UK Spouse Visa Requirements: Eligibility, Financial Thresholds & Documents
Imagine this. You and your partner are planning your future together in the UK.
You have built your relationship, made your long-term plans, and now you are ready to take the next step. But as soon as you look into the visa process, it suddenly feels overwhelming.
The UK Spouse Visa rules have changed in recent years, especially the financial requirements, and it is more important than ever to understand exactly what the Home Office expects.
The UK Spouse Visa allows you to join your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner in the UK if they are a British citizen, hold Indefinite Leave to Remain, have refugee or humanitarian protection, or hold EUSS settled or pre settled status acquired in their own right (generally EUSS holders who received status as family members cannot act as sponsors).
It is the main route for partners who want to live together permanently in the UK, work, study, and eventually settle.
In this guide, you will learn everything you need to prepare a strong application including:
- What the Spouse Visa is
- Who qualifies under the updated rules
- The financial requirement of £29,000 and how to meet it
- What documents you must provide (and how to avoid common mistakes)
- The full application process and timelines
- What happens after approval
- What to do if your application is refused
- How recent policy changes may affect you
By the end, you will have a clear, simple understanding of the process and what you need to do to give your application the strongest possible chance of success.
What is the UK Spouse Visa?
The UK Spouse Visa is part of the family immigration route that allows you to live in the UK with your husband, wife, or civil partner.
You can apply if your partner is a British citizen, has Indefinite Leave to Remain, holds refugee or humanitarian protection, or has EU (Pre) Settled Status.
The key purpose of this visa is to allow couples to build their life together in the UK.
To qualify, your marriage or civil partnership must be legally recognised, and you must intend to live together permanently in the UK once the visa is granted.
If you are not married but in a committed partnership, you may also qualify under the “unmarried partner” category, but only if you can show you have lived together for at least two years, or can provide strong evidence explaining why cohabitation was not possible.
A successful application normally gives you:
- 2 years and 9 months of permission if applying from outside the UK
- 2 years and 6 months if applying from inside the UK (switching categories)
During this period, you are allowed to work, study, and travel in and out of the UK. Once your initial permission expires, you can extend your visa. After completing five years on the partner route, you may become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is the final step before applying for British citizenship.
This route is based on strict eligibility, financial, and documentation rules, so understanding each requirement clearly is essential before you apply.
Eligibility Criteria for the US Spouse Visa
To qualify for a UK Spouse Visa, you and your partner must meet several core requirements set out in Appendix FM of the immigration rules. These rules focus on your relationship, your partner’s status, your financial stability, and your ability to integrate into life in the UK. Below is a clear breakdown of each requirement.
1 - Age and relationship requirements
Both you and your partner must be 18 or older at the time you apply.
Your relationship must be genuine and subsisting, meaning you are committed to each other, communicate regularly, and plan to live together permanently in the UK.
If you are married or in a civil partnership, the marriage must be legally valid in the country where it took place and recognised under UK law.
If you are applying as unmarried partners, you must show at least two years of cohabitation, or provide a credible explanation for any period where living together was not possible, supported by evidence.
2 - Sponsor’s status in the UK
Your partner (the “sponsor”) must hold one of the following:
- British citizenship
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
- EU Settled Status (under specific, qualifying circumstances)
- Refugee status or humanitarian protection
This shows they are allowed to support a partner to join them under the family migration route.
3 - Intention to live together
Both of you must intend to live together on a permanent, long-term basis in the UK once the visa is granted.
If you have been living apart because of work commitments, studies, or immigration restrictions, you should provide evidence of this and explain your plan for living together in the UK.
4 - Accommodation and maintenance without public funds
You must show that you have suitable accommodation in the UK that you can live in without relying on public funds.
The accommodation must be:
- Not overcrowded
- Safe and suitable for your household
- Owned, rented, or legally available to you
If you will live with family, you must show written confirmation and evidence that there is enough space.
