Updated: February 2026 • Based on UK Law
A family applies to bring an elderly parent to the UK as an adult dependent relative. They have years of financial support evidence — bank transfers, medical reports, letters from doctors. The Home Office refuses. The reason: no formal declaration of dependency. No statutory document confirming the financial relationship. Without it, the evidence was treated as informal and unverified.
Proving dependency in the UK requires more than bank statements. Whether you’re supporting a visa application, claiming benefits, resolving an inheritance dispute or establishing financial responsibility in court, a properly drafted dependency declaration — structured following the Statutory Declarations Act 1835 — turns informal support into legally recognised evidence.
This guide covers who qualifies as a dependent under UK law, the 2025/2026 immigration rule changes affecting dependent visas, how to prove financial dependency, what documents you need, and how to get a statutory declaration that meets current UK legal requirements.
What Is a Dependency Declaration?
A dependency declaration is a formal legal document — structured as a statutory declaration under the Statutory Declarations Act 1835 — confirming that one person is financially dependent on another. It is used to support visa applications, benefits claims, inheritance matters, tax arrangements and court proceedings across England and Wales.✓ Free Dependency Declaration Compliance Checklist
Verify every essential element — declarant details, dependent identification, financial evidence, relationship proof and witnessing requirements — with our interactive checklist that saves your progress and downloads as a PDF.
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What Is a Dependent in UK Law?
A dependent is a person who relies on another for financial support, housing or care. UK law recognises dependency across multiple legal frameworks — immigration, tax, benefits, inheritance and family law — each with its own definition and qualifying criteria.
The concept appears most frequently in immigration law, where a “dependant” (the UK spelling used in legislation) refers to a spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner or child who accompanies or joins a visa holder in the UK.
But dependency extends far beyond immigration. HMRC recognises financial dependants for inheritance tax purposes. The Department for Work and Pensions assesses dependency for benefits claims. Family courts consider dependency when making financial orders. And the Statutory Declarations Act 1835 provides the legal framework for formally declaring dependency relationships when documentary evidence alone is insufficient.
Why Does a Formal Declaration Matter?
Bank transfers prove money moved. A dependency declaration proves why it moved — establishing the legal relationship between supporter and dependent. Without formal declaration, financial evidence remains informal and open to interpretation.
A properly witnessed statutory declaration carries legal weight because making a false declaration is a criminal offence under the Perjury Act 1911, punishable by fines or imprisonment. This legal consequence gives the declaration credibility that informal letters and statements lack.
Who Qualifies as a Dependent in the UK?
Qualification depends on which legal framework applies. Here are the main categories:
Immigration Dependants
For UK visa purposes, a dependant is a spouse or civil partner, an unmarried partner (if you’ve lived together for 2+ years), or a child under 18 who is not living independently.
Children aged 16–17 qualify if they are not married, not in a civil partnership, have no children of their own and live with the main visa holder (unless at boarding school or university).
Adult dependent relatives — parents, grandparents, siblings or adult children — face much stricter requirements. They must demonstrate they require long-term personal care that cannot be provided in their home country, even with financial assistance from the UK sponsor.
Tax and Inheritance Dependants
HMRC recognises financial dependants for inheritance tax (IHT) purposes, particularly when assessing claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. A person maintained wholly or partly by the deceased may claim reasonable financial provision from the estate.
Dependency for tax purposes requires demonstrating regular financial support — not occasional gifts. A statutory declaration of dependency provides formal evidence of this ongoing relationship.
Benefits Dependants
The DWP assesses dependency when determining entitlement to benefits including Universal Credit, Pension Credit and bereavement benefits. A dependent is typically someone who relies on the claimant financially and shares their household or receives regular financial support.
Who Qualifies as a Dependent Relative?
A dependent relative is a family member who relies on another for financial support or care. Under UK immigration rules, this specifically means a parent, grandparent, brother, sister, son or daughter aged 18+ who requires long-term personal care due to illness, disability or age.
