UK Spouse and Partner Visa

The UK Spouse and Partner visa allows eligible couples to live together in the UK under the family immigration rules. It can cover married couples, civil partners and qualifying unmarried partners where the UK-based partner has an eligible status. Applications require careful evidence of the relationship, finances, accommodation and English language ability.

For many couples, the financial evidence is the most technical part of the application. The rules distinguish between different income sources, employment histories and savings, and the correct documents depend on the circumstances rather than a single universal checklist.

Key takeaways

• Eligible relationships: spouses, civil partners and qualifying unmarried partners can apply under Appendix FM.
• UK-based partner: the sponsor must have an eligible status, such as British or Irish citizenship or settled status; other qualifying categories exist.
• Relationship: the couple must demonstrate a genuine and subsisting relationship, have met in person and intend to live together permanently in the UK.
• Financial requirement: the minimum income requirement is generally £29,000 for new partner-route applications, with transitional arrangements and exceptions.
• Cash savings: where the £29,000 requirement applies, £88,500 in qualifying cash savings can meet it without relying on income.
• English language: normally A1 for an initial application, A2 at the relevant extension stage and B1 for settlement, subject to exemptions and future rule changes.
• Settlement: the current five-year partner route remains available for qualifying applicants, although proposed earned settlement reforms could affect future requirements.
• Support: Immtell's Family and Partner Visa Services provide senior-led advice and application preparation.

Who can apply for a UK Spouse or Partner visa?

Both partners must generally be at least 18. The UK-based partner must have qualifying immigration status, which can include British or Irish citizenship, indefinite leave to remain or another eligible status specified in the rules.

The applicant must be married, in a civil partnership or in a qualifying unmarried partnership. The relationship must be genuine and subsisting, the couple must have met in person, and they must intend to live together permanently in the UK.

Some applicants are eligible under different provisions depending on their partner's status and individual circumstances. Checking the correct route before applying is important.

Can unmarried partners qualify?

Unmarried partners can qualify where they have been in a relationship similar to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years. Living together for those two years remains the normal expectation and provides important evidence of the relationship.

There can be limited circumstances where a couple has not lived together for the full period for a convincing reason, such as restrictions arising from work, study or cultural circumstances. Those cases require careful explanation and strong evidence; simply being in a relationship for two years does not automatically establish eligibility.

Our UK Unmarried Partner Visa guide explores these requirements in greater detail.

What is the financial requirement for a UK Partner visa?

For most new partner-route applications, the minimum income requirement is £29,000 a year. The rules permit certain employment, self-employment, non-employment and pension income, as well as qualifying cash savings, but each source has specific evidential requirements.

Where the applicant applies from overseas, their overseas employment income cannot ordinarily be counted in the same way as the UK-based sponsor's income. The rules on combining earnings, overseas employment and future UK employment are detailed and depend on the relevant financial category.

People who entered the partner route before 11 April 2024 may benefit from transitional financial requirements when extending with the same partner. Where the sponsor receives specified disability or carer's benefits, an adequate maintenance test may apply instead of the standard minimum income requirement.

Can cash savings replace income?

Where the £29,000 income threshold applies, qualifying cash savings of £88,500 can meet the requirement without relying on employment income. This reflects the formula of £16,000 plus 2.5 times the income shortfall. Savings normally need to have been held for at least six months, subject to specific exceptions, and must meet the source and ownership rules.

Where income and savings are combined, the calculation and evidence must be assessed against the correct financial category.

What relationship evidence is needed?

Married couples normally provide their marriage certificate and evidence that the relationship is genuine and continuing. Civil partners provide evidence of a legally recognised civil partnership. Unmarried partners generally need stronger evidence of their shared life over at least two years.

Depending on the case, evidence may include shared tenancy or mortgage documents, correspondence to the same address, joint financial records, travel records, communication history and evidence of time spent together.

The aim is not to submit the greatest possible number of photographs or messages. It is to provide credible, consistent evidence that addresses the relationship requirements.

What are the English language and accommodation requirements?

Applicants generally need to demonstrate English language ability at CEFR level A1 for their initial partner application, with A2 applying at the relevant extension stage and B1 under the current settlement requirements. Applicants may meet the requirement through an approved test, qualifying degree or nationality exemption, while other exemptions apply in defined circumstances.

The couple must also have adequate accommodation in the UK without recourse to public funds. Evidence may include tenancy or ownership documents and information showing the property will not be overcrowded under the applicable rules.

How long does a Spouse or Partner visa last?

An initial partner visa granted from outside the UK is generally valid for 33 months, while permission granted from within the UK is generally for 30 months. A further grant is commonly for 30 months.

Under the current five-year route, eligible applicants can normally apply for indefinite leave to remain after completing the qualifying period and meeting the settlement requirements. Some applicants are instead placed on a ten-year family route because they do not meet all the standard requirements.

