If your partner is self-employed, you can still meet the UK Spouse Visa requirements, but the type of evidence you must submit is different from standard employment. The sponsoring partner must prove an annual income of at least £29,000 (as of 2025) through their business or company income.
What is proof of self-employment for a UK visa?
Proof of self-employment for a UK visa means official evidence showing that you genuinely work for yourself and earn income through your own business or trade. The UK Home Office requires this to confirm that your self-employment is real, active, and financially stable.
Category | Required documents | Purpose |
Sole Traders or Partnerships | - HMRC registration document with Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) - Self-assessment tax returns (SA302) or tax calculations for the last financial year - Tax year overview from HMRC - Business bank statements showing income deposits - Invoices, receipts, or contracts showing trade activity - Business accounts prepared or certified by an accountant - Proof of ongoing trade (recent invoices or client contracts) - VAT registration certificate and VAT returns (if registered) - Proof of National Insurance contributions | Confirms that you are officially registered as self-employed, actively trading, paying taxes, and earning income through your business. |
Directors or Shareholders of a Limited Company | - Companies House registration confirming director/shareholder status - Company accounts (audited or certified) - Company tax return (CT600) for the last financial year - Business bank statements showing company income and expenses - Payslips or P60s (if drawing a salary) - Dividend vouchers and personal bank statements showing payments - Proof of ongoing business activity (contracts, invoices, or recent trade) | Verifies that you are a company owner or director earning income from genuine and active business operations. |
General Requirements | - Business must be genuine and active (not dormant) - All documents must be from the most recent financial year - Documents must be dated within 28 days of submitting your application - Non-English documents must include certified translations - All evidence must clearly show your name, business name, and income | Ensures that all self-employment proof is current, verifiable, and compliant with UK Home Office standards. |
All UK Spouse Visa financial documents & requirements for self-employed sponsors
If your partner is self-employed and sponsoring you for your UK Spouse Visa, they must prove that their income meets the minimum financial requirement.
Minimum income requirement
To qualify, the sponsoring partner must earn at least £29,000 a year before tax. This income can come from self-employment profits, salary, or dividends from a company they own or control. The financial evidence should cover the most recent full financial year.
Self-employed sponsors are assessed under two categories.
Category F: Income from the last full financial year.
Category G: Average income from the last two full financial years (if income fluctuates or the business is new).
For sole traders, the tax year runs from 6 April to 5 April, and for limited company directors, the period follows the company’s accounting year.
UK Spouse Visa financial documents for employees
Documents for sole traders or partnerships
If the sponsor is self-employed as a sole trader or in a partnership, they must provide the following documents:
HMRC registration proof showing a valid Unique Tax Reference (UTR).
Self-assessment tax returns (SA302) or official tax calculations for the last financial year.
Tax year overview from HMRC matching the income figures declared.
Personal and business bank statements covering the full financial year used, showing income deposits and business expenses.
Annual business accounts prepared or certified by an accountant.
Invoices, receipts, or contracts showing business activity and income.
Proof that the business is active, such as recent invoices or client agreements.
VAT certificate and VAT returns (if registered for VAT).
Proof of National Insurance contributions for the same period.
Evidence of ownership or partnership, such as a partnership agreement or sole trader registration form.
These documents must show consistent figures across tax returns, accounts, and bank statements.
Documents for limited company directors
If the sponsor is a director or shareholder of a UK-registered limited company, they must provide:
Company tax return (CT600) for the full financial year being used.
Company accounts, audited if required or certified by a qualified accountant.
Business bank statements for the same accounting period.
Companies House registration documents confirming director and shareholder status.
Company appointment report showing the director’s details.
Payslips and P60s if the director receives a salary from the company.
Dividend vouchers for any dividends declared, with matching personal bank statements showing receipt.
Proof of shareholding, such as a share certificate or confirmation statement.
VAT registration certificate, if applicable.
PAYE registration and payroll records if the company employs staff.
Evidence that the business is trading, such as invoices, contracts, or recent financial activity.
The income declared in the tax returns and accounts must align with payments shown in bank statements and dividend records.
Matching periods
All financial documents must cover the same financial year or accounting period. Mismatched dates or inconsistent income figures are one of the most common reasons for refusal. The business must also be actively trading during that period.
If your income fluctuates or your business started recently, you can rely on Category G, which averages income over the past two years. This can make it easier to meet the income threshold if profits vary from year to year.
Combining income sources
Self-employed sponsors can combine income from more than one source, provided they all fall within the same financial year. This includes income from employment, pensions, rental property, or dividends. However, cash savings cannot be combined with self-employment income for the same financial year.
If you plan to rely on savings alone, the sponsor must show at least £88,500 in savings held for at least six months.
Document timeframes and validity
All financial documents must be issued within 28 days of the date you submit your online visa application. The financial year relied on must have been fully completed before you apply.
Documents should be original or clearly scanned copies that are easy to verify. If any document is not in English or Welsh, you must provide a certified translation. Make sure the sponsor’s name, business name, and income details appear clearly on all paperwork.
