What Are The Requirements For Spouse Visa In United Kingdom

This visa gives you the opportunity to live, work, and grow your future as a couple in the UK—but like any visa process, there are a few key requirements you’ll need to meet first.

So what exactly do you need to qualify? And how do you make sure you’re ready to apply?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the UK spouse visa requirements and the info you need to take that next step with confidence.

What is a UK Spouse Visa?

A UK spouse visa—sometimes called a family visa—is for people who are married to, or in a civil partnership with, a British citizen or someone who has settled status in the UK (like indefinite leave to remain).

This visa allows you to join your partner and live with them in the UK.

You can also work, study, and enjoy many of the same rights as UK residents while you’re here.

It’s typically granted for 2.5 years (30 months), and you’ll be able to apply for an extension when that period ends.

And here’s the long-term benefit: after 5 years of living in the UK on a spouse visa, you may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR)—a key step if you want to stay permanently or even become a British citizen one day.

Who Can Apply for a Spouse Visa?

Not every couple qualifies, you can apply for a UK spouse visa if:

• You’re legally married or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or someone with settled status in the UK

• You’re both 18 or older

• You and your partner plan to live together permanently in the UK

If you’re not married but have lived together for at least two years in a relationship similar to marriage, you might still qualify—just be ready to show strong proof.

Proof of Relationship

One of the most important parts of the process is showing that your relationship is genuine and ongoing.

Here’s how you can do that:

• Your marriage certificate or civil partnership registration

• Photos together across different times and places

• Chat logs, call history, or travel records

• Evidence of shared bills, bank accounts, or lease agreements

This is your chance to show the Home Office that your relationship isn’t just real—it’s built on a solid foundation.

Financial Requirements

Next up: money. You and your partner need to show that you can support yourselves without needing public funds.

Here’s what you’ll need to meet:

• A minimum income of £18,600 per year

• If you have kids, it goes up by £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child

This income can come from:

• A job (employed or self-employed)

• Savings

• Pensions

• Certain benefits

If your income doesn’t hit the mark, you may be able to use cash savings instead.

To fully rely on savings, you’ll need at least £62,500 in the bank for 6 months or more.

English Language Requirement

You’ll need to prove that you can speak and understand English—unless you’re from a majority English-speaking country or are exempt for health reasons.

You can meet this requirement by:

• Taking an approved English test (like IELTS Life Skills) at level A1 or above

• Showing proof of a degree taught in English

• Being from a country like the US, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand

Don’t worry—it’s not about fluency, just the basics so you can live comfortably in the UK.

Accommodation Requirements

You’ll also need to show that there’s a safe, suitable place for you and your partner to live in the UK.

This could be:

• A rented flat

• A home your partner owns

• Space in a family member’s house (as long as it meets the rules)

What matters is that the place is:

• Not overcrowded

• In line with UK living standards

• Exclusively available to you and your partner

You’ll usually need a tenancy agreement, mortgage letter, or a property inspection report.

Required Documents

To prove that you meet all these requirements, you’ll need to provide supporting documents.

Here’s a basic checklist:

• Passports for both of you

• Marriage or civil partnership certificate

• Proof of relationship (photos, messages, travel, etc.)

• Financial evidence (payslips, bank statements, savings proof)

• English language certificate (if applicable)

• Accommodation documents

Make sure your paperwork is clear, consistent, and up to date.

Any missing or confusing info can lead to delays or rejections.

How to Apply for a Spouse Visa

Ready to apply? Here’s a quick breakdown of the process:

1. Apply online through the official UK visa website

2. Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

3. Book a biometrics appointment to submit your fingerprints and photo

4. Upload your supporting documents

5. Wait for a decision

If you’re applying from outside the UK, you’ll usually hear back within 12 weeks.

Inside the UK, it may take 8 weeks, unless you pay for priority processing.

How Much Does It Cost?

Applying for a UK spouse visa isn’t cheap, so it’s good to plan ahead.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Visa application fee (outside UK): around £1,846

• Immigration Health Surcharge: around £1,560 for 2.5 years

• Priority service (optional): extra £500–£800

Also budget for:

• English test fees

• Document translations (if needed)

• Legal or consultant fees (if you use one)

After You Get the Visa

Once your visa is approved, you can:

• Live and work freely in the UK

• Use the NHS

• Study, if you wish

• Travel in and out of the UK without needing a new visa

Your visa will last 2.5 years, and you’ll need to renew it before it expires.

After 5 years total, you may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain.

That means more stability—and possibly even British citizenship down the line.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a UK spouse visa might feel overwhelming at first—but once you understand the key requirements, it becomes much easier to navigate.

Whether it’s proving your relationship, meeting the financial rules, or gathering the right documents, each step brings you closer to reuniting with your partner and building a life together in the UK.

Take your time, stay organized, and don’t hesitate to get help if you need it—especially when it comes to tricky paperwork or legal questions.

At the end of the day, this process isn’t just about visas—it’s about love, commitment, and building a future side by side.