Your dream move to the UK or Malta isn’t complete without your loved ones. But recent 2025 rule changes have made family reunification complex—especially for Indian, Pakistani, and Filipino families. Don’t navigate this emotional journey blind. Here’s how to successfully bring your spouse and children to your new home.
🇬🇧 UK Dependent Visas: Stricter Rules, Strategic Planning
Who Can Apply?
- Skilled Workers: Spouses/partners + children under 18.
- Students: ONLY PhD/research postgraduate students (Master’s/Bachelor’s students cannot bring dependents).
- Health & Care Workers: Closed to new overseas applicants (limited exceptions).
Key Requirements:
- Primary Applicant Must:
- Hold a valid Skilled Worker/PhD Student visa.
- Meet higher salary thresholds (Skilled Worker).
- Financial Proof: Show £845/month per dependent (outside London) for 9 months + IHS fees (£1,035/year per person).
- Relationship Evidence: Marriage certificates, birth certificates, 2+ years of cohabitation proof.
⚠️ Critical 2025 Change:
Standard student visas no longer allow dependents—plan accordingly if pursuing UK studies.
🇲🇹 Malta Dependent Visas: EU Flexibility & Family Focus
Who Can Apply?
- Work Permit Holders (Single Permit/KEI): Spouses + children under 21 (or older if studying/disabled).
- Digital Nomads: Dependents eligible if primary applicant renews after 1 year.
- Students: Possible under Long-Stay (Type D) visa.
Key Requirements:
- Primary Applicant Must:
- Reside legally in Malta for 12+ months (typically).
- Prove stable income (€500–700/month per dependent + rent costs).
- Relationship Evidence: Marriage/birth certificates (translated). Apostille stamps often required.
- Accommodation Proof: Rental contract or property deed showing sufficient space.
🌟 Malta Advantage:
Faster processing, no massive healthcare surcharge, and Malta’s culture prioritizes family unity.
🔑 Your Family Reunion Checklist: Avoid These Pitfalls!
- UK Specific:
- Student? Choose PhD/research courses only if bringing family.
- Calculate IHS early (£3,105+ for a family of 3 on 3-year visa).
- Malta Specific:
- Start documenting cohabitation now (joint bills, leases, photos).
- Budget for translation/Apostille of family documents.
- Both Countries:
- Never submit partial bank statements. Show 3–6 months of sustained funds.
- Prove genuine relationships—officials scrutinize marriages after short courtships.
Why Families Choose Malta
| Factor | UK | Malta |
| Eligibility | Restrictive (esp. students) | Flexible (work/study routes) |
| Processing Time | 8–12 weeks | 4–8 weeks |
| Healthcare Cost | £1,035/year per person (IHS) | Low-cost private insurance |
| Financial Proof | Very high (£9,000+ for family of 3) | Moderate (€1,500–2,100/month for family) |
Worldify Overseas: Reunite Your Family with Confidence
Don’t let paperwork separate your family. At Worldify Overseas, we specialize in:
- Route-Specific Strategy: Advising on optimal paths (UK Skilled Worker vs. Malta KEI).
- Document Perfection: Ensuring financial proof, translations, and relationship evidence meet strict standards.
- 2025 Compliance: Up-to-date guidance on UK student bans and Malta’s 12-month rule.
“My wife and child joined me in Malta in 3 months—Worldify handled every document.”
– R. Singh, IT Professional from Delhi
Ready to bring your family home?
➡️ Contact Worldify Overseas today. Your loved ones belong with you.
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