 5.0/10 | — | Yes |
| 34 | Latvia | Family Reunification Residence Permit | €740/mo | 20–30 days | 5.0/10 | 1 yr | Yes |
| 35 | Slovenia | Family Reunification - Children | €465/mo | 20–30 days | 5.0/10 | — | Yes |
| 36 | Ukraine | Family Reunification - Spouse of Ukrainian Citizen | — | 15–30 days | 5.0/10 | 1 yr | Yes |
| 37 | Vanuatu | Residence Visa - Child | — | 20–30 days | 5.0/10 | 10 yr | No |
| 38 | Colombia | M-3 Spouse / Family Reunification | €9,333/mo | 21–42 days | 5/10 | 5 yr | Yes |
| 39 | Brazil | Family Reunification Visa | — | 60–180 days | 5.0/10 | 1 yr | Yes |
| 40 | Kosovo | Family Reunification Residence Permit | — | 30–60 days | 5.0/10 | 5 yr | Yes |
| 41 | Japan | Dependent Visa (Family) | €17,647/mo | 30–90 days | 5.2/10 | 10 yr | Yes |
| 42 | Zambia | Spousal/Dependent Permit | — | 60–120 days | 5.2/10 | 5 yr | Yes |
| 43 | Kenya | Dependent Pass | — | 40–60 days | 5.5/10 | 7 yr | Yes |
| 44 | Italy | Family Reunification Visa | €6,085/mo | 30–60 days | 5.5/10 | 5 yr | Yes |
| 45 | Bulgaria | Family Reunification | €5,569/mo | 14–60 days | 5.7/10 | 5 yr | Yes |
| 46 | Pakistan | Family Reunification | €2,500/mo | 30–60 days | 6/10 | 3 yr | Yes |
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Get Full Report — €10All Family Reunification Visas by Country
Argentina (1 programme)
- Family Reunification — Family reunification for spouse/children of legal residents. 2 years to PR. Spouse can work immediately.
Australia (2 programmes)
- Parent Visa (Subclass 143) — Parent Visa (Subclass 143) for Australia. Contributory parent visa. High fees but faster processing than non-contributory.
- Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) — Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) for Australia. Onshore partner visa. Temporary (820) then permanent (801). Must prove genuine relationship.
Austria (3 programmes)
- Family Reunion - Spouse/Partner of Austrian Citizen — Family Reunion - Spouse/Partner of Austrian Citizen for Austria. For spouses/registered partners of Austrian citizens. Full work rights. A1 German required (exemptions available). Minimum age 21. No quota.
- Red-White-Red Card Plus - Family Members of Skilled Workers — Red-White-Red Card Plus - Family Members of Skilled Workers for Austria. Family members get full work rights with Red-White-Red Card Plus. No quota. A1 German (exemptions available). Age 21+ for spouses.
- Settlement Permit - Dependent / Life Partner — Settlement Permit - Dependent / Life Partner for Austria. For extended family members, life partners, relatives receiving maintenance. No work rights initially. Subject to quota. Sponsor liability declaration required.
Bahrain (1 programme)
- Family Residence Visa (Dependent Visa) (inactive) — Family Residence Visa (Dependent Visa).
Brazil (1 programme)
- Family Reunification Visa — Family reunification permit, valid for 1 year, requiring application fee 150 EUR, with path to permanent residence in 1 years, family can join and spouse can work.
Bulgaria (1 programme)
- Family Reunification — Family reunification. BGN minimum wage × 12 per family member. BGN 510 application fee.
Canada (2 programmes)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) — Province-nominated pathway. 600 bonus CRS points. ~110,000 allocations across provinces in 2026. Requirements vary by province and stream.
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) — Employer-driven PR pathway for Atlantic provinces. ~8,500 allocations. CLB 5 language. Job offer from designated employer required.
China (5 programmes)
- Q1 Visa - Long-Term Family Reunion (inactive) — Q1 Visa - Long-Term Family Reunion.