5 - English language requirement
Unless you qualify for an exemption, you must meet the English language requirement by:
- Passing an approved English test at A1 level (for the first spouse visa application), or
- Providing a recognised degree taught in English
Some applicants are exempt due to age, disability, or nationality.
6 - Good character
You must also meet general suitability rules, which include:
- No serious or recent criminal convictions
- No immigration breaches (such as overstaying or deception)
- No debt to the NHS
- No unpaid litigation costs owed to the Home Office
These checks help ensure you meet the UK’s character and conduct expectations.
7 - Exceptions to the Standard Rules
In some cases, an applicant may still qualify even if they do not meet every requirement.
Exceptions may apply when:
- The sponsor receives certain disability-related benefits
- There is a British child involved
- Refusal would breach Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (right to family life)
These exceptions allow flexibility but do not remove the need to submit strong evidence.
Financial Requirements & Minimum Income Thresholds
One of the most important (and most challenging) parts of the UK Spouse Visa is meeting the financial requirement.
The Home Office uses this requirement to make sure you and your partner can support yourselves in the UK without relying on public funds. The rules changed significantly in 2024.
Below is a clear breakdown of what income, savings, and evidence you must show.
The Current Minimum Income Requirement (MIR)
As of 2025, the minimum income requirement for a UK Spouse Visa is £29,000 per year gross.
This requirement applies to:
- First-time applications made on or after 11 April 2024
- Many extension applications if your first visa was granted under the new rules
If you applied before 11 April 2024, your extension will follow the old financial rules for the entire five-year route.
What Counts as Income?
Your partner (the sponsor) can meet the financial requirement using income from:
- Employment (genrally UK-based only)
- Self-employment
- Certain types of non-employment income (property rental income, dividends, investments)
- Pension income
- Maternity, paternity, adoption, or sick pay (if applicable)
If you are already in the UK lawfully with permission to work, your income can also count.
To qualify, income must be:
- Stable
- Lawful
- Supported by “specified evidence” such as payslips, tax returns, and employer letters
Child Requirement Under New Rules
Under the new £29,000 threshold:
- There is no additional income requirement for dependent children.
This is different from the old rules, where each child required several thousand pounds in additional income.
Meeting the Requirement Using Savings
If you cannot meet the income threshold, you may rely on cash savings instead of income.
To qualify through savings alone, you must show at least:
£88,500 held for 6 consecutive months
Savings can be held by:
- You
- Your partner
- Both of you jointly
You must provide:
- Full bank statements
- Evidence of where the savings came from
- Proof that funds are accessible and not borrowed
Gifts from family can count if the funds have been held for the full six months.
When Income and Savings Can Be Combined
If your income is below £29,000, you can combine it with savings.
The Home Office uses a formula to calculate how much savings are needed, which depends on the income shortfall.
Example:
If you earn £25,000, your shortfall is £4,000.
You then need £4,000 × 2.5 = £20,000
Plus the £16,000 base amount.
Total savings required = £36,000
When You Are Exempt from the Income Requirement
If your partner receives certain benefits due to disability or caring responsibilities, you may be exempt from the standard MIR.
Eligible benefits include (but are not limited to):
- PIP (Personal Independence Payment)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance
- Attendance Allowance
If exempt, you must meet the Adequate Maintenance requirement instead. This compares your household income to UK income support levels.
The Bottom Line
The financial requirement is one of the most complex parts of a Spouse Visa application, especially after the increase to £29,000. You must plan carefully, understand which category your income falls under, and provide the correct evidence for it.
If you are unsure whether you meet the threshold, it is always worth getting professional guidance before submitting your application.
Document Checklist & Evidence
The UK Spouse Visa requires a detailed set of documents to prove your relationship, financial circumstances, accommodation, and eligibility.
The Home Office applies strict “specified evidence” rules, meaning your documents must be complete, correctly formatted, and submitted in the proper sequence. Missing even one required item may result in a refusal.
Below is a clear, comprehensive checklist of what you must prepare.
Relationship evidence
You must demonstrate that your relationship is genuine and ongoing. The Home Office expects consistent, credible evidence that shows a meaningful connection.
