Families
Build your family's new life in the UK
Your family's new chapter starts here
From visas to schools and your first home — we guide every step of your family's move to Britain.
How ready is your family? Take our quiz and find out.
Bringing your family
Dependant visa (partner)
Tied to your visa duration
Spouses & unmarried partners (2+ years) of Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Student and other visa holders.
- Application fee: £719–£1,420
- IHS: £1,035/year (per person)
- Full right to work in the UK
- Access to NHS
Dependant visa (children)
Under 18 at first application
Children of the main applicant. Both parents usually need to be in the UK or have sole custody.
- Same fees as the spouse
- Free state school place
- NHS care included
Monthly family budget · UK average
Rent (3-bed, outer city)
£1,800
Council tax (Band D)
£175
Groceries (family of 4)
£650
Utilities & internet
£280
Childcare (per child)
£900
Transport (family)
£300
Typical total for a family of 4 outside central London: £4,100–£5,200/month.
Schools & childcare
State schools (free)
Apply via local council. Catchment area matters — pick a postcode first.
Private schools
£15,000–£45,000 per year. Selective entry, often boarding options.
Free childcare hours
15–30 funded hours/week for 9 months+ (subject to visa conditions).
NHS for the whole family
Register with a local GP within your first month.
Family-friendly UK cities
Family premium
Built for householdsFamily Plan
Schools, childcare, NHS and private insurance planning.
£29.99
one-time payment
- School and Ofsted guide
- Funded childcare calculator
- NHS setup checklist
- Private health insurance estimate
First-time UK family guides