Les étudiants internationaux peuvent amener un conjoint, un partenaire ou des enfants dans plus de pays que le Canada, le Royaume-Uni, l'Australie et les États-Unis.
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Several countries across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and Oceania have visas or residence permits for students' family members.
However, the rules are very different.
In some countries:
- almost any university student can bring a spouse;
- only master's or PhD students qualify;
- the spouse can work freely;
- the spouse can live there but cannot work; or
- family visas are available only after the student receives their own residence permit.
This guide compares the main options worldwide so students can decide which countries are realistic for studying abroad with a family.
Quick Answer
Countries that can allow eligible international students to bring a spouse or dependent family members include:
Finland, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, Croatia, Türkiye, the UK, Canada, the United States, New Zealand, Japan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, the UAE, Kazakhstan, Chile, Colombia and Brazil, among others.
Eligibility does not automatically mean the spouse can work.
For example, Spain allows qualifying higher-education students to bring a spouse or partner, but the student-family visa itself is not a work permit. Malaysia allows dependants mainly for master's and PhD students, but those dependants cannot work. Chile is much more flexible: a student can have qualifying dependants, and a person holding dependent temporary residence can undertake lawful paid work.
Global Student Dependant Visa Comparison
| Country / Territory | Spouse can join? | Spouse work rights | Main restriction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finland | Yes | Yes, unrestricted | Financial requirement |
| Sweden | Yes | Generally yes | Maintenance requirement |
| Norway | Yes | Possible under family residence rules | Financial and residence conditions |
| Germany | Yes | Family reunification route | Conditions apply |
| Spain | Yes | No under student-family visa itself | Higher education/specialised training |
| Austria | Yes, subject to conditions | Separate work rules may apply | Residence conditions |
| Switzerland | Possible | Depends on nationality/status | Stricter rules for non-EU students |
| Croatia | Possible | Depends on permit | Family-reunification conditions |
| Türkiye | Yes | Work permission is separate | Student can sponsor spouse/children |
| UK | Restricted | Usually yes when eligible | Mainly PhD/research students |
| Ireland | Very restricted | Depends on route | Most ordinary students cannot bring family |
| Netherlands | Yes | No for partner of student | Partner cannot normally work |
| Denmark | Restricted from Oct 2026 | Depends | New rules affect many students |
| Canada | Yes | Only qualifying spouses get open work permit | Programme restrictions |
| United States | Yes | No on F-2 | F-2 spouse cannot work |
| New Zealand | Yes | Yes for eligible qualifications | Depends on qualification |
| Australia | Highly restricted from Oct 2026 | Depends | Most new students cannot include family |
| Japan | Yes for qualifying students | Limited; permission required | Some student categories excluded |
| Malaysia | Yes for Master's/PhD | No | Master's/PhD only |
| Hong Kong | Yes for eligible degree students | No without special permission | Full-time local degree programme |
| UAE | Yes | Depends on separate work status | Must meet housing/financial rules |
| Kazakhstan | Yes | Depends | Education visa can cover family |
| Chile | Yes | Yes | Temporary-residence conditions |
| Colombia | Yes for postgraduate students | No on beneficiary visa | Student must generally be postgraduate |
| Brazil | Yes | Depends on residence/work rules | Relationship and residence requirements |
This table should be used as a starting point. The student's exact programme, university and immigration status can change the result.
Europe
Europe offers some of the widest variation in family rules.
Finland
Finland is one of the strongest options for students moving with a family.
A student's:
- spouse
- registered partner
- qualifying partner
- children under 18
can apply for residence based on family ties.
A family member with a residence permit based on family ties has unrestricted work rights.
The family must show enough money to support itself.
Good option for: Students whose spouse needs to work.
Sweden
Family members of qualifying higher-education and doctoral students can obtain residence permits.
Eligible family members can include a:
- spouse
- registered partner
- cohabiting partner
- dependent child
Sweden still requires proof of sufficient funds.
From 1 October 2026, new rules also require comprehensive health insurance for certain family members staying for no more than one year.
Good option for: University and doctoral students moving with a partner or children.
Norway
Students at qualifying Norwegian universities and colleges may be able to bring a spouse, partner and children through family immigration.