- Q2 Visa - Short-Term Family Visit (inactive) — Q2 Visa - Short-Term Family Visit.
- S1 Visa - Long-Term Family of Foreign Worker (inactive) — S1 Visa - Long-Term Family of Foreign Worker.
- S2 Visa - Short-Term Family Visit to Foreign Worker (inactive) — S2 Visa - Short-Term Family Visit to Foreign Worker.
- Permanent Residence - Family Reunion (Spouse) (inactive) — Permanent Residence - Family Reunion (Spouse).
Colombia (1 programme)
- M-3 Spouse / Family Reunification — Family reunification visa for spouses/dependents of Colombian residents. ~2-3 SMMLV combined household income required. Spouse needs own M-5 for work authorization.
Czech Republic (1 programme)
- Family Reunification — Family Reunification for Czech Republic.
Denmark (1 programme)
- Family Reunification with Spouse — Family Reunification with Spouse for Denmark. Shortened path to citizenship (6-8 years vs 9 years) if married to Danish citizen. Both spouses must be 24+. 20 m² per person housing requirement. Suspected marriages of convenience face rejection and deportation
Fiji (2 programmes)
- Exemption Status - Child of Fiji Citizen (inactive) — Exemption Status - Child of Fiji Citizen.
- Exemption Status - Spouse of Fiji Citizen (inactive) — Exemption Status - Spouse of Fiji Citizen.
France (2 programmes)
- Family Reunification Visa — Family Reunification Visa for France. For family members of legal residents. Sponsor must have resided 18+ months. Applies to spouse and children under 18. No visa fees for family of French citizens (accelerated 4-week process). Spouses must be 18+. Family receives work authorization.
- Spouse of French Citizen Visa — Spouse of French Citizen Visa for France. For spouses of French citizens. No visa fees. Accelerated 4-week processing. After 3 years marriage can apply for 10-year residence card. No 18-month waiting period. Automatic work authorization. After 4 years marriage eligible for French citizenship.
Germany (2 programmes)
- Family Reunion Visa (Spouse) — Family Reunion Visa (Spouse) for Germany. Spouse receives immediate unrestricted work authorization. Language requirement (A1) waived for spouses of EU Blue Card holders and highly qualified workers. Living space and financial capacity requirements also waived for EU Blue Card holders. Spouses can apply for own residence permits after arriving. Can lead to permanent residence after 5 years.
- Parent/Parent-in-Law Reunion — Parent/Parent-in-Law Reunion for Germany. New provision introduced in 2024 Skilled Immigration Act. Allows skilled workers to bring parents and parents-in-law to Germany. Requires demonstration of exceptional hardship if reunification denied. Only for skilled workers who received first permit on/after March 1, 2024. Parents-in-law eligible if sponsor spouse also permanent resident. More restrictive than spouse/child reunification.
Guatemala (1 programme)
- Family Reunification Visa — Simplified work permit process for those with Guatemalan family members with faster processing and lower fees.
India (1 programme)
- Entry (X) Visa (Family) — For family members of Indian citizens/PIOs/OCIs; allows longer stays but not for employment.
Ireland (1 programme)
- Join Family / De Facto Partnership Visa — Join Family / De Facto Partnership Visa for Ireland. Stamp 3 typically issued for family members (no work rights). Spouse of CSEP holder or researcher gets Stamp 1G (work permitted). Stricter eligibility, financial, and accommodation requirements from 2025/2026.
Israel (1 programme)
- A-1 Temporary Resident Visa (Law of Return) — A-1 Temporary Resident Visa (Law of Return) for Israel.
Italy (1 programme)
- Family Reunification Visa — Family reunification for spouse/children of legal residents. Annual income threshold based on welfare minimum.
Jamaica (1 programme)
- Marriage Exemption Certificate — Marriage Exemption Certificate for Jamaica.
Japan (1 programme)
- Dependent Visa (Family) — Visa for spouse and children of resident visa holders. Limited work (28hrs/week with permission).
Kenya (1 programme)
- Dependent Pass (inactive) — Dependent Pass.