Examples include:
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate
- Photographs together over time
- Screenshots of calls, messages, emails, and social media conversations
- Travel records showing visits to each other
- Joint bank accounts, shared bills, or rental agreements
- Evidence of cohabitation (for unmarried partners)
- Letters from family or friends confirming knowledge of your relationship (optional but helpful)
If you are applying as unmarried partners and have not lived together for two years, you must provide strong evidence explaining why.
Sponsor documents
Your partner must provide proof of their identity, status, and financial situation. These may include:
- British passport or evidence of ILR, settled status, refugee status, or humanitarian protection
- Employment documents such as:
- Payslips
- Bank statements showing salary deposits
- Employer letter with job details and salary
- Self-employment documents, including:
- SA302 tax calculations
- Full accounts
- HMRC confirmation
- Evidence of non-employment income, if applicable
All financial documents must be within the required date ranges and include the correct details.
Applicant documents
You must provide:
- Valid passport or travel document
- Birth certificate (recommended but not always required)
- Evidence of any previous marriage or civil partnership termination
- English language test certificate (if required)
- Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate, depending on your country
- Evidence of immigration status if applying from within the UK
All documents not in English or Welsh must include certified translations.
Accommodation evidence
You must show that you and your partner will live in adequate, non-overcrowded accommodation in the UK.
Acceptable evidence includes:
- Tenancy agreement
- Mortgage statement or deed
- Property inspection report (not mandatory but highly recommended)
- Utility bills
- Council tax documents
- If living with family:
- A signed letter confirming permission
- Proof of ownership or tenancy by the family member
- Evidence the property has enough space
Accommodation must comply with UK Housing Act standards.
Financial evidence
The financial section requires the most precise documentation. Depending on the income category, you may need:
If employed:
- Six months of payslips
- Six months of bank statements
- Employer letter containing all required details
- P60
If self-employed:
- SA302 tax documents
- Full business accounts
- Accountant’s letter (if required)
- Business bank statements
If relying on savings:
- Bank statements covering at least six consecutive months
- Source of funds declaration (sale of property, inheritance, etc.)
- Evidence that the funds are fully accessible and not borrowed
English language & health surcharge
You must submit:
- Approved English language test certificate (A1 for first application)
- OR proof of degree taught in English
- OR exemption documentation (medical or nationality exemption)
You must also provide:
- Confirmation of payment of the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which grants access to the NHS for the duration of the visa.
Additional documents for dependent children
If applying with children under 18, include:
- Child’s passport
- Child’s birth certificate
- Proof of custody or consent if one parent is not part of the application
- Evidence that accommodation is suitable for the family
Application Process & Timeline
Applying for a UK Spouse Visa involves several steps, from gathering documents to attending biometrics and waiting for a decision.
Although the process is straightforward in theory, it can become complicated if you do not meet the financial or any other requirement, fail to provide “specified evidence,” or misunderstand the Home Office requirements.
Below is a clear, updated guide to how the application works in 2025.
Applying Outside the UK vs Inside the UK
If applying from outside the UK:
You will:
- Complete the online Spouse Visa application
- Pay the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Book a biometrics appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
- Submit your supporting document
- Wait for a decision
Standard processing time is around 12 weeks, although this can vary. Priority processing may be available for an additional fee (usually around £500).
You will receive entry clearance valid for 2 years and 9 months, which allows you to travel to the UK and live with your partner.
If applying from inside the UK:
You may apply inside the UK if you are:
- On a valid visa
- Eligible to switch into the partner route
- Not on a visitor visa or other ineligible category
You will:
- Complete the online spouse/partner application
- Pay the fees and IHS
- Attend a TLS biometrics appointment
- Upload your documents
Standard processing time is usually around 8 weeks, though it may be longer if your case is complex or additional checks are required. You will receive 2 years and 6 months of leave to remain.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Here is a simple breakdown of the full application process:
Step 1 — Check your eligibility
Make sure you meet:
- Age requirement
- Relationship requirement
- Financial requirement
- Accommodation requirement
- English language requirement
Step 3 — Complete the online application form
You will answer questions about:
- Your personal history
- Your relationship
- Your finances
- Your accommodation plans
- Your immigration history
Step 4 — Pay the visa fees
This includes:
- Visa application fee
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Priority processing if selected
Step 5 — Attend your biometrics appointment
You will give:
- Fingerprints
- Photograph
- Signature
Step 6 — Submit supporting evidence
- You can upload documents to the online portal or, in some cases, hand them in at the appointment.