Financial requirements and the remaining duration of the student's studies are important.
It should therefore be treated as available with conditions, rather than automatically available to every student.
Germany
Germany can allow family reunification for international students.
The student normally needs:
- valid residence status;
- sufficient funds;
- an expected stay long enough to justify family reunification; and
- qualifying family relationships.
Germany can therefore be a useful alternative for students planning a longer degree.
Spain
Spain deserves much more attention in a global comparison.
Family members may accompany someone studying higher education or specialised health training.
Eligible family members include:
- spouse
- registered partner
- proven stable partner
- minor children
- certain dependent children with disability or illness
However, there is an important limitation:
The family member's student-family visa is not itself a work permit.
Spain also requires additional financial resources. Official guidance currently uses 75% of IPREM for the first family member and 50% for each additional family member in the relevant calculation.
Good option for: Students who want their family physically with them and can manage the work-right restrictions.
Austria
Austria should also be included.
Family members of some student residence-permit holders can qualify for residence as family members, subject to accommodation, finances, insurance and other conditions.
Spouse employment should be checked separately because family residence does not always mean unrestricted access to employment.
Classification: Available with conditions.
Switzerland
Switzerland can allow family reunification in some student situations, although its rules are not as simple as Finland or Sweden.
For students, family reunification can cover a spouse and financially dependent children under the applicable rules.
Rules differ particularly between:
- EU/EFTA students; and
- students from countries outside the EU/EFTA.
Classification: Possible, but check nationality and canton-specific rules carefully.
Croatia
Croatia allows temporary residence for family reunification with certain foreign nationals holding temporary residence.
Recognised family members can include:
- spouse
- common-law partner
- minor children
However, not every type of temporary residence automatically supports family reunification.
Classification: Available in qualifying cases.
Türkiye
Türkiye is an important alternative that should definitely be included.
A holder of a student residence permit can act as the sponsor for a spouse and children in a family residence permit application.
Türkiye issues student residence permits for:
- associate degrees
- bachelor's degrees
- graduate programmes
- postgraduate programmes
- medical and dental specialty education
The spouse's right to work is separate from the family residence permit and should not be assumed.
Good option for: Students looking for an alternative outside Western Europe.
Netherlands
The Netherlands allows qualifying partners to reside with students.
But there is a major disadvantage:
A partner whose sponsor holds a Dutch residence permit for study cannot normally work.
This makes the Netherlands less suitable where two incomes are necessary.
United Kingdom
The UK is now one of the more restrictive major destinations.
For courses starting from 1 January 2024, dependants are generally limited to:
- PhD/doctoral students;
- students taking qualifying research-based higher degrees; or
- qualifying government-sponsored students.
Most ordinary taught master's students cannot bring dependants under the Student route.
Eligible dependant partners can generally work.
Good option for: PhD and research students.
Poor option for: Most taught master's students wanting to bring family.
Denmark
Denmark used to appear frequently on lists of student-family destinations, but this needs a strong 2026 warning.
New rules took effect on 1 October 2026 and restrict accompanying family rights for many third-country students.
PhD students are treated differently from many ordinary higher-education students.
Do not rely on older articles listing Denmark as automatically family-friendly.
North America
Canada
Canada allows students to travel with eligible family members, but bringing your spouse and getting your spouse an open work permit are two different things.
Spousal open work permits are now mainly available when the student is enrolled in qualifying programmes, including:
- doctoral programmes;
- master's programmes of at least 16 months; and
- certain professional or specifically eligible programmes.
Canada is therefore much less flexible for ordinary college and undergraduate students than it once was.
Good option for: PhD, qualifying master's and certain professional students.
United States
F-1 students can normally bring:
- a spouse; and
- unmarried children under 21
under F-2 status.
The major problem is employment.
Can an F-2 spouse work?
No.
An F-2 spouse cannot normally take employment.
This makes the US possible for families but difficult for households that need two incomes.
Oceania
New Zealand
New Zealand remains one of the strongest options where the student's qualification qualifies.
Any Student Visa holder may potentially support a visitor visa for their partner and children.
Stronger family rights apply to certain studies.
