To obtain a UK Spouse Visa, you must satisfy a number of prerequisites. One is demonstrating one’s ability to sustain oneself financially. This requirement guarantees that you and your spouse can reside in the United Kingdom without relying on public funds. Typically, this requirement is satisfied by demonstrating a specific income. However, this can also be accomplished through savings and other methods.
Understanding UK Spouse Visa:
For non-UK nationals who wish to establish a permanent residence in the United Kingdom with their spouse, the spouse visa serves as an escape route. This visa is intended for individuals who intend to remain in the United Kingdom for a period exceeding six months. It is applicable to a variety of relationships, including spouses, partners, children, parents, and relatives who provide long-term care.
In addition to enabling you to reside with your family in the United Kingdom, a UK spouse visa also provides you with the opportunity to work. Additionally, spouse visa holders may petition for ILR after satisfying specific residency requirements, which typically entail continuous residence in the United Kingdom. This status is a significant milestone, as it grants them permanent residency in the United Kingdom.
Eligibility Requirements:
The requirements for obtaining a UK Spouse visa may differ depending on your unique circumstances. Nevertheless, there are certain standard criteria that must be satisfied, irrespective of the visa category. Let us examine these critical prerequisites:
- Proof of Relationship: You are required to submit evidence of your relationship with your companion in the United Kingdom. This could be a birth certificate for a child, a wedding certificate for a companion visa, or any other pertinent documents that demonstrate your familial connection.
- Financial Requirement: Your spouse in the United Kingdom must be able to provide for you without relying on public funds. This could be achieved through reserves, income, or a combination of the two.
- English Language Proficiency: Typically, the foreign spouse is required to demonstrate a certain level of proficiency in English in order to apply for a family visa. This typically entails successfully completing an English language test that has been approved.
- Accommodation: Evidence of sufficient lodging is necessary. You must demonstrate that you will have a suitable residence in the UK that can accommodate you and your family without congestion upon your arrival.
- Tuberculosis (TB) Test Results: If you are traveling from a country where tuberculosis tests are mandatory, you will be required to submit a certificate indicating that you are free of the disease.
- No Major Criminal Record: Applicants must not have a significant criminal record and should not constitute a threat to the national security of the United Kingdom.
Collectively, these criteria guarantee that the spousal visa system is consistent with the United Kingdom’s immigration policies and standards, and each one is essential to the application process.
UK Spouse Visa Financial Requirements:
While residing in the United Kingdom, UK spouses or companions must demonstrate their capacity to provide financial support for themselves and their foreign spouse. This requirement can be satisfied through a variety of methods, such as income, financial savings, or a combination of both.
The minimal income threshold for all UK family visas has been raised to £29,000 as of April 11, 2024. Please visit our family visa financial requirements page or contact us directly for a personalized consultation for detailed and up-to-date guidance on meeting these financial requirements, whether through employment income, savings, investments, annuities, or other sources.
Different applicants are affected by the modifications in the following manner:
- New Applicants After April 2024: If you are not currently on the five-year partner route and apply for a Spouse Visa after April 2024, your UK partner must satisfy the new minimum income requirement of £29,000.
- Applications Submitted Prior to April 2024: If your application was submitted prior to the income threshold increase, it will continue to be evaluated under the previous minimum income requirement of £18,600.00.
- Existing Spouse Visa Holders (Five-Year Route): If you were granted a Spouse Visa under the five-year route prior to April 2024, you will continue to be assessed using the previous threshold of £18,600. This also applies to applications for dependent children, as well as for an extension, further leave to remain, or indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
- Switching Visa Categories Within the United Kingdom: The new income threshold of £29,000 will be applicable if you are currently in the UK on a different visa and intend to transition to the five-year partner route after April 2024.
Meeting the UK Spouse Visa Financial Requirement Through Savings:
Although employment income is the most prevalent method of satisfying the financial requirements for a UK Spouse Visa, it is crucial to recognize that savings can also be utilized to satisfy this requirement. This alternative is particularly advantageous for applicants who possess substantial financial savings but do not satisfy the minimum income requirement.
Current Financial Threshold (£29,600): In the event that your annual income is insufficient to meet the £29,000 requirement, you may supplement it with savings. In order to meet the financial requirement entirely through savings, it is necessary to have a minimum of £88,500 in currency savings.