Outside immigration, the definition is broader. Courts and government bodies assess dependency based on the actual financial relationship — regular support, shared expenses, housing provision — regardless of specific family relationship.
| Legal Context | Who Qualifies | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Immigration (partner/child) | Spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner (2+ years), child under 18 | Relationship proof + financial requirement |
| Immigration (adult relative) | Parent, grandparent, sibling, adult child | Long-term care need + no alternative care available |
| Inheritance (1975 Act) | Anyone maintained by the deceased | Regular financial support before death |
| Tax (HMRC) | Financial dependants for IHT purposes | Ongoing financial dependency evidence |
| Benefits (DWP) | Household members relying on claimant | Shared household or regular support |
| Family court | Spouse, children, cohabitants | Financial reliance demonstrated to court |
What Are the New Rules for Dependants in the UK?
The UK immigration system has undergone significant changes affecting dependant visas through 2025 and into 2026. These are the key developments:
Changes Already in Effect
January 2024: International students can no longer bring dependants unless enrolled in PhD or postgraduate research programmes.
March 2024: Care workers and senior care workers can no longer bring dependants to the UK on new visa applications.
April 2024: The minimum income threshold for partner/spouse visas increased from £18,600 to £29,000 for new applicants. Existing visa holders remain on the old threshold.
July 2025: Skilled Worker visa holders in roles at RQF Level 3–5 on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List can no longer bring dependants. The general Skilled Worker salary threshold remains at £41,700.
January 2026: English language requirements raised from B1 to B2 for Skilled Worker, High Potential Individual and Scale-up visas. Dependant partners of work visa holders now require basic English proficiency.
What’s Coming in 2026?
April 2026 (proposed): The standard qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — permanent residence — is expected to extend from 5 years to 10 years under a new “earned settlement” model. This affects both main visa holders and their dependants.
February 2026: Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) becomes mandatory for visa-free travellers from 85+ countries, including EU, Canada and the US.
December 2026: The Immigration Salary List is scheduled to be phased out entirely.
The Migration Advisory Committee published its December 2025 review of salary requirements. It recommended keeping the general threshold at £41,700 but reducing occupation-specific thresholds. The Home Office has not yet confirmed whether it will adopt these recommendations.
⚠ Partner Visa Threshold Under Review: The Migration Advisory Committee published its review of the partner visa financial requirement in June 2025. It presented options ranging from £17,000 (just above the poverty line) to £23,800 (minimum wage) but did not recommend a specific figure. At the time of writing (February 2026), the £29,000 threshold remains in effect. Check GOV.UK for the latest position.
Is the UK Still Offering Dependent Visas?
Yes — but with more restrictions than before. Dependent visas remain available for partners, spouses and children of most UK visa holders. The restrictions primarily affect specific visa categories rather than eliminating dependent visas entirely.
Who Can Still Bring Dependants?
Skilled Worker visa holders in degree-level roles (RQF 6+) earning at least £41,700 can still bring dependants. Health and Care visa holders remain eligible. Global Talent, Innovator Founder and other specialist visa holders retain dependant rights.
British citizens and those with Indefinite Leave to Remain can bring partners and children under the family visa route, subject to the £29,000 minimum income requirement.
Who Can No Longer Bring Dependants?
International students (except PhD/research students). Care workers and senior care workers on new visas since March 2024. Skilled Workers in sub-degree roles on the ISL or TSL since July 2025.
Existing dependants who applied before the restriction dates are unaffected — they can remain and extend their visas even if the main applicant’s category is now restricted.
How Much Salary Is Needed to Bring a Dependent to the UK?