A student can support a Partner of a Student Work Visa when studying:
- Level 9 master's;
- Level 10 doctorate;
- certain eligible Level 7 or Level 8 qualifications.
The spouse can work in New Zealand without first obtaining a job offer.
PhD students can also support student visas for dependent children.
Good option for: Master's, PhD and selected shortage-field students.
Australia
Australia is no longer the straightforward family option that many older articles describe.
From 2 October 2026, most new Student visa applicants cannot include a partner or dependent children.
There are limited exemptions, including certain:
- PhD students;
- government-sponsored students; and
- other specified categories.
Australia should now be shown as:
Highly restricted — check exemption eligibility first.
Asia
Asia adds several important alternatives that are usually missing from student dependant articles.
Japan
Japan has a Dependent/Family Stay residence status that can cover financially dependent spouses and children of qualifying foreign residents, including many international students.
However, there are restrictions.
For example, Japan's Immigration Services Agency states that students at Japanese-language institutions are not eligible to invite family members under Dependent status.
Can the spouse work?
Not automatically.
Someone holding Family Stay status needs permission to engage in activities outside their residence status before working.
Good option for: Qualifying university students.
Watch out for: Language-school students and work restrictions.
Malaysia
Malaysia should definitely be included because its rules are clear and it can be an alternative to expensive Tier-1 destinations.
Only international students studying at Master's or PhD level can normally bring dependants under the student route.
Eligible dependants include:
- spouse
- children under 18
- disabled children
- parents
- parents-in-law
However:
Dependants are not allowed to work or conduct business.
Language-centre and training-centre students cannot use this dependant facility.
Good option for: Master's and PhD students who can support their family without spouse employment.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong allows students admitted to full-time undergraduate or postgraduate programmes at local degree-awarding institutions to sponsor qualifying dependants.
These can include:
- conjoint
- certain legally recognised civil partners
- unmarried dependent children under 18
However, dependants sponsored by students cannot work unless they receive prior permission from the Director of Immigration.
Good option for: Degree students who want family residence.
Weak point: Spouse employment.
Singapore
Singapore should not be treated as a broad student-dependant country.
Its standard Dependant's Pass and Long-Term Visit Pass systems are mainly linked to citizens, permanent residents and qualifying workers rather than ordinary international Student's Pass holders.
For most international students, Singapore is therefore not comparable with Finland, New Zealand or Malaysia for bringing a spouse.
This is useful to include because users often assume every major study destination offers a dependant route.
Middle East
United Arab Emirates
The UAE is an interesting alternative that many international-student articles miss.
The UAE government's official guidance states that family members of foreign students studying at UAE universities may stay in the UAE, provided the family can afford suitable housing.
The exact sponsorship process can depend on:
- university sponsorship;
- the student's residence category;
- housing;
- financial capacity; and
- emirate-specific procedures.
A dependant residence visa should also not automatically be treated as an unrestricted work permit.
Good option for: Students who value proximity to South Asia, the Middle East and major international cities.
Türkiye
Türkiye sits between Europe and Asia and is worth highlighting again as a regional alternative because student residence permit holders can sponsor their spouse and children for family residence where requirements are met.
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is another destination rarely covered by competitor articles.
Its C9 education visa applies to people studying in secondary, vocational, higher and postgraduate education and can also include their family members.
This makes Kazakhstan worth including for students looking beyond traditional Western destinations.
Classification: Family possible; verify the dependant's work rights separately.
Latin America
This region is especially valuable for your article because competitors usually ignore it completely.
Chile
Chile is one of the most interesting alternatives.
Someone who has or is applying for Temporary Residence under an eligible category can have certain family members apply as dependants.
The Chilean immigration authority specifically confirms that a student Temporary Residence holder can have an eligible dependant apply.
Eligible dependants include qualifying spouses or partners.
Can a dependent spouse work?
Yes.
Chile explicitly states that a person holding Temporary Residence as a dependant can undertake lawful paid activities.
This makes Chile especially interesting compared with countries where dependants are prohibited from employment.
Good option for: Couples who want both family residence and spouse work rights.
Colombia
Colombia allows beneficiary visas for family members of certain primary visa holders.
