Adult Dependent Relative Visa
United Kingdom
Last updated: December 24, 2025
Immediate permanent stay
$2,000
8-12 weeks
High
About this Visa
This visa lets an elderly or sick family member move to the UK if a relative there can take care of them. You can only use it if care is not available or affordable in your home country. The visa is for parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, or adult children who need long-term care. A relative in the UK (called a sponsor) must prove they can provide the care without government help. This is one of the hardest UK visas to get. Only about 4 out of 100 applications succeed on the first try.
Key Benefits
- Free NHS healthcare
- Can apply for citizenship after 5 years (no English test required)
- Spouse/partner can apply separately
- Access to social care services
- Permanent stay if British sponsor or path to permanent stay
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must be parent, grandparent, brother, sister, or adult child of UK sponsor
- Need long-term care due to age, illness, or disability
- Unable to perform daily tasks independently
- Prove care unavailable or unaffordable in home country
- UK sponsor must be British citizen, settled in UK, Irish citizen, or refugee/humanitarian
- UK sponsor must have adequate income for care without government help
- Cannot be in a relationship with partner (if parent/grandparent)
- Cannot have serious criminal convictions
- Must apply from outside UK
Financial Requirement
No minimum salary or savings required. Sponsor must prove ability to pay for applicant's care without government benefits. Income can come from employment, savings, or family gifts (not loans).
Documents
- Doctor's letterStating care needs and inability to perform daily tasks
- Medical diagnosisProof of health condition requiring long-term care
- Care availability letterFrom doctor or health authority in home country
- Bank statements6 months from UK sponsor
- Income proof6 months of payslips or employment documentation
- Property papersOwnership or rental agreement
- Birth certificateOr adoption papers
- PassportValid travel document
- Care cost detailsItemized costs for care in UK
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.