The salary or income requirement depends entirely on your visa category:
| Visa Route | Minimum Salary / Income | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker (degree-level) | £41,700 or occupation going rate | Dependants permitted |
| Skilled Worker (new entrant) | £33,400 | Dependants permitted at degree level |
| Health and Care Worker | £29,000 or national pay scale | Dependants permitted (except care workers) |
| Partner/Spouse visa (family route) | £29,000 (sponsor’s income) | Under review — may change in 2026 |
| Partner visa (pre-April 2024) | £18,600 | Grandfathered for existing applicants |
| Adult Dependent Relative | Must demonstrate adequate maintenance | No fixed threshold — case-by-case |
For Skilled Worker dependants, the main applicant’s salary must meet the visa threshold — there is no separate financial requirement for each dependant. However, you must show maintenance funds of at least £285 per dependant (held for 28 consecutive days) unless you’ve been in the UK for 12+ months.
What Are the Financial Requirements for Bringing a Spouse to the UK?
Bringing a spouse or partner to the UK on the family visa route requires the UK-based sponsor to meet the Minimum Income Requirement (MIR). Since April 2024, this is £29,000 per year for new applicants.
How Can You Meet the £29,000 Threshold?
The income requirement can be met through several sources, but the rules are strict about which income counts:
Employment income. Only the UK sponsor’s income typically counts. The applicant’s income can be included only if they are already legally working in the UK and switching to or extending a partner visa.
Self-employment income. Assessed over the most recent full financial year. Must be evidenced by tax returns and business accounts.
Cash savings. Savings above £16,000 can be used to make up a shortfall. The formula is: savings minus £16,000, divided by 2.5, equals the amount that can count toward the income threshold.
Pension, property rental and dividend income. Can be combined with employment or self-employment income. Must be evidenced over at least 12 months.
A dependency declaration can support spouse visa applications by formally confirming financial arrangements, particularly where income sources are complex or where the applicant contributes to household finances informally.
How Can You Prove Financial Dependency?
Proving financial dependency requires a combination of documentary evidence and — where evidence alone is insufficient — a formal statutory declaration. The standard of proof varies by context, but the principle is consistent: you must demonstrate an ongoing financial relationship, not just isolated transactions.
What Evidence Do You Need?
Bank statements showing regular transfers to the dependent person. At least 6–12 months of consistent payments demonstrates ongoing support rather than occasional gifts.
Money transfer receipts for international payments. Keep records of every transfer including reference numbers, dates, amounts and recipient details.
Proof of bills paid on behalf of the dependent — rent, utilities, medical expenses, school fees. Direct payments to service providers are stronger evidence than cash transfers.
Letters from the dependent confirming they receive and rely on your financial support. These should be specific about amounts, frequency and what the money is used for.
Medical or care assessments where dependency relates to health needs. Reports from qualified professionals carry more weight than personal statements.
Where Does a Dependency Declaration Fit In?
A statutory declaration of dependency ties all the evidence together. It provides a formal, legally binding statement confirming the nature and extent of the financial relationship — witnessed by a solicitor, notary or Commissioner for Oaths.
The declaration is particularly valuable where documentary evidence is incomplete (common with international support arrangements), where the dependency relationship is informal (supporting a friend or non-family member), or where the purpose requires formal legal evidence (court proceedings, HMRC claims, visa applications).
Making a false statutory declaration is a criminal offence under the Perjury Act 1911. This legal consequence gives declarations credibility that informal letters lack.
What Documents Are Needed for Proof of Relationship in the UK?
The documents required depend on the type of relationship and the purpose of the proof. Here are the main categories:
For Married Couples or Civil Partners
Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate. If issued overseas, an officially translated copy may be required. Proof of living together — joint tenancy agreements, utility bills in both names, correspondence to the same address.
For Unmarried Partners
Evidence of 2+ years cohabitation — tenancy agreements, mortgage statements, council tax bills, bank statements showing the same address. Joint financial commitments help demonstrate the relationship’s substance.
Where cohabitation evidence is limited (for example, if the partner lives overseas), a statutory declaration of the relationship becomes particularly important.
For Parent-Child Relationships
Birth certificates establishing parentage. Adoption certificates where applicable. For adult children claiming dependency, evidence of ongoing financial support and inability to support themselves independently.