Kosovo (1 programme)
- Family Reunification Residence Permit — Family reunification permit for relatives of Kosovo residents and citizens.
Latvia (1 programme)
- Family Reunification Residence Permit (inactive) — Family Reunification Residence Permit, with path to permanent residence in 1 years.
Luxembourg (1 programme)
- Family Reunification — Family Reunification for Luxembourg.
Malaysia (1 programme)
- Dependent Pass — For spouse and children of Employment Pass holders. No independent work rights.
Netherlands (2 programmes)
- Family Reunification - Minor Children — Family Reunification - Minor Children for Netherlands. For children under 18 to join parent(s) in Netherlands. Young adults 18-25 may qualify if still part of family household and financially dependent. Same income requirements as spouse reunification apply.
- Family Reunification - Spouse/Partner — Family Reunification - Spouse/Partner for Netherlands. Spouse/partner gains same work rights as Dutch family member. Integration requirement applies. Income requirement €27,533/year or 120% minimum wage. Permit valid 5 years typically. Family members from exempt countries don't need integration exam abroad.
New Zealand (1 programme)
- Partnership-Based Resident Visa — Partnership-Based Resident Visa for New Zealand. For partners of NZ citizens or residents. Can be married, civil union, or de facto relationship. Initial temporary visa may be granted if relationship less than 12 months. Full residence after relationship stability proven.
Norway (2 programmes)
- Family Reunion - Child — Family Reunion - Child for Norway. Free application for minors under 18. Can apply for PR after 3 years. Different rules for children of Norwegian citizens.
- Family Reunion - Spouse/Partner — Family Reunion - Spouse/Partner for Norway. Family permit holders have full work rights. Path to PR after 3 years. Income requirement increased February 2025 to NOK 400,000.
Pakistan (1 programme)
- Family Reunification — Dependants of work, business, or investor-visa holders can apply for family-reunification visas.
Portugal (2 programmes)
- D6 Visa - Family Reunification — Family reunification visa. Sponsor needs 2 years residence + €920/month + adequate housing.
- Family Reunification Residence Permit — Residence permit for family members of existing Portuguese residence permit holders. Sponsor must demonstrate 1.5x IAS per dependent (~EUR 8,000-10,000/year). Spouse gets full work rights. Processing 60 days. Fee EUR 93. Path to PR in 5 years.
Singapore (2 programmes)
- Dependant's Pass — Dependant's Pass for Singapore. Valid up to 2 years, tied to main pass holder validity. Can work with Letter of Consent from employer. Spouse of ONE Pass holder can work directly with LOC. Renewable based on main pass.
- Long-Term Visit Pass — Long-Term Visit Pass for Singapore. Valid up to 2 years. For family members who do not qualify for Dependant Pass. Can work with Letter of Consent. LTVP+ available for spouses of Singapore Citizens with more favorable conditions.
Slovenia (3 programmes)
- Family Reunification - Children (inactive) — Family Reunification - Children, with path to permanent residence in 1 years.
- Family Reunification - Parents (inactive) — Family Reunification - Parents, with path to permanent residence in 1 years.
- Family Reunification - Spouse/Partner (inactive) — Family Reunification - Spouse/Partner, with path to permanent residence in 1 years.
South Africa (1 programme)
- Spousal Visa (with work rights) — Spousal visa with work endorsement. 2 years. 5 years to PR.
South Korea (1 programme)
- F-6 Marriage Migrant Visa — F-6 Marriage Migrant Visa for South Korea. For foreign spouses of Korean nationals. Requires marriage proof, income requirements, accommodation, and basic Korean proficiency. Settlement support programs available. Can work freely. Changed from F-2-1 to F-6 category on December 15, 2011. Pathway to naturalization and permanent residence.
Spain (1 programme)
- Family Reunification Visa — Family Reunification Visa for Spain. For family members of legal residents in Spain. Sponsor must have legal residence and prove financial means. Family members gain work rights. Initial 1 year.
