Dependant Visa Total Cost 2026
See the total cost of a Dependant visa in 2026 — every mandatory fee, attorney cost and hidden expense, all in one calculator.
What's the full cost of a Dependant visa in 2026 — not just the government filing fee, but attorney costs, premium processing and every add-on too? Here's every number added up, plus what you can skip to spend less.
Total cost, everything included
£7,687 – £11,222
Mandatory UKVI fees, an attorney, premium processing, and dependents — the full price if you want every option covered. Filing without an attorney or premium processing costs less; see the scenario breakdown below.
Mandatory UKVI fees for the Dependant
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a Dependant application in 2026.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee (child applying with parent) | £2,064 | — | Official ↗ |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £2,588 | £1,035/yr × 2.5 years. | Official ↗ |
Source: UKVI Visa Fees Table. Fees change — verify before filing. Last full data review: August 2026. See our methodology.
Optional costs
Attorney fees
£1,500 – £4,000 in Average (UK). Typical cities: London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh.
Premium processing
Priority service: £500
Medical exam
£0 – £400 — TB test required only for applicants from listed countries.
Translation services
£50 – £200 — Certified translations of supporting documents.
How to apply for the Dependant
- 1
Confirm eligibility
The main applicant must hold or be applying for an eligible sponsored visa that permits dependants.
- 2
Gather relationship evidence
Marriage/civil partnership or birth certificate, plus consent from any non-applying parent for a child.
- 3
Apply online
Ideally alongside or after the main applicant; pay fees plus Immigration Health Surcharge.
- 4
Verify identity and submit documents
Processing generally mirrors the main applicant's route timeline.
Typical processing time: Dependant applications generally track the main applicant's route timeline — commonly 3 weeks outside the UK for work-route dependants, 12 weeks for family-route dependants.
Documents you'll need
- Marriage/civil partnership certificate (partner) or birth certificate (child)
- Signed consent letter from the non-applying parent, if applicable
- Financial/maintenance evidence (funds held for 28 days)
- Proof of accommodation
- Certified translations of any non-English/Welsh documents
Common mistakes to avoid
- Missing or improperly executed parental consent letter for a child dependant
- Failing to demonstrate sole parental responsibility where only one parent is relocating
- Financial/maintenance evidence not covering the required 28-day period
- Submitting the dependant application out of sync with the main applicant's status
Sources: gov.uk — Join family in the UK
Cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Includes | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| A — Solo, no attorney | Mandatory government fees only | £4,652 |
| B — With attorney | Government fees + attorney, no premium | £6,152 – £8,652 |
| C — Attorney + premium + dependents | Everything included | £7,687 – £11,222 |
How to save money on your Dependant
- File without an attorney if your case is straightforward — you can cut £1,500–£4,000.
- Skip premium processing unless you genuinely need a fast decision.
- Prepare documents yourself to avoid translation and document-prep fees.
- Double-check every fee on the UKVI website so you never overpay a third party.
Dependant cost FAQ (2026)
How much does a Dependant visa cost in 2026?
The total estimated cost of a Dependant visa in 2026 ranges from about £6,152 to £11,222, depending on whether you use an attorney, pay for premium processing, and include dependents.
What is the Dependant application fee?
The government application fee varies by visa and year. UKVI publishes the current schedule, and this calculator itemises every mandatory fee with a link to the official source.
How much do immigration lawyers charge for a Dependant visa?
Attorney fees typically add £2,000–£5,000 depending on the city and case complexity. The calculator lets you toggle attorney costs on or off to compare.
Can I apply for a Dependant visa without a lawyer?
Yes. Many applicants file without a lawyer and only pay the mandatory government fees. An attorney is optional but can reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
What hidden costs should I budget for?
Beyond the filing fee, budget for biometrics, medical examinations, certified translations, and premium processing if you need a faster decision.
Is premium processing available for a Dependant visa?
Premium or priority processing is available for many routes for an extra fee, but not all. Check the calculator's options and the UKVI website for eligibility.
Do I have to pay extra for dependents?
Yes — each dependent usually requires an additional application fee and, in some countries, a health surcharge. Toggle the dependents option to include them.
Are visa fees refundable if my application is refused?
In most cases government application fees are not refunded if the application is refused. Always verify current policy with UKVI before paying.
How often do UKVI fees change?
Fee schedules are reviewed periodically and can change each year. This calculator is updated from official sources, but confirm the current fee before you file.
What is the cheapest way to apply for a Dependant visa?
Applying without an attorney, without premium processing, and without dependents keeps you at the low end of the cost range — usually just the mandatory government fees.
Use the calculator above for your specific case
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