For Adult Dependent Relatives
Medical evidence confirming the need for long-term personal care. Evidence that adequate care is not available or affordable in the dependent’s home country. Evidence of the UK sponsor’s ability to maintain and accommodate the dependent without recourse to public funds.
For Dependent Visa Applications Specifically
Valid passport for the dependant. Proof of relationship to the main visa holder. Proof of financial maintenance (varies by visa category). Tuberculosis test results (if applying from certain countries). Biometric information. English language evidence (for partner dependants of work visa holders from January 2026).
How Can I Bring My Dependent Parents to the UK?
Bringing parents to the UK as dependants is one of the most difficult immigration applications. The Adult Dependent Relative (ADR) visa has extremely restrictive criteria — the Home Office grants very few applications each year.
What Must You Prove?
Your parent requires long-term personal care to perform everyday tasks (washing, dressing, cooking). The care cannot be provided by any other family member in their home country. The care is not available at a reasonable cost in their home country — even with financial help from the UK sponsor.
The “even with financial help” requirement is the biggest hurdle. If you could afford to fund care in your parent’s home country, the Home Office will usually refuse the application — even if you’d prefer your parent to live with you.
You must also demonstrate you can maintain and accommodate your parent in the UK without recourse to public funds, and that adequate accommodation is available.
What Role Does a Dependency Declaration Play?
A formal dependency declaration can support an ADR application by confirming the financial relationship between sponsor and parent, detailing the care needs and explaining why alternative care arrangements are inadequate. It provides a structured, legally binding statement that complements medical evidence and financial records.
For parents visiting the UK (rather than settling permanently), the Standard Visitor visa allows visits of up to 6 months. No dependency declaration is required for visits, but evidence of ties to the home country and intention to return is essential.
Can I Bring My Unmarried Partner to the UK?
Yes — if you can prove you’ve lived together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 years. The unmarried partner route falls under the family visa category and requires the same £29,000 minimum income threshold as spouse applications.
The 2-year cohabitation requirement must be continuous. Brief separations for work or family reasons may be acceptable if explained, but extended periods apart undermine the application.
How Do You Prove 2 Years of Cohabitation?
Joint tenancy or mortgage agreements. Utility bills, council tax or insurance in both names. Bank statements showing the same address. Official correspondence (government letters, medical records) to the shared address. Photographs and travel records showing shared life.
Where documentary evidence is limited — particularly for couples who lived in countries with informal housing arrangements — a statutory declaration from both partners confirming the relationship and cohabitation history provides essential supporting evidence.
Third-party statutory declarations from friends, family or community leaders who can confirm the couple’s cohabitation are also valuable.
How Do I Get a Statutory Declaration in the UK?
A statutory declaration is a formal written statement made under the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. It must be signed in the presence of an authorised witness — making it a legally binding document where false statements constitute perjury.
Who Can Witness a Statutory Declaration?
A practising solicitor (all solicitors holding a valid practising certificate can act as Commissioners for Oaths). A notary public. A Justice of the Peace. A Commissioner for Oaths. UK diplomatic or consular officers when overseas. Armed forces officers of major rank or above.
The witness must be independent — they cannot be a party to the matter covered by the declaration or have a personal interest in its contents.
What Must the Declaration Contain?
The declarant’s full name and address. A clear statement of the facts being declared. The prescribed wording: “I make this solemn declaration conscientiously believing the same to be true and by virtue of the provisions of the Statutory Declarations Act 1835.” The declarant’s signature, witnessed and dated.
How Much Does It Cost?
For domestic use: the statutory fee is £5 for the declaration and £2 per exhibit (attached document). Solicitors may charge an additional fee for drafting the declaration. Notaries charge higher fees — typically £50–£150+ — particularly for declarations intended for international use.
If the declaration is needed abroad, it may require notarisation and an apostille (authentication for use in countries party to the 1961 Hague Convention).
For a professionally structured dependency declaration template — covering all required elements for UK legal use — see the Dependency Declaration Template, which includes both editor and interview versions with step-by-step guidance.
