Sectors Based Scheme
Dependants under the Sectors Based Scheme
This page explains whether your family members (known as 'dependants') can join you in the UK if you are working here under the Sectors Based Scheme (SBS).
Your dependants are your married or unmarried partner, and any of your children who are aged under 18.
If your dependants are from outside the European Economic Area (EEA), they cannot come to the UK under your SBS permit. If they want to come here, they will need to make their own application for a visa.
If your dependants are EEA nationals, they have the right to free movement within the EEA. They will be able to come to the UK with you, but they should be able to support themselves without needing public funds. If they are Bulgarian or Romanian nationals, they will need our permission before taking a job - see the Bulgarian and Romanian nationals.
Terms explained
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European Economic Area
The European Economic Area (EEA) consists of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, the Republic of Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the UK. Although Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are not members of the European Union (EU), their citizens have the same rights as EU citizens to enter, live in and work in the UK.
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Public funds
Public funds are benefits, paid by the UK government, that are related to your income. Claiming public funds when you are not entitled to them is known as 'benefit fraud', and is a criminal offence. For a list of public funds, see the Public funds page.