For a student visa, this is particularly important:
Beneficiaries are allowed when the principal student is studying at postgraduate level.
Eligible beneficiaries can include:
- spouse
- permanent partner
- economically dependent children under 25
- dependent children with qualifying disabilities
However:
A beneficiary visa does not permit employment.
Good option for: Postgraduate students who can support their family.
Brazil
Brazil also deserves inclusion.
Brazilian immigration rules provide family-reunification visas for qualifying relatives of foreign residents.
Eligible family relationships can include:
- spouse
- stable partner
- dependent children
- certain other dependent relatives
Brazil's official guidance confirms that visas can be extended to qualifying dependants of Brazilian visa holders and that family-reunification residence is available to relatives of foreigners authorised to reside in Brazil.
The exact right to work should be checked based on the residence authorization granted.
Classification: Family route available; check the student's residence category and resulting rights.
Africa
Africa needs more careful treatment because many countries have general dependant permits tied to work or permanent-residence holders rather than ordinary student permits.
Do not add countries simply because they have a visa called “Dependant Pass.”
For example, Kenya has a formal Dependant's Pass, but its government guidance describes it principally for dependants of:
- Kenyan citizens
- permit holders
- permanent residents
- exempt persons
and specifically references work-permit holders in its requirements. That is not enough to claim that every foreign Student Pass holder can automatically sponsor a spouse.
For African destinations, the article should therefore include only countries where the student-to-dependant link can be verified, rather than padding the list.
Which Countries Are Most Interesting Now That Tier-1 Rules Are Tightening?
This is where the global article becomes much more useful.
If spouse work rights matter most
Look closely at:
Finland — unrestricted work rights for family-ties residence holders.
New Zealand — work visa possible for partners of students taking eligible qualifications.
Chile — dependent Temporary Residence holders can carry out lawful paid work.
These should be compared before simply choosing a country because it allows dependants.
If you are studying a Master's degree
Potential options include:
- Finland
- Sweden
- Germany
- Spain
- Türkiye
- New Zealand
- Canada, if the programme meets its spouse-work rules
- Malaysia
- Japan, depending on institution/status
- Hong Kong
- Chile
- Colombia for postgraduate students
- UAE
- Kazakhstan
Malaysia is particularly clear: master's and PhD Student Pass holders may bring qualifying dependants, although those dependants cannot work.
If you are studying a PhD
PhD students usually have the widest range of family options.
Countries worth comparing include:
- Finland
- Sweden
- Norway
- Germany
- UK
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Australia under its current exemptions
- Malaysia
- Japan
- Hong Kong
- Spain
- Türkiye
- UAE
- Chile
A student with a family should therefore not compare countries solely on university ranking. Family immigration rights can change the real cost and practicality of the degree.
Countries Where the Spouse Can Come but Working Is Difficult
These should be clearly separated.
United States
F-2 spouse cannot normally work.
Netherlands
Partner of a student cannot normally work.
Spain
Student-family visa itself is not a work permit.
Malaysia
Student dependants cannot work or conduct business.
Hong Kong
Student dependants cannot work without prior permission.
Colombia
Beneficiary visa does not permit work.
This distinction is extremely important because “dependants allowed” does not mean “family can support itself through two salaries.”
Countries Where Study Level Matters Most
| Country | Important study-level rule |
|---|---|
| UK | Mainly PhD/research-based higher degrees |
| Canada | Spouse work rights depend heavily on programme |
| New Zealand | Stronger partner rights for Levels 9–10 and selected Levels 7–8 |
| Malaysia | Dependants limited mainly to Master's and PhD students |
| Colombia | Student beneficiary visa available for postgraduate students |
| Australia | Most students restricted; limited categories including PhD remain |
| Hong Kong | Full-time undergraduate/postgraduate local degree programmes |
| Spain | Family route tied mainly to higher education/specialised healthcare training |
| Japan | Institution/type of Student status matters |
This table answers a much more useful question than simply asking whether a country “has a dependant visa.”
Do You Need to Be Married?
Not always.
Some countries recognise relationships beyond legal marriage.
Examples include:
Spain: registered or proven stable partners can qualify.