Government proposals for earned settlement should not be confused with rules already in force. Any future changes, including possible transitional arrangements, will need to be assessed against the legislation and Immigration Rules when introduced.

How do you apply for a UK Spouse or Partner visa? Step-by-step process

The application involves more than completing an online form. The correct financial evidence, relationship documents and timing depend on the applicant's circumstances. These are the main stages.

1. Check eligibility and where to apply. Confirm the UK partner's immigration status, whether the relationship qualifies, and whether the applicant must apply from overseas or can switch or extend within the UK. Visitors generally cannot switch into the partner route in the UK.
2. Establish the applicable financial requirement. Identify the correct minimum income requirement or an eligible alternative, such as cash savings. Check the exact evidential category before collecting payslips, bank statements, employer letters or self-employment records; the rules differ by source of income and personal circumstances.
3. Prepare relationship evidence. Gather the marriage or civil partnership certificate where applicable, and evidence of a genuine and subsisting relationship, including relevant living arrangements and contact history. Explain any unusual circumstances rather than supplying large quantities of unstructured material.
4. Check accommodation and English requirements. Confirm suitable accommodation and arrange an approved English language test, accepted qualification or evidence of exemption where required.
5. Complete the online application. Use the official GOV.UK partner visa application guidance. Check that the information entered agrees with the supporting documents, particularly employment, addresses, travel history and relationship dates.
6. Pay the applicable charges. The Home Office application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge generally apply. The amount depends on the type of application and circumstances. Check current fees before submission.
7. Upload documents and verify identity. Follow the application instructions for document upload and biometrics or digital identity verification. Retain confirmation of submission and any appointment.
8. Await the decision and check the outcome. Processing times vary and additional evidence may be requested. If granted, check the conditions and length of permission and access to digital immigration status. Plan ahead for any extension and eventual settlement eligibility.

What documents are needed for a UK spouse visa?

The precise documents depend on the application, but commonly include a valid passport, evidence of the sponsor's British citizenship or qualifying status, proof of the relationship, financial evidence, accommodation evidence and English language evidence. Depending on the circumstances, further documents such as a tuberculosis test certificate, previous marriage dissolution documents or evidence of children may be required.

Common mistake: treating the document checklist as universal. Financial evidence in particular can have strict timing and format requirements. A case relying on employment income may require a different set of documents from one relying on self-employment, pension income or savings.

How long does a UK spouse visa application take?

Home Office processing times depend on whether the application is made inside or outside the UK, the service available and whether further checks are needed. Applicants should check the current overseas processing times or in-country processing times before making travel plans.

For a case with a previous refusal, complex finances, periods of separation or other unusual circumstances, it is particularly important to assess the evidence before submitting the form.

What if the couple does not meet the standard requirements?

Some cases may qualify under exceptions or on human rights grounds, including where refusal would have unjustifiably harsh consequences or where specified family-life provisions apply. These are not general alternatives to meeting the financial or relationship requirements.

The correct approach depends on the evidence, immigration history, children and other relevant circumstances. An applicant should not assume that being married to a British citizen automatically overrides the normal requirements.

How Immtell can help

Immtell provides direct, senior-led assistance with spouse, civil partner and unmarried partner applications, extensions and settlement planning. Through our Family and Partner Visa Services, we assess eligibility, work through the financial rules, review relationship evidence and prepare the application.

We can also advise couples with complex income, previous refusals, unusual living arrangements or uncertainty about the correct immigration route.

Gavin Webster's perspective

Gavin Webster has 23 years of UK immigration experience, including 13 years working for the Home Office.

Watch: UK Family and Partner Visas

Learn more about how Immtell supports couples and families with UK immigration applications.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum income requirement for a UK Spouse visa?

Most new partner-route applicants must meet a minimum income requirement of £29,000 a year. Transitional arrangements and exceptions apply in some cases, and qualifying cash savings or other permitted income sources may be used.

How much cash savings are needed for a Spouse visa without income?

Where the £29,000 financial requirement applies, qualifying cash savings of £88,500 can meet the requirement without income. The savings must meet the applicable ownership, holding-period and evidential rules.

Can unmarried partners apply for a UK Partner visa?

Unmarried partners can qualify where they have been in a relationship similar to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years. Two years of living together remains the normal expectation, with limited exceptions requiring convincing evidence.

How long does a UK Spouse or Partner visa last?

An initial partner visa issued overseas is generally valid for 33 months, while an initial grant within the UK is generally 30 months. Further grants commonly last 30 months.

Can a Spouse visa lead to indefinite leave to remain?

Under the current rules, eligible applicants on the five-year partner route can normally apply for indefinite leave to remain after completing the qualifying period and meeting the settlement requirements. Future earned settlement reforms remain subject to changes in the Immigration Rules.

Can someone switch from a visitor visa to a Spouse visa in the UK?

People in the UK as visitors generally cannot switch into the spouse or partner route from within the UK. The appropriate application usually needs to be made from overseas, subject to any relevant exception.