UK Spouse Visa Help
Specialist support from your first application through to settlement.
Applying to live in the UK with your husband, wife or partner? Get help understanding the requirements, preparing the right evidence and dealing with the UK spouse visa process with confidence.
Minimum income for most new applications
£29,000 per year
Last checked: 9 October 2026
Start With Your Situation
- 1I’m Applying for My First Spouse VisaUnderstand the requirements, documents and application process for joining your partner in the UK.Start Here
- 2I Need to Extend My Spouse VisaAlready living in the UK on a spouse or partner visa? Get help preparing your extension and continuing your route towards settlement.Spouse Visa Extension
- 3I’m Ready for ILRApproaching the end of your qualifying partner route? Understand the requirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain as a spouse or partner.Spouse Visa ILR
- 4My Spouse Visa Was RefusedReceived a refusal? Understand the reasons for the decision and what options may be available before deciding what to do next.Discuss Your Refusal
UK Spouse Visa
A UK spouse visa allows an eligible husband, wife or civil partner to live in the UK with a qualifying partner.
The application is about much more than proving that you are married.
Depending on your circumstances, you may need to demonstrate that you meet requirements relating to your relationship, finances, accommodation, English language ability and immigration history.
The strength and organisation of the supporting evidence can be just as important as completing the application form itself.
Explore the UK Spouse VisaThe Main Spouse Visa Requirements
Your Relationship
You must meet the relationship requirements relevant to your application and provide appropriate supporting evidence.
Relationship RequirementFinancial Requirement
Most new partner applications are subject to a minimum income requirement.
Financial RequirementEnglish Language
Applicants who are required to meet the English language requirement must provide acceptable evidence at the appropriate level.
English Language RequirementAccommodation
You may need to demonstrate that suitable accommodation will be available to you in the UK.
Accommodation RequirementSupporting Documents
The exact documents required depend on how your individual circumstances meet the Immigration Rules.
Spouse Visa Documents
The Financial Requirement
One of the most important parts of a spouse visa application
£29,000
per year, for most new spouse and partner applications
Different rules can apply to certain applicants, including some people who first entered the partner route before 11 April 2024 and some cases involving specified benefits.
Last checked: 9 October 2026
How the requirement is demonstrated also depends on the source of the money being relied upon. You may need to consider:
What Documents Do I Need?
There is no single identical document pack for every couple.
Your evidence should reflect the way in which you personally meet each requirement. Documents commonly relevant can include:
- Passport and identity documents
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate
- Evidence relating to your partner's UK status
- Employment and income documents
- Bank statements
- Evidence of accommodation
- English language evidence
- Relationship evidence
- Evidence relating to previous marriages or relationships
- Documents relating to dependant children where applicable
Applying From Outside the UK?
If you are living overseas and your partner is in the UK, your application will normally involve obtaining entry clearance before travelling to live in the UK.
The evidence, application process and practical steps can vary depending on your circumstances and where you apply.
Applying From Outside the UK
Already in the UK?
Some people can apply to switch into the spouse or partner route from within the UK.
Whether switching is available depends on your current immigration status and circumstances.
Switching to a Spouse VisaUnmarried?
Marriage is not the only partner route.
Depending on your circumstances, another route may be more appropriate.
- Unmarried Partner VisaFor qualifying partners who are not married or in a civil partnership.Unmarried Partner Visa
- Fiancé VisaFor qualifying couples planning to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK.Fiancé Visa
- Civil Partner VisaFor qualifying civil partners seeking to live together in the UK.Civil Partner Visa
From First Application to Settlement
Explore the Full Spouse Visa Journey- 1
Start
Initial Application
Apply to enter or remain in the UK as a spouse or partner.
Initial Application - 2
Around 2.5 years
Extension
Continue your permission when the initial period approaches expiry.
Extension - 3
5 years
Indefinite Leave to Remain
Eligible applicants on the five-year partner route can generally apply for settlement after completing the qualifying period. Time spent in the UK as a fiancé or proposed civil partner does not count towards that period.
Indefinite Leave to Remain - 4
After settlement
British Citizenship
After obtaining settlement, some applicants may then become eligible to apply for British citizenship.
British Citizenship
Has Your Spouse Visa Been Refused?
A refusal can be particularly difficult when your application affects where you and your partner are able to live together.
The first step should be understanding precisely why the Home Office refused the application.
Discuss Your Spouse Visa RefusalDepending on the decision and circumstances, the appropriate response may involve:
- A new application
- Additional evidence
- An appeal where a right of appeal exists
- Another appropriate legal route
Why UK Spouse Visas?
Focused on One Area
UKSpouseVisas.com is dedicated to spouse, partner and related family visa matters.
Clear Information
Complex requirements explained in practical, straightforward language.
From Application to Settlement
Information and assistance throughout the full spouse visa journey.
Help With Difficult Cases
Including previous refusals, financial issues and unusual relationship circumstances.
What is a UK spouse visa?
The spouse route allows eligible husbands, wives and civil partners of qualifying UK-based partners to live together in the UK.
How much do I need to earn for a UK spouse visa?
For most new applications, the current minimum income requirement is £29,000 per year. Different rules can apply in some transitional and benefit cases.
How long does a spouse visa last?
An initial partner visa granted following an overseas application can normally last up to 2 years and 9 months. An extension can normally provide a further 2 years and 6 months.
Can I apply if we have not lived together?
Potentially. Current partner rules recognise some relationships of at least two years where the couple cannot live together because of circumstances such as work, study or cultural reasons, provided the relevant requirements can otherwise be met.
Can I use savings for a spouse visa?
Cash savings can potentially be used towards the financial requirement where the relevant rules and evidence requirements are satisfied.
Can I work in the UK on a spouse visa?
A person granted permission under the spouse or partner route can generally work in the UK. The fiancé route is different: fiancé applicants cannot normally work or study until they marry or enter the civil partnership and successfully switch into the partner route.
When can I apply for ILR?
Applicants on the standard five-year spouse or partner route can generally apply for settlement after completing five continuous qualifying years. Time spent on the fiancé route does not count towards that five-year period.
What if my spouse visa was refused?
The refusal should be reviewed carefully before deciding whether to submit another application, appeal where appropriate or pursue another available route.
Speak to a Spouse Visa Solicitor
Every couple's circumstances are different. Tell us about your situation and the stage you have reached.
Prefer email? info@ukspousevisas.com