New Zealand: immigration focuses on a genuine and stable partnership and requires evidence that the couple lives together.
Sweden: registered and cohabiting partners may qualify.
Chile: qualifying spouses and recognised cohabiting relationships can qualify for dependent status.
Other countries may require formal marriage.
Always check the relationship definition before applying.
What About Children?
Many student-family systems also cover dependent children.
However, check:
- maximum age
- whether the child must be unmarried
- whether stepchildren qualify
- whether a separate student visa is required
- school fees
- public-school access
- healthcare
- additional financial requirements
For example, New Zealand gives particularly useful rights in qualifying cases: some dependent school-age children connected to eligible Partner of a Student Work Visa holders can be treated as domestic students rather than international fee-paying students.
How to Choose a Country When You Have a Spouse or Children
Do not choose based only on whether dependants are technically permitted.
Compare these seven things:
- Can your exact degree level bring dependants?
- Can your spouse work?
- Can your children join you?
- Will children pay domestic or international school fees?
- How much money must you show?
- Can your family apply at the same time as you?
- What happens to the family's status after you graduate?
A country with cheaper tuition but no spouse employment may end up costing your family more than a country with higher tuition but full spouse work rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries allow an international student to bring a spouse?
Countries with routes that can allow eligible students to bring spouses or partners include Finland, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, Croatia, Türkiye, the UK, Canada, the United States, New Zealand, Japan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, the UAE, Kazakhstan, Chile, Colombia and Brazil.
The exact eligibility depends on the student's degree, residence permit and relationship.
Which countries let a student's spouse work?
Some of the stronger options include Finland, eligible New Zealand routes and Chile.
Other countries either restrict work or require a separate work authorisation.
Which countries allow Master's students to bring a spouse?
Possible destinations include Finland, Sweden, Germany, Spain, Türkiye, New Zealand, Malaysia, Japan, Hong Kong, Chile and others.
Canada may also be an option, but spouse open-work-permit eligibility depends on the type and length of the programme.
Which countries allow PhD students to bring family?
PhD students have some of the widest options, including the UK, Canada, New Zealand, Finland, Sweden, Germany, Malaysia and some Australian cases.
Can a spouse work in Malaysia while the other spouse studies?
No. Malaysia allows qualifying Master's and PhD students to bring dependants, but those dependants are not permitted to work or conduct business.
Can international students bring spouses to Japan?
Many qualifying students can sponsor a financially dependent spouse or child under Family Stay status. However, some categories are excluded; for example, Japan states that students at Japanese-language institutions cannot invite family under Dependent status.
Can international students bring a spouse to Spain?
Yes, qualifying higher-education and specialised healthcare-training students can bring a spouse, registered partner or stable partner. The accompanying-family visa is not itself a work permit.
Can international students bring family to the UAE?
Yes. UAE government guidance states that family members of foreign students studying at UAE universities may stay in the country if they can afford suitable housing.
Can students bring dependants to Chile?
Yes. Chile specifically permits eligible dependants of Student Temporary Residence holders, and dependent Temporary Residence holders can perform lawful paid work.
Final Comparison: Look Beyond the Traditional Study Destinations
The best country for an international student with a family is not automatically Canada, the UK, Australia or the United States.
Recent immigration changes have made several traditional destinations more restrictive.
Students should also compare alternatives such as:
Finland and Sweden for family-friendly residence rules.
Germany and Spain for European alternatives.
Türkiye for students looking beyond Western Europe.
New Zealand for strong partner rights on eligible degrees.
Malaysia for Master's and PhD students who can support a non-working spouse.
Japan and Hong Kong for Asian study options, although spouse employment is restricted.
UAE for a Middle Eastern alternative where university students may live with family.
Chile for an unusually flexible combination of student dependants and dependant work rights.
Colombia and Brazil for additional Latin American options.
The right question is therefore not simply:
“Which countries allow a spouse on a student visa?”
It is:
“Which countries allow my family to come, let my spouse work, fit my degree level and remain affordable for the whole household?”
That comparison should be made before choosing the university or paying a tuition deposit.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Immigration rules change frequently. Always confirm your exact programme and family circumstances on the country's official immigration website before applying.
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