How Many Months Can a Dependent Stay Outside the UK?
This depends on your visa category and your long-term settlement plans:
Work visa dependants (PBS dependants): The 180-day absence rule applies. To qualify for ILR, you must not be absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any rolling 12-month period. This applies to dependants of Skilled Worker, Global Talent and other points-based visa holders.
Family route (spouse/partner visa under Appendix FM): The 180-day rule does not apply. However, extended absences may raise questions about whether you genuinely intend to live in the UK — which is a requirement for extension and ILR.
Dependent children: Not subject to absence limits for ILR purposes regardless of route.
For British citizenship: Applicants must not have been outside the UK for more than 450 days during the 5 years before application, and no more than 90 days in the final 12 months.
After ILR is granted: ILR holders must not spend more than 2 consecutive years outside the UK, or their status lapses.
Under the proposed “earned settlement” changes expected from April 2026, absence rules for the extended 10-year route have not yet been confirmed. The consultation closed in February 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money needs to be declared in the UK?
If you’re entering the UK carrying £10,000 or more in cash (or the equivalent in any currency), you must declare it to UK Border Force. This applies to cash, bankers’ drafts, cheques not made out to a specific person or organisation, and travellers’ cheques.
This is a customs requirement separate from dependency declarations. A dependency declaration focuses on proving an ongoing financial support relationship — there is no minimum or maximum amount that must be declared in a dependency context.
What is the difference between a dependant and a dependent?
In UK English, “dependant” (with an ‘a’) is the noun — a person who depends on someone else. “Dependent” (with an ‘e’) is the adjective — describing the state of relying on someone. UK immigration legislation uses “dependant” throughout.
In practice, both spellings are widely used interchangeably, and official UK government documents sometimes use both.
Can my dependent work in the UK?
Most dependant visa holders have full work rights in the UK with no restrictions on the type of work. This includes dependants of Skilled Worker, Health and Care and other work visa holders.
Dependants of student visa holders also typically have work rights, though these may be restricted during term time.
Do I need a solicitor for a dependency declaration?
You need a solicitor (or other authorised person) to witness the declaration — they sign to confirm you made the statement in their presence. You do not necessarily need a solicitor to draft it.
Many people use professionally drafted templates for the declaration itself, then take the completed document to a solicitor for witnessing. The statutory fee for witnessing is £5 plus £2 per exhibit.
Can a dependency declaration be used for multiple purposes?
A single declaration can be used to support multiple related applications or claims. However, it’s often better to draft declarations tailored to each specific purpose, as different bodies (HMRC, Home Office, courts) look for different information.
The underlying facts remain the same — but the emphasis and supporting evidence may differ.
What happens if a dependency declaration is found to be false?
Making a false statutory declaration is a criminal offence under Section 5 of the Perjury Act 1911. Penalties on conviction on indictment include imprisonment for up to 2 years and/or an unlimited fine.
Beyond criminal penalties, a false declaration can result in visa refusal, deportation, being banned from future UK visa applications and civil claims for any losses caused by the false statement.
How long is a dependency declaration valid?
Statutory declarations do not expire. However, their practical usefulness diminishes over time as circumstances change. For ongoing applications, a declaration more than 6–12 months old may be considered outdated.
For court proceedings and HMRC claims, the declaration is evidence of the facts as they were at the date of signing. Updated declarations may be needed if circumstances change materially.
Can I make a dependency declaration from overseas?
Yes. Statutory declarations made overseas must be witnessed by a UK diplomatic or consular officer, a notary public in the relevant country, or any person authorised by the law of that country to administer oaths.
If the declaration is for use in UK proceedings, it may need to be apostilled (authenticated under the 1961 Hague Convention) or legalised through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
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Last updated: February 2026
Disclaimer: This guide provides general UK legal information, not legal advice. Immigration rules change frequently — always check GOV.UK for the latest requirements. Laws are current as of February 2026.