Step 7 — Wait for a decision
- The Home Office will review your relationship, financial evidence, immigration history, and intention to live together.
Step 8 — Receive your decision
If successful, you will get:
- A digital immigration status (eVisa), or
- An entry clearance vignette for travel (if applying outside the UK)
- After arrival, you can begin living with your partner in the UK.
Processing Times
| Application Type | Standard Processing Time | Priority Option |
|---|---|---|
| Outside the UK | ~12 weeks | +£500 for faster decision |
| Inside the UK | ~8 weeks | +£500 priority (decision within 5 working days) or £1,000 for super priority (decision within 48 hours) |
Processing may take longer if:
- Financial evidence is unclear
- Further checks are required
- Complex personal circumstances exist
After Approval
Once approved:
- You may live, work, and study in the UK
- You must not claim public funds
- You will need to maintain evidence of your relationship for future applications
- You must apply for an extension before your visa expires
After 5 years on the spouse/partner route, you may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
What If Your Application Is Refused?
A refusal can feel devastating, especially when you and your partner are planning your future together.
But refusals are often fixable, and many applicants succeed on their second attempt once they understand what went wrong. The most common reasons for spouse visa refusals remain financial evidence errors, relationship documentation issues, or failure to follow the Home Office’s “specified evidence” rules.
Below is a clear explanation of why refusals happen, what you can do next, and how to strengthen your case going forward.
Common Reasons for Refusal
The Home Office may refuse a spouse visa application if:
1. Financial Requirement Not Met
- Insufficient income to meet the £29,000 threshold
- Missing payslips or bank statements
- Incorrect employer letter
- Inability to prove consistent income
- Savings held for less than 6 months
- Financial evidence is the most common reason for refusal.
2. Relationship Evidence Too Weak
- Insufficient proof of communication
- Lack of evidence showing intent to live together
- Inconsistent timelines
- Poorly translated documents
3. Accommodation Issues
- Property does not meet UK overcrowding standards
- No proof that the applicant is allowed to live there
- No documentation from homeowner when staying with family
4. English Language Requirement Not Met
- Incorrect test provider
- Expired test certificate
- Missing exemption evidence
5. Suitability / Character Issues
- Previous immigration breaches
- Undisclosed criminal history
- Outstanding NHS debt or litigation costs
f. Incorrect or Missing Documents
If required evidence is missing or not formatted correctly, the Home Office will refuse the application even if you meet the requirements in reality.
If you receive a refusal, you have a right to appeal against the decision on the basis that the refusal breaches your human rights – right to family life under Article 8 ECHR.
Extension, Settlement & Long-Term Considerations
Once you are granted a UK Spouse Visa, your immigration journey does not end there.
The spouse route is a multi-stage process, and you must continue to meet the requirements to remain in the UK long-term. Understanding the extension stage, the path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), and how changes in your circumstances may affect your status is crucial for planning your future.
Below is a clear and updated overview of what happens after your first spouse visa is approved.
Extending your Spouse Visa
Your initial visa is granted for:
- 2 years and 9 months if you applied from outside the UK
- 2 years and 6 months if you applied from inside the UK
Before this period ends, you must apply for an extension under the same partner route. To qualify for the extension, you must still meet:
- The relationship requirement (genuine and subsisting)
- The financial requirement (according to the rules in force at the time of extension)
- The accommodation requirement
- The English language requirement (for the extension, you usually need A2 level)
You will need to provide updated evidence, including:
- Recent payslips and bank statements
- Updated proof of relationship (photos, communication, joint bills)
- Updated accommodation documents
- English test certificate at the required level, unless exempt
Your extension is normally for another 2 years and 6 months.