Rules for Satisfying the Spouse Visa Financial Requirement Through Savings in 2025:
Applicants must meticulously adhere to the specific regulations established by the UK Home Office in order to satisfy the financial requirement for a UK spouse visa using savings.
The documentary evidence that the UK-based spouse must provide in order to rely on cash savings to meet the financial threshold is detailed in Appendix FM-SE of the UK Immigration Rules. In order to prevent complications during the application procedure, it is imperative to comply with these requirements.
Initially, the savings must be maintained in a personal or savings account as currency. This account may be held jointly by the applicant, their spouse, or both. The funds must be promptly accessible and held in a financial institution that is regulated by the appropriate authority.
It is crucial to note that the deposits must have been in the account for a minimum of six consecutive months prior to the application date.
The source of the savings must also be thoroughly documented. Transparency is paramount; however, the funds may originate from any legal source, including gifts from family or acquaintances. In order to guarantee the legitimacy of the funds, the source must be specified in the visa application.
In addition, the financial requirement can be satisfied by combining currency savings with other sources of income, including pension income, non-employment income, and salaried and non-salaried employment.
Nevertheless, financial savings cannot be combined with income from self-employment or earnings as a director of a limited company.
Other Ways to Meet the Financial Requirement:
In addition to savings, there are numerous other methods to satisfy the financial requirements for bringing a foreign spouse to the UK on a spouse visa. Nevertheless, it is crucial to recognize that these alternative sources must meet the necessary savings threshold when implemented.
These consist of:
- Pension Income: Pension income may be considered in the calculation of the financial requirement. This is particularly pertinent for applicants who are retired or receive regular pension payments.
- Investments: Income from equities and shares may be taken into account. Nevertheless, these assets must be liquidated (i.e., sold) in order to satisfy the financial requirement during the application procedure.
- Non-Employment Income: Additionally, rental income or dividends from shares may be utilized. It is imperative to furnish precise documentation to substantiate the legitimacy and consistency of these earnings.
- Combining Different Sources of Income: Applicants have the option of combining a variety of sources of income in order to satisfy the requirement. For instance, pension payments or other non-employment income may be combined with income from employment. Nevertheless, financial savings are not able to be combined with income from self-employment or a directorship in a specific limited company.
- Income of Both Partners: The applicant’s income can be combined with that of their UK-based companion, enabling a collaborative effort to satisfy the requirement. It is important to note that the financial calculation does not include income earned from employment outside the UK, which would terminate upon the granting of the visa.
How Spouse Visa Lawyers Can Help?
Receiving a spouse visa refusal letter can be disheartening, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our dedicated spouse visa lawyers are here to guide you through every step of the process, making it simpler and less stressful.
From explaining complex immigration laws to helping you prepare a strong application, our experienced team is committed to ensuring a smooth and successful outcome. We understand the importance of family and are passionate about helping you reunite or stay together in the UK.
Don’t let legal hurdles hold you back. Contact our Spouse Visa Lawyers today for personalized support and begin your UK family journey with confidence and peace of mind.
Application Process:
The application process for a UK Spouse Visa in 2025 commences with the verification that both partners meet the eligibility criteria. This includes demonstrating a genuine relationship, meeting the £29,000 income requirement (or £88,500 in savings), passing an approved English test, and providing evidence of suitable accommodation and TB test results if necessary.
To apply for a visa, applicants must complete the online application form on the UK Home Office website, pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge, and schedule a biometric screening appointment at a visa application center. Online or in-person submissions of supporting documentation are accepted.
Successful applicants are issued a 30-day visa vignette to travel to the United Kingdom after the processing procedure, which typically takes up to 12 weeks. Upon their arrival, they must collect their Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the financial requirement for a UK Spouse Visa?
In 2025, applicants must show a minimum annual income of £29,000 to sponsor a spouse. This can be met through salary, self-employment, pension, or a combination of savings and earnings.
Can savings be used instead of income?
Yes, if the sponsor doesn’t meet the income threshold, savings of at least £88,500 can be used alone. These savings must be held for at least six months before applying.
How do I prove financial eligibility in the application?
Submit payslips, bank statements, employment letters, or proof of savings. Self-employed applicants must provide tax returns, business accounts, and other documents showing stable and sufficient income.