Spouse Visa Financial Requirement and Exemptions 2025

If you are planning to apply for a UK spouse visa, one of the key eligibility criteria is meeting the spouse visa financial requirement. As of 2025, the current financial threshold is a combined income of at least £29,000 per year with your partner. However, if you applied for a fiancé, fiancée, or proposed civil partner visa before 11 April 2024, the previous £18,600 income threshold will apply.

According to the latest Home Office policy, the spouse visa minimum income requirement is set to increase in phases, rising to £34,500 and then £38,700 in subsequent steps.

How to Meet the UK Spouse Visa Financial Requirement

The financial requirement can be met through income, cash savings, or a combination of both. If you have sufficient savings, they can offset or fully meet the income threshold. For more detailed guidance on cash savings, refer to the section below.

If you need help navigating these requirements, Adamir Solicitors is here to assist. Contact our immigration lawyers for tailored advice and a free consultation at 0203 302 0074.

Income Requirement for Spouse Visa

The minimum income requirement for a spouse visa is currently £29,000 per year. The most common way to prove income is by providing payslips. Depending on your employment duration:

• If employed for 6 months or more, submit payslips covering the last 6 months.
• If employed for less than 6 months or if income varies, provide 12 months of payslips.

Other acceptable proofs of income include documentation for self-employment, income as a company director, or rental/dividend income. Below is a summary:

Acceptable Forms of Income and Proof

Income Source	Required Documentation
Employment	Payslips, P60, employer letter confirming gross salary and details
Self-Employment	HMRC tax return, UTR number, personal bank statements, and audited/unaudited accounts (as applicable)
Director of a Limited Company	CT600, annual accounts, corporate bank statements, Companies House reports, proof of ownership/lease of business premises
Cash Savings (>£16,000)	Personal bank statements (held for at least 6 months), declaration of savings source
Pension Income	Official pension statements and recent personal bank statements showing payments
Rental/Dividend Income	Property title deeds, rental income statements, dividend vouchers, or portfolio reports

Cash Savings for Spouse Visa

If relying solely on cash savings, a minimum of £88,500 (previously £62,500) is required to meet the financial requirement. Savings must meet these criteria:

• Held in a regulated bank or financial institution.
• Accessible and held for at least 6 months before the application.
• Funds must be legal, declared, and under the applicant’s or partner’s control.

Calculating Savings Contribution

To calculate how your savings contribute:

1. Subtract £16,000 from the total savings amount.
2. Divide the remainder by 2.5.

Savings	Annual Income Needed
£88,500	£0 (fully meets £29,000 threshold)
£60,000	£11,400
£33,000	£22,200

If you have £33,000 in savings, your annual income requirement reduces to £22,200.

Spouse Visa Financial Requirement Exemptions

Certain applicants may qualify for exemptions, such as those receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), or Carer’s Allowance. While exempt from the standard financial threshold, applicants must still demonstrate adequate funds to accommodate themselves in the UK without needing public funds.

Additionally, under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), exceptional circumstances may apply if refusal would cause "unjustifiably harsh consequences" for the applicant or their family.

Need Help?

At Adamir Solicitors, we understand that every case is unique. Let us guide you through the complexities of the UK spouse visa financial requirements. Contact our expert immigration lawyers at 0203 302 0074 or visit us at 5 Norman Road, N15 4ND for professional assistance.