Can my dependant work in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa?

Dependants of Skilled Worker visa holders generally have the right to work in the UK without restriction. They can take any job, be self-employed, or start a business. However, check your dependant's specific visa conditions as some restrictions may apply depending on the route.

Do dependants need their own work visa?

No. Dependants granted leave as a dependant of a Skilled Worker visa holder do not need a separate work visa. Their permission to work is part of their dependant visa conditions.

Can dependants of care workers work?

This has been subject to policy changes. There have been restrictions on dependants of certain Health and Care Worker visa holders. Check the latest rules as they may have changed since initial announcements.

Can my dependant be self-employed?

Yes, in most cases. Dependants of Skilled Worker visa holders typically have unrestricted work conditions, which includes self-employment. They must register with HMRC and pay tax on their earnings.

Can Skilled Worker Dependants Work in the UK? 2026 Guide

Dependants of Skilled Worker visa holders generally have unrestricted work rights in the UK, including employment and self-employment. However, recent policy changes have introduced some restrictions for specific categories. Check your dependant's visa conditions carefully.

General Work Rights

When a family member is granted leave as a dependant of a Skilled Worker visa holder, their visa conditions typically allow them to work in the UK without restriction. This means they can:

Take employed work with any employer (no sponsorship needed).
Work in any sector, including professions that require professional registration.
Be self-employed or start a business.
Work full-time or part-time.

The dependant's employer must still conduct a right-to-work check before they start employment.

How to Verify Work Rights

Your dependant can prove their right to work through:

Their eVisa share code (generated from their UKVI online account).
Their BRP card (if still valid and not yet transitioned to eVisa).
The conditions stated on their visa or immigration documents.

Employers can use the online right-to-work checking service with the dependant's share code.

Restrictions and Exceptions

While most Skilled Worker dependants have unrestricted work rights, some exceptions exist:

Care worker dependants: Recent policy changes have affected the work rights of dependants of some Health and Care Worker visa holders. Check the latest rules.
Professional doctors and dentists in training: There may be restrictions on working as a doctor or dentist in training if you are a dependant rather than a main applicant.
No recourse to public funds: Most dependant visas include an NRPF condition, which does not affect the right to work but does limit access to certain benefits.

Impact on the Main Applicant's Visa

Your dependant's employment does not affect your Skilled Worker visa. However, when you apply for extensions or ILR, your dependant's income is not counted towards your salary requirement. Your own sponsored salary must independently meet the threshold.

Practical Considerations

Your dependant should get a National Insurance number before starting work.
If self-employed, they should register for self-assessment with HMRC.
Their visa expiry date matches yours, so they need to extend or switch when you do.

Next Steps

Check your dependant's visa conditions to confirm their work rights. If they want to start working, ensure they have a National Insurance number and can provide right-to-work evidence to employers.

Related guides:

Work Rights for Skilled Worker Dependants