UK Spouse Visa Made Simple
Get clear, step-by-step guidance on your UK spouse visa application—from eligibility to approval.
Trusted UK Spouse Visa Guidance
Applying for a UK spouse visa can feel overwhelming, especially with strict requirements, detailed documentation, and changing immigration rules. Our platform is designed to simplify the entire process by providing clear, reliable, and up-to-date information.
Whether you are applying from outside the UK or switching your visa from within the country, we guide you through every step—helping you understand eligibility, prepare documents, and avoid common mistakes that lead to refusals.
Choose the Right Visa Path for Your Relationship
We offer expert guidance across all UK partner visa routes, helping you understand requirements, prepare strong applications, and avoid costly mistakes.
Designed for couples who are not married but have been in a committed relationship, similar to marriage, for at least 2 years. Living together is helpful evidence, but it is not always required.
What is a UK Spouse Visa?
A UK spouse visa allows married partners of British citizens or settled persons to live together in the United Kingdom. This visa is part of the family visa category and requires applicants to meet specific criteria, including financial requirements, English language ability, and proof of a genuine relationship.
Our detailed guides break down each requirement in simple terms, making it easier for you to understand what is needed for a successful application.
UK Spouse Visa Requirements at a Glance — 2026
Minimum income: £29,000 a year for new applications — transitional protection keeps £18,600 if you first applied before 11 April 2024. No qualifying income? Cash savings of £88,500 held for at least 6 months can meet the requirement instead.
Documents: valid passports, relationship evidence, financial documents (payslips and bank statements), accommodation proof and an approved A1 English language certificate.
Fees from 8 April 2026: £2,064 applying from outside the UK, £1,407 from inside, plus the £1,035-a-year Immigration Health Surcharge. Priority decisions cost £500; super priority £1,000.
Processing times: around 12 weeks applying from outside the UK, around 8 weeks from inside. You can apply from within the UK only if your current visa allows switching — visitor visas do not.
Recent guides: see our blog for the full 2026 breakdowns of spouse visa fees and spouse visa processing times, written and reviewed by our SRA-regulated solicitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a spouse visa take? Standard processing is usually around 12 weeks when you apply from outside the UK and around 8 weeks from inside the UK. Priority services may be available for faster decisions.
Can I work in the UK on a spouse visa? Yes — you can work for any employer and study, without restrictions.
What is the minimum income requirement? £29,000 a year for applications made on or after 11 April 2024. Transitional protection keeps the £18,600 threshold (plus child additions) if you first applied before that date.
What is a UK spouse visa? It lets the husband, wife or civil partner of a British citizen or settled person live, work and study in the UK, with a route to settlement (ILR) after 5 years.
Who is eligible for a UK spouse visa? You must be legally married or in a civil partnership, your partner must be a British citizen or settled in the UK, you must intend to live together permanently, and you must meet the financial and English language requirements.
What is the financial requirement? £29,000 a year in income, or cash savings of £88,500 held for at least 6 months, or a combination of both. Transitional applicants keep the £18,600 threshold.
Can I apply for a spouse visa from inside the UK? Yes, if you are on a visa that allows switching, such as a student or work visa. You cannot switch from a visitor visa. If you apply before your current visa expires, you can stay while a decision is made.
Our Accreditations
Why Choose Our Spouse Visa Support?
95%
Approval Success Rate
Across spouse and partner visa applications prepared by our solicitors — every case is assessed on its own facts
8+
Years of Experience
Expertise in UK partner visa applications
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