Sweden (2 programmes)
- Family Reunion - Children — Family Reunion - Children for Sweden. For children under 18 joining parent in Sweden. Children over 18 must prove financial dependency. Free access to public education and healthcare. Interview required at embassy including for children.
- Family Reunion - Spouse/Partner — Family Reunion - Spouse/Partner for Sweden. For spouses/partners of Swedish residents/citizens. Both parties must be 21+. Cohabiting partners must prove 6-month cohabitation abroad. Maintenance requirement applies unless sponsor is refugee (within 3 months of decision). Success rate 75-85%; rejections often from maintenance shortfalls (30%) or weak relationship proof (25%). 2025 changes: stricter maintenance requirements, expanded DNA testing.
Switzerland (2 programmes)
- Family Reunification - Children — Family Reunification - Children for Switzerland. For unmarried dependent children under 18 to join parent(s) in Switzerland. Children have right to work. Must attend compulsory education until age 16. Stricter timeline for children over 12 (1 year vs 5 years) to facilitate integration
- Family Reunification - Spouse/Partner — Family Reunification - Spouse/Partner for Switzerland. Allows spouse/registered partner to join family member residing in Switzerland. Spouse has right to work. Some cantons require A1 language proficiency. Processing involves Swiss embassy abroad for visa, then cantonal approval
Turkey (1 programme)
- Family Residence Permit — Family reunification permit for spouse and children of legal residents or Turkish citizens.
United Arab Emirates (2 programmes)
- Family Sponsorship Visa — Family visa sponsored by employed resident. AED 4,000/month minimum salary for spouse/children.
- Family Visa (Spouse/Children) — Sponsor spouse/children. AED 4,000/month minimum (or AED 3,000 + company housing). Parents require AED 10,000-20,000/month.
United Kingdom (2 programmes)
- Ancestry Visa — For Commonwealth citizens with UK-born grandparent. No salary minimum. 5 years to ILR. Must show realistic job prospect.
- Family Visa (Spouse/Partner) — Spouse/partner visa. £29,000/yr minimum income (MIR, rising to £38,700 in phases). IHS £1,035/yr. 5 years to ILR.
Ukraine (2 programmes)
- Family Reunification - Spouse of Ukrainian Citizen (inactive) — Family Reunification - Spouse of Ukrainian Citizen, with path to permanent residence in 1 years.
- Family Reunification - With Temporary Resident (inactive) — Family Reunification - With Temporary Resident, with path to permanent residence in 1 years.
United States (2 programmes)
- CR-1/IR-1 Spouse of US Citizen — CR-1/IR-1 Spouse of US Citizen for United States. Leads directly to green card; CR1 for marriages under 2 years (conditional); IR1 for 2+ years (unconditional); can work immediately upon entry; same-sex marriages recognized; 8-9% denial rate; I-751 petition required to remove conditions for CR1
- K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa — K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa for United States. For engaged couples planning to marry in US; must marry within 90 days; faster initial entry than CR1 but requires adjustment of status after marriage; ~25% denial rate; K-2 visas for fiancé's children; cannot work until EAD approved post-marriage
Vanuatu (2 programmes)
- Residence Visa - Child (inactive) — Residence Visa - Child.
- Residence Visa - Partner (inactive) — Residence Visa - Partner.
Zambia (1 programme)
- Spousal/Dependent Permit — Spousal/Dependent Permit for Zambia.
Zimbabwe (1 programme)
- Spouse Residence Permit — Spouse Residence Permit for Zimbabwe.