The 5-Year Route to Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain)
Once you have spent five continuous years in the UK on the spouse/partner route, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This is also called “settlement.”
To qualify, you must show:
- Your relationship is still genuine and subsisting
- You and your partner continue to live together
- You meet the financial requirement applicable at the time
- You have adequate accommodation
- You meet the English requirement (B1 level)
- You have passed the Life in the UK Test
- You do not have excessive absences from the UK
With ILR, you are considered “settled,” meaning:
- You can stay in the UK without time limits
- You can work or study without restriction
- You can access certain public funds
- You may later apply for British citizenship
The 10-Year Route to Settlement (If You Do Not Meet Requirements)
If you cannot meet all the requirements for the standard 5-year route, you may still be able to remain in the UK under the 10-year partner route, often used when:
- You cannot meet the financial requirement
- You do not meet the English requirement
- Your relationship meets Article 8 (family life) protections
- There are children who are British or settled
This route takes longer but ensures your family life is protected.
Children and Long-Term Immigration Planning
If you have children who are not British or settled, their immigration status may be connected to yours.
- Children applying with you will normally receive leave in line with your own visa
- A child born in the UK during your spouse visa period does not automatically become British
- A child may become eligible for citizenship once you or your partner obtain ILR, depending on circumstances
Work Rights, Travel, and Public Funds
On a spouse visa (and extension), you are allowed to:
- Work in almost any job
- Study
- Travel abroad and return to the UK
However, you cannot claim public funds during your spouse visa period.
This includes most welfare benefits.
Misusing public funds can negatively impact future extensions or ILR.
Costs & Fees for UK Spouse Visa
The UK Spouse Visa process involves several mandatory costs, and understanding them will help you budget properly before you begin your application.
Fees can change annually, so it’s essential to check the latest figures before applying, but the following provides a clear overview of the typical fees you should expect at the date of publication of this article..
Visa Application Fee
Outside the UK
The fee for the spouse/partner visa application submitted from abroad is higher than in-country applications.
Typical fee (subject to updates):
- £1,938 for applications made outside the UK
Inside the UK
If you are switching to the partner route from within the UK:
Typical fee:
- £1,321
This fee must be paid at the time you submit your online application.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
The Immigration Health Surcharge is mandatory for all spouse visa applicants. It gives you access to the National Health Service (NHS) while you live in the UK.
Current IHS rate (subject to updates):
- £1,035 per year for adults
You must pay this upfront when submitting your application.
Priority and Super Priority Services
If you want a faster decision, you may pay for optional processing upgrades:
Outside the UK
- Priority Service: approximately £500.
Provides a faster decision than the standard 12-week timeframe.
Inside the UK
- Priority Service: £500 usually a faster decision within 5 working days
- Super Priority Service: £1,000 aims to provide a decision by the end of the next working day
These services are optional and availability varies by country.
English Language Test Costs
If you need to take an approved English test, the cost depends on the test centre and country:
Typical price range:
- £120–£180
You will need to book with an approved provider such as IELTS Life Skills or Trinity College London.
Tuberculosis (TB) Test Costs
Applicants from certain countries must take a TB test before applying.
Costs vary by country but are usually:
- £60–£150
The clinic must be approved by the Home Office.
Document Translation and Legalisation Costs
If your documents are not in English or Welsh, they must be translated by a certified translator. Possible costs include:
- £20–£50 per page for translation
- Additional fees if documents require notarisation or legalisation (e.g., apostille)
These costs can add up, especially for applicants with many documents.
Conclusion
With good preparation and detailed evidence, you’re putting yourself on the strongest footing.
If you’d like expert support to make sure your paperwork is complete, that your income and document bundle are in order, and to give you peace of mind through each step, MGBe Legal is ready to help.
Contact MGBe Legal today for a personalised consultation and let us guide you in making your application smooth and successful.
