Republic of Fiji · family
Special Purpose / Co-Extensive Permit to Reside with a Family Member
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
For people joining a family member in Fiji: this lets a spouse or dependent reside with a permit holder or, in some cases, with a Fiji citizen family member.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - a standard processing window of around 21 working days is referenced; confirm current timelines on the official page.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - permit costs apply; confirm current amounts on the official page.
- Typical duration
- Tied to the principal permit holder's permit and renewed alongside it; family members of citizens are usually granted under a separate exemption. Confirm current validity on the official page.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Overview
This covers Fiji's family-reunion permits, including the Co-Extensive Permit that lets a spouse and dependent children reside alongside a principal permit holder, and the Special Purpose Permit to reside with a family member. The permit is tied to the principal's status and to the genuine family relationship. Spouses of Fiji citizens are usually handled through an exemption status rather than this co-extensive route. It is issued by the Ministry of Immigration. The permit follows the principal's permit period, so it generally needs to be renewed alongside theirs.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓A genuine family relationship to the principal permit holder or family member in Fiji is evidenced.Ministry of Immigration (Fiji) ↗
- ✓The principal holds a valid permit, and the family permit is tied to that status.Ministry of Immigration (Fiji) ↗
- ✓The family member is shown able to be supported without becoming a charge on public funds.Ministry of Immigration (Fiji) ↗
- ✓A valid passport, police clearance and medical report are provided as required.Ministry of Immigration (Fiji) ↗
Common blockers
- !The principal's permit is not valid, so there is no status for the family permit to attach to.Ministry of Immigration (Fiji) ↗
- !The family relationship cannot be evidenced with civil documents.Ministry of Immigration (Fiji) ↗
- !A spouse of a Fiji citizen applies on this route instead of the relevant exemption status.Ministry of Immigration (Fiji) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Marriage certificate or birth certificate establishing the family relationship.Ministry of Immigration (Fiji) ↗
- ·Copy of the principal's valid permit and supporting status documents.Ministry of Immigration (Fiji) ↗
- ·Valid passport plus police clearance from each country of residence as required.Ministry of Immigration (Fiji) ↗
- ·Recent medical report within the period the Ministry requires.Ministry of Immigration (Fiji) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm whether you should apply on the co-extensive family route or, as a spouse of a citizen, under an exemption status, using the official Ministry of Immigration page.
Build the evidence pack
Gather the marriage or birth certificate, the principal's permit details, passports, police clearances and medical reports.
Submit through the official channel
Lodge the family residence application with the Ministry of Immigration, ideally with or alongside the principal's application.
After approval
Join your family member in Fiji and renew the permit alongside the principal's permit before it expires.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantUse official Special Purpose / Co-Extensive Permit to Reside with a Family Member route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Special Purpose / Co-Extensive Permit to Reside with a Family Member.
Ministry of Immigration (Fiji) · verified
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Permanent Residence
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Frequently asked questions
I am married to a Fiji citizen - is this the right permit for me?+
Often not. Spouses of Fiji citizens are usually granted an exemption status to enter and reside rather than this co-extensive family permit, which is mainly for dependents of a non-citizen permit holder. Check which applies to you on the official Ministry of Immigration page.
Does my permit last as long as my spouse's?+
Generally yes. A co-extensive family permit is tied to the principal holder's permit period, so it usually needs to be renewed at the same time as theirs. Confirm the current validity and renewal rules on the official page.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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