Applying for a spouse visa in the UK means joining your partner who is a British citizen or a person settled in the UK. To get approved, you must meet specific UK Spouse Visa requirements for your relationship, finances, accommodation, and more.
First of all, who can apply for UK Spouse Visa?
You can apply for UK Spouse Visa if:
You are 18 or older.
Your partner is a British citizen, has Indefinite Leave to Remain, settled status, or refugee status.
You are legally married or in a civil partnership recognised in the UK.
You and your partner intend to live together permanently in the UK.
Your relationship is genuine and ongoing.
If you are not married but have lived together for at least two years, you may qualify under the unmarried partner route.
Exploring UK Spouse Visa requirements
Meeting the UK spouse visa requirements involves satisfying multiple criteria, including age, relationship, partner’s status, genuine partnership, income, accommodation, and English language proficiency.
Financial requirements: How much money is required for a UK spouse visa?
Proof of funds for spousal sponsorship means showing that the sponsoring partner has enough money or income to financially support their spouse without needing public assistance.
The UK-based partner must earn at least £29,000 per year.
This can come from employment, self-employment, pensions, or certain types of savings.
If the sponsor cannot meet this income level, cash savings of £88,500 or more (held for at least 6 months) can be used instead.
The applicant and their dependents must be able to live in the UK without claiming public funds.
If children are included in the application, the income threshold may be higher.
All financial evidence must be clearly documented with payslips, tax returns, and bank statements.
Check out the UK Spouse Visa financial document checklists:
Failing to meet UK financial requirements is one of the most common reasons for visa refusal, so careful preparation is essential.
How many months payslips for UK spouse visa?
For a UK Spouse Visa, you generally need to provide at least 6 months of payslips — along with matching 6 months of bank statements — to prove that the sponsoring partner meets the financial requirement.
Accommodation requirement
You must prove that you have adequate accommodation for yourself, your partner, and any dependents when you move to the UK.
Your accommodation must not be overcrowded and must meet UK housing standards.
The property can be owned, rented, or provided by family.
You should provide proof such as a tenancy agreement, mortgage statement, or a letter from your landlord or family member confirming permission to live there.
The Home Office will check that your living arrangements are suitable and stable.
English language requirement
To show you can integrate into UK life, you must meet the English language requirement. You can do this by:
Passing an approved English language test at CEFR level A1 or higher for your first visa. From January 2026, all UK visa applicants must meet a B2 English level (A-level standard) under the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
Showing that you hold a degree taught in English.
Being a citizen of a majority English-speaking country such as the USA, Canada, or Australia.
You’ll need to reach level A2 when extending your visa, and level B1 when applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Some applicants are exempt due to age or medical conditions.
Proof of a genuine relationship
You must show strong evidence that your relationship is real and ongoing. Examples include:
Marriage or civil partnership certificate.
Photos together, travel tickets, or evidence of visits.
Joint financial documents such as shared bank accounts or utility bills.
Messages, call logs, or social media evidence showing regular communication.
Proof of cohabitation for unmarried partners (at least two years of shared residence).
The more consistent and detailed your evidence, the better your chances of approval.
So, what are the requirements for a spousal visa in the UK? A checklist
Category | Requirement | What You Need |
Eligibility | Both over 18 | Applicant and partner must be at least 18 years old. |
Partner’s status | Partner must be a British citizen, have settled status, or refugee protection. | |
Relationship | Must be married, in a civil partnership, or living together for 2+ years. | |
Genuine relationship | Must be real and ongoing, not just for immigration. | |
Met in person | You must have met face-to-face at least once. | |
Plan to live together | Both must plan to live permanently in the UK. | |
Financial | Minimum income | Partner must earn £29,000+ per year. |
Savings option | If income is low, show £88,500+ in savings (held for 6+ months). | |
Proof | 6 months of payslips and bank statements showing income. | |
Accommodation | Adequate housing | Must be safe and not overcrowded. |
Proof | Tenancy, mortgage, or letter from landlord/family. | |
English Language | Requirement | Applicant must pass an approved English test (A1 level). |
Exceptions | Not needed if you have a degree in English or are from an English-speaking country. | |
Documents | Identification | Valid passports for both partners. |
Marriage proof | Marriage/civil certificate or cohabitation evidence. | |
Financial proof | Payslips, tax returns, savings, employment letter. | |
Accommodation proof | Housing documents or letter confirming place to stay. | |
Relationship proof | Photos, messages, travel records, joint bills. | |
English proof | Test certificate or exemption evidence. | |
Application | Online form | You can apply online. |
Biometrics | Give photo and fingerprints. | |
Fees | Pay visa fee + Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). | |
Duration | Visa valid for 2 years 6–9 months; extend to 5 years for ILR. |
How long does it take for a spouse visa in the UK?
The processing time for a UK Spouse Visa depends on where you apply and the service you choose. If you apply from outside the UK, it usually takes up to 12 weeks (around three months) for a decision, while applications made inside the UK typically take around 8 weeks.
Faster options are available through priority or super-priority services, which can deliver results within a few working days. However, delays can occur if documents are missing, further checks are needed, or there’s a high volume of applications.
Submitting a complete, well-prepared application helps ensure a smoother and quicker process.
How to apply for UK Spouse Visa in 5 steps
Pay the fees & Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Book a biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints and a photo.
Submit your documents electronically or at your appointment.
Wait for your decision.
Is there a UK spouse visa interview?
A UK Spouse Visa interview is not always required, but the Home Office may request one if they need to verify your relationship or supporting documents.
In most straightforward applications — where the paperwork is complete, the relationship evidence is strong, and the financial requirement is clearly met — no interview takes place. However, if immigration officers have doubts about the genuineness of the relationship, inconsistent details, or unclear documents, they may invite either you or your partner for an interview.
During a spouse visa interview, officers typically ask questions about how you met, your daily life together, family details, future plans, and other personal facts to check that the relationship is real.
