Residence
through family reunification

Status for the spouse, children, or other dependants of someone already living legally in the country. The requirement is not capital or work — it is kinship and the sponsor’s income above a set minimum.

A good fit if

A spouse, parent, or child already lives legally in the target country on a qualifying basis (residence, work, study).

The sponsor’s income demonstrably exceeds the set minimum — often calculated individually by family composition.

You have suitable housing and health insurance for every family member.

A poor fit if

The sponsor has no legal status themselves, or their status is temporary without a reunification right (student visas often restrict this).

The sponsor’s income is below the minimum or cannot be documented.

You need independent status, not dependent on another family member.

How it differs from neighbouring categories

The only category in this index where the basis is not capital, work, or study — it is a family relationship. Conditions vary sharply by the sponsor’s own status (citizen, resident, work-visa holder) — rules differ even within the same country.