Key Points
- Payslips and bank statements must cover the same period and match each other.
- Employees usually need 6 or 12 months of evidence, depending on the category.
- Self-employed people and directors rely on a full financial year.
- Savings must normally have been held for at least 6 months.
Employment
- Payslips for the relevant period, usually 6 months, or 12 months for newer or variable employment
- Personal bank statements showing the same salary being paid in
- A letter from the employer confirming the job, salary, start date and type of contract
- A signed contract of employment where needed
Self-employment
- Evidence of the tax paid or payable for the last full financial year
- The latest self-assessment tax return and the tax calculation
- Business bank statements for the same year
- Accounts, and evidence that the business is still trading
Company directors
- Company tax return and evidence it was filed
- Accounts for the last full financial year
- Business bank statements for the same period
- Payslips and dividend vouchers
- Personal bank statements showing the salary and dividends received
Savings, pensions and other income
- Savings: statements covering the 6 months before the application, and evidence of where large deposits came from
- Pension: a statement or letter from the provider and bank statements showing payment
- Rental income: proof of ownership, the tenancy agreement and 12 months of bank statements
- Dividends from investments: certificates or portfolio reports and 12 months of bank statements
Common evidence problems
- A missing payslip or bank statement in the middle of the period
- Salary paid in cash with nothing reaching a bank account
- An employer letter that leaves out required details
- Statements printed from online banking with no account holder name
Official Sources
This page is general information, not legal advice. The rules and figures are set by the Home Office and can change.