Bhutan dependent visa

Rule 62 of the Immigration Rules allows spouses and children only for foreign spouses covered by section 77 of the Immigration Act, professional staff of resident missions and international organisations, investors and promoters of FDI companies, professional-category foreign workers whose work lasts at least 90 days, and trader permit holders. Dependent permits are issued to the spouse and dependent children of professional work permit holders with work of at least three months, FDI investors and promoters, and uniformed personnel of projects DANTAK and IMTRAT.

Direct dependents are defined as the spouse and children below 18. Non-professional workers, border-town day workers, students and short-term visitors cannot sponsor dependents.

For dependents of professional foreign workers, the worker holding a valid work permit applies with the dependents' passports valid at least six months beyond departure, a notarised copy of the marriage certificate for the spouse, notarised birth certificates for children under 18 and the completed visa application forms.

For dependents of FDI investors, the investor applies directly with a copy of the valid Investor Card, the dependent permit application form, the passports with the relevant visa, and notarised marriage and birth certificates. Relationship documents must be in English or translated into English and notarised by a public notary.

Dependents pay the non-tourist visa fee scaled by duration, from Nu. 5,000 for 30 days or less to Nu. 27,000 for two to three years. Permit cards other than work permits cost Nu. 300 for one year, Nu. 600 for one to two years and Nu. 900 for two to three years; replacing a lost or damaged card costs Nu. 500 and changing permissible details Nu. 300.

A dependent may stay for the same tenure as the principal permit holder, and the dependent permit is renewed together with the principal's permit. Under the stamp-less regime, visa extensions for dependents are filed online at immi.gov.bt. Dependents need a route permit to travel to places outside those named in their permit.

When the principal's permit ends, the dependents' permits end with it. Late renewal is fined Nu. 215 per day.