Family Visas by Country
Argentina: Family Reunification
Australia: Partner Visa Subclass 820801
Australia: Skilled Independent Subclass 189
Australia: Parent Visa Subclass 143
Australia: Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189
Austria: Family Reunion Spouse Partner Of Austrian Citizen
Austria: Settlement Permit Dependent Life Partner
Austria: Red White Red Card Plus Family Members Of Skilled Workers
Austria: Austria Private Residence Program Financially Independent
Bahrain: Family Residence Visa Dependent Visa
Brazil: Family Reunification
Bulgaria: Family Reunification
Canada: Family Sponsorship Parents And Grandparents
Canada: Family Sponsorship Spousepartner
Chile: Professional Independent Worker
China: S2 Visa Short Term Family Visit To Foreign Worker
China: Permanent Residence Family Reunion Spouse
China: S1 Visa Long Term Family Of Foreign Worker
China: Q1 Visa Long Term Family Reunion
China: Q2 Visa Short Term Family Visit
Colombia: M3 Spouse Family Reunification
Czech Republic: Family Reunification
Denmark: Family Reunification With Spouse
Fiji: Exemption Status Spouse Of Fiji Citizen
France: Family Reunification Visa
France: Spouse Of French Citizen Visa
France: Visitor Visa Financially Independent
Germany: Family Reunion Visa Spouse
Guatemala: Family Reunification
Ireland: Independent Means Retirement Permission Stamp 0
Ireland: Join Family De Facto Partnership Visa
Italy: Family Reunification Visa
Japan: Dependent Visa
Kenya: Dependent Pass
Kosovo: Family Reunification
Latvia: Family Reunification Residence Permit
Lithuania: Digital Nomad Financially Independent
Luxembourg: Family Reunification
Malaysia: Dependent Pass
Mauritius: Family Occupation Permit
Netherlands: Family Reunification Spousepartner
Netherlands: Family Reunification Minor Children
Norway: Family Reunion Spousepartner
Norway: Family Reunion Child
Pakistan: Family Reunification
Paraguay: Independent Means Remote Work Visa
Peru: Independent Professional Visa
Portugal: D6 Family Reunification
Portugal: Portugal Family Reunification
Slovenia: Retirementindependent Means Permit
Slovenia: Family Reunification Children
Slovenia: Family Reunification Spousepartner
Slovenia: Family Reunification Parents
Spain: Family Reunification Visa
Sweden: Family Reunion Children
Sweden: Family Reunion Spousepartner
Switzerland: Retirementfinancially Independent Residence
Switzerland: Family Reunification Children
Switzerland: Family Reunification Spousepartner
Turkey: Family Residence Permit
UAE: Family Sponsorship Visa
UAE: Family Visa
UK: Family Visa
Ukraine: Family Reunification With Temporary Resident
Ukraine: Family Reunification Spouse Of Ukrainian Citizen
Uruguay: Self Employment Independent Worker
USA: Cr 1Ir 1 Spouse Of Us Citizen
Zambia: Spousal Dependent Permit
Zimbabwe: Spouse Residence Permit
Frequently Asked Questions
How many countries offer family reunification visas in 2026?
As of 2026, 46 countries in our database offer at least one family reunification visa pathway. Requirements, processing times, and costs vary significantly between countries.
Which country has the easiest family reunification visa to obtain?
Based on our difficulty scoring, South Africa currently offers one of the most accessible family reunification visa pathways, though eligibility still depends on your individual circumstances.
What are the typical requirements for family reunification visas?
Common requirements include proof of income or savings, health insurance, a clean criminal record, and passport validity. Specific thresholds (income, education, experience) vary by country and programme.
Can I bring my family on a family reunification visa?
Many family reunification visa programmes allow family accompaniment (spouse and dependent children). Some also grant work rights to spouses. Check the family column in our comparison table above.
How long does it take to get permanent residency through a family reunification visa?
The path to permanent residency ranges from 2 to 10 years depending on the country. Some family reunification visa programmes offer faster PR tracks than others — see the PR Path column in our table.
Explore by Region
- Europe Immigration Guide 2026
- Asia Immigration Guide 2026
- Americas Immigration Guide 2026
- Middle East Immigration Guide 2026
- Oceania Immigration Guide 2026
- Africa Immigration Guide 2026
See also: All Pathways by Country · Compare Countries Side by Side · Immigration Glossary
Data sourced from official government immigration portals, verified March 2026. Requirements change frequently — always confirm with the relevant embassy or immigration authority before applying.