Key Points (Quick Summary)
- The UK Spouse Visa requires applicants to meet specific financial criteria to ensure the sponsoring partner can adequately support their spouse without recourse to public funds.
- Starting from 11 April 2024, anyone applying for the 5-year route as a partner, fiancé(e), or proposed civil partner must meet a minimum income of £29,000 unless the transitional provisions apply.
- This requirement can be satisfied using different types of income, such as earnings from employment, self-employment, or personal savings.
- Certain income types can be combined to meet the requirement—for instance, earnings from employment may be combined with cash savings to reach the necessary threshold.
- Accurate and thorough documentation, such as bank statements, payslips, and employer letters, is crucial for proving your financial status.
What Is a UK Spouse Visa?
The UK Spouse Visa is part of the Family Visa route and allows a non-British spouse or, civil partner, unmarried partner, fiancé or fiancée or proposed civil partner to join their partner who is a British citizen or has settled status (such as Indefinite Leave to Remain) in the United Kingdom.
It is designed for couples who wish to live together permanently in the UK. This visa route is a common pathway to settlement and ultimately, British citizenship.
What are the UK Spouse Visa Income Requirements?
The UK Spouse Visa income requirement is a fundamental part of the application process, designed to demonstrate that the sponsoring partner in the UK can financially support their spouse without relying on public benefits.
This requirement ensures that new arrivals will not become a burden on the state and can be adequately cared for by their partner. Meeting these financial criteria is paramount for a successful visa application.
Detailed Analysis of Income Requirements
Minimum Income Requirements
The current minimum income threshold for sponsoring a partner is £29, 000 per year. This requirement is fixed and does not increase if there are children included in the application.
This threshold can be met through various means, primarily through employment income.
Example Box: If your annual salary is £30,000 and you have been working for your current employer for at least 6 months, you meet the basic income requirement for sponsoring your spouse.
If you have been employed by your current employer for less than 6 months, the financial requirement will be met and evidenced in a different way.
Pro Tips: Keep detailed records of your employment, including contracts, payslips, and any changes in your salary.
Supplementary Income Sources
Beyond regular employment, other sources can contribute to meeting the income requirements:
•Self-Employment and Freelancing: Income from self-employment can be considered, but it typically requires a longer period of documented earnings (e.g., 12 months or more) to demonstrate stability.
•Non-employment Income: Certain types of income from assets, such as property rental or dividends, can also be included.
Exemplary Scenarios for Spouse Visa UK :
•Li switched visa categories: When Li switches visa categories, her financial evidence for the spouse visa income must clearly show continuous and sufficient income based on the new application's requirements.
•If Priya is receiving (or has received in the last six months) maternity, paternity, adoption, or sick pay, then her employment and income can be assessed from either the date she applies or the date she started her leave.
Any unpaid time off- such as unpaid maternity, paternity, adoption, parental, or sick leave, taken in the 12 months before applying won't count toward the employment or income period. However, this unpaid leave won't break the continuity of employment.
For example, if Priya took two weeks of unpaid parental leave, those two weeks would simply be excluded from the income calculation. She can still show she meets the financial requirement by averaging her income over the six months and two weeks before applying.
•Jace lost their job recently: Jace used 6 months' bank savings and his partner's ongoing freelance income to meet the requirement.
How to Prove Your Financial Status for UK Spouse Visa
Required Documentation
To demonstrate that you meet the financial requirements, you will need to provide comprehensive documentation:
•Bank Statements and Payslips: Typically, six months of bank statements and payslips are required to show consistent income.
•Employer Verification Letters: A letter from your employer confirming your employment, salary, and start date is often necessary.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Spouse Visa Application
•Overlapping Financial Evidence: Ensure your financial documents cover distinct periods and do not overlap in a confusing manner.
•Misinterpretation of Guidelines: Carefully read and understand the official guidance. Misinterpreting how different income sources are calculated can lead to refusal.
What are Alternative Routes and Exemptions for Spouse Visa?
Understanding Exemptions
Certain exemptions to the minimum income requirement exist, particularly for those receiving specific disability benefits or other forms of support. In such cases, the Home Office will assess 'adequate maintenance' rather than a strict income threshold.
Combining Income Sources
It is possible to combine different income sources to meet the requirement:
• Using Savings to Meet Requirements: If your income is below the required amount, you can use cash savings to cover the gap as long as you have more than £16,000 in savings. To work out how much you need, take the difference between your income and the required amount, multiply it by 2.5, and then add £16,000.
For example, if you earn £20,000 and the requirement is £29,000, the difference is £9,000. Multiply that by 2.5 (£22,500) and add £16,000. So, you would need £38,500 in savings.
• Joint Income with the Spouse or Partner: In some circumstances, the income of the applicant (the spouse applying for the visa) can also be considered, especially if they are already in the UK with permission to work.
How Much Is the UK Spouse Visa Fee in 2025?
Applying for a UK Spouse Visa involves not only meeting strict income requirements but also paying a set of mandatory government fees. Understanding the UK Spouse Visa income is essential for proper financial planning and avoiding delays in the application process.
UK Spouse Visa Application Fee
As of July 2025, the UK Spouse Visa fee is:
- £1,938/person when applying from outside the UK
- £1,321/person when applying from inside the UK (switching or extending)
These are Home Office fees and do not include additional costs such as legal representation or translation services.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
In addition to the visa application fee, applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which provides access to the National Health Service (NHS) during their stay.
The IHS is currently £1,035 per year per adult and £776 per year per child.
For a 2.5-year Spouse Visa, this totals £2,587.50
Pro Tip: If you're using savings to meet the income requirement, be sure those funds are separate from the amounts you intend to use for visa fees and the IHS surcharge.
Checklist: Acceptable Documents for Proof
Group by reason:
Employment Income:
•6 months of payslips
•6 months of bank statements showing salary deposits
•Letter from employer confirming employment, salary, and start date
Self-Employment Income:
•Tax returns (SA302) for the most recent financial year
•Annual accounts
•Bank statements for the business
Savings:
•Bank statements showing the savings held for at least 6 months
Other Income:
•Documentation specific to the income source (e.g., rental agreements, dividend statements)
Example: '3 months of UK payslips + council tax + tenancy agreement = strong base.'
*Please note that this is not an exhaustive checklist. If you require further advice, please contact us.
FAQ Section
What is the minimum income to sponsor a spouse?
Starting from 11 April 2024, anyone applying for the 5-year route as a partner, fiancé(e), or proposed civil partner must meet a minimum income of £29,000. This requirement is fixed and does not increase if there are children included in the application.
How much bank balance is required for a UK Spouse Visa?
If using savings to meet the financial requirement, you need savings above £16,000. The specific amount depends on any income shortfall.
What if I don't meet the financial requirements for a spouse visa?
You may qualify for an exemption if you receive certain benefits, or you might be able to combine income sources or use significant savings.
What is the 28-day rule for spouse visa?
Financial evidence (like bank statements) must generally not be older than 28 days when you submit your application.
How long do you need to have been married to get a spouse visa in the UK?
There is not a minimum marriage duration. The focus is on a genuine and subsisting relationship.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the UK Spouse Visa income requirements can feel overwhelming and we acknowledge the stress that comes with such a significant application. Careful planning and meticulous preparation of your financial evidence are crucial for a successful outcome.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
