For many international students, especially Nigerians planning long-term studies abroad, relocating alone is no longer the ideal option.
With rising living costs, extended postgraduate programmes, and the need for family support, the ability to bring dependents such as a spouse or children has become a key factor when choosing a study destination.
In several countries, international students can apply to bring dependents either at the same time as their study permit application or after securing residence.
These dependent permits often allow spouses to live and work legally, helping households manage expenses and integrate more easily into the host country’s economy. Children, on the other hand, are typically granted access to public education and healthcare, reducing the overall cost of relocation for families.
However, policies differ widely across countries. While some countries offer flexible rules and fast processing, others impose strict income thresholds, accommodation requirements, or limits based on the level of study.
For Nigerian students, understanding these differences is crucial to avoiding delays, refusals, or unexpected costs. Below is a curated list of the top 10 countries that allow international students to bring dependents, highlighting destinations that combine quality education with family-friendly immigration policies.
International students in Sweden can bring their spouse, registered partner, cohabiting partner, or children under 18 through a dependent residence permit. Citizens from outside the EU/EEA generally need a permit to live with someone in Sweden.
Family members can apply at the same time as the student or retroactively if the student has already been granted a residence permit for first- or second-cycle studies, doctoral studies, or to look for work after completing studies.
Applicants must have a valid passport, provide proof of the family relationship, and demonstrate sufficient funds for the entire stay—currently SEK 4,440 per adult and SEK 2,664 per child per month. Families are required to live together in Sweden for the duration of the permit.
Processing times vary depending on application completeness and verification requirements, but statistics show that 75% of recent cases are decided within five months. Application fees are SEK 1,500 for adults and SEK 750 for children under 18, with no refund if the application is rejected.
Spouses on dependent permits are generally allowed to work in Sweden if the student’s residence permit exceeds three months, giving families stability while the student pursues their studies. The policy ensures that international students can focus on their education without leaving loved ones behind.
