Financial requirements for UK Spouse Visa is crucial for applicants aiming to reunite with their partners in the UK. As of 11 April 2024, the UK government has implemented significant changes to the minimum income threshold, affecting both new applicants and those seeking to extend their stay. Understanding these requirements is essential to ensure a successful application.
In this blog we’ll explore the current financial thresholds, acceptable income sources, exemptions, and the necessary documentation to meet the Home Office’s criteria for UK Spouse Visa in 2025.
Current Financial Thresholds for UK Spouse and Partner Visas (2025 Update)
As of 2025, the UK Government has continued to implement staged increases to the income requirement for those applying under the Spouse and Partner Visa route. These changes are part of a wider reform to reduce net migration and ensure that incoming families can financially support themselves.
What Is the Minimum Income Requirement?
The financial threshold has changed in line with the UK Government’s planned increases:
- From 11 April 2024: £29,000
- From Spring 2025: set to rise to £34,500
- By early 2026: the target threshold is £38,700
These apply to Spouse Visas, Civil Partner Visas, and application for the Unmarried Partner Visas under the five-year family route.
Note: If you’re applying in 2025, you will likely need to meet the £34,500 requirement — unless you fall under a transitional provision (discussed below).
Flat Rate Regardless of Dependants
Unlike the previous rules (pre-April 2024), where each child added an additional income requirement (e.g., £3,800 for the first child, £2,400 for each subsequent), the new rules set a flat threshold — whether or not you’re applying with children.
This simplifies the application process but sets a higher bar for families with children who previously qualified with a lower income level.
Transitional Provisions — Do They Apply to You?
Applicants and sponsors who were granted a visa before 11 April 2024 and are applying for an extension or settlement on the same route are protected by transitional rules. These individuals can continue to rely on the previous minimum income requirement of:
- £18,600 (for couples without children)
This ensures that those already on the family route aren’t unfairly penalised by the new thresholds.
Who Needs to Meet the New Requirement?
You must meet the current threshold (i.e. £34,500 from Spring 2025) if:
- You’re applying from abroad as a new applicant
- You’re switching to the family route from within the UK (e.g. from a work or student visa)
- You didn’t previously hold a family visa under the 5-year route
Acceptable Sources of Income in 2025
Meeting the UK Spouse Visa financial requirements isn’t just about reaching a number — it’s about proving that your income is stable, legal, and well-documented. The Home Office has strict rules on what income sources are acceptable and how they must be evidenced.
Here’s what’s allowed in 2025, following the updated policy.
1. Employment Income (Salaried or Non-Salaried)
Income from a UK-based job is one of the most straightforward ways to meet the requirement.
You can apply under two scenarios:
- Category A: Employed for 6 months or more with the same employer earning at least the minimum income
- Category B: Employed for less than 6 months or with multiple employers, in which case you must show:
- Current income level would meet the threshold if annualised
- Income over the past 12 months also meets the requirement
Evidence Required:
- 6 months of payslips
- Letter from employer verifying employment details
- 6 months of bank statements showing salary deposits
2. Self-Employment Income
Self-employed sponsors can apply under Category F or Category G, depending on their financial year. They must submit financial documents covering the most recent complete financial year.
Documents Required:
- Finalised accounts
- SA302 tax calculations from HMRC
- Business and personal bank statements
- Proof of business ownership (e.g. UTR number, Companies House docs)
3. Non-Employment Income
This includes income from:
- Rental properties
- Dividends from shares
- Pensions (state, private or occupational)
- Interest from savings and investments
Must show:
- Consistent payments over at least 12 months
- Legal ownership of the source of income
- Bank statements showing deposits
4. Cash Savings
Cash savings can be used in two ways:
- To supplement a shortfall in income
- To fully meet the financial requirement, in which case £88,500 is needed as of the £29,000 threshold (higher amounts may apply once the threshold increases)
Key Criteria:
- Must be held for at least 6 months prior to application
- Held in the name of the applicant, sponsor, or both
- Must be immediately accessible
- Source of savings must be legal and documented (e.g. sale of house, inheritance)
Formula for converting savings to income:
(Amount of savings − £16,000) ÷ 2.5 = amount that can be used to meet the income threshold
Example: (£88,500 − £16,000) ÷ 2.5 = £29,000
5. Pension and Disability Benefits (Only for Exemption Route)
Where benefits are involved (more below), you may follow the adequate maintenance route instead of hitting the income threshold.
Required Documents to Prove Financial Eligibility
Meeting the UK Spouse Visa financial requirements is not just about income — it’s about proving that income to the Home Office in a clear, compliant, and structured way. If your evidence doesn’t align with the rules under Appendix FM-SE, your application may be refused, even if you earn above the required threshold.
Below is a detailed guide to the documents required for UK Spouse Visa financial requirements in 2025.
Employment Income: Salaried or Non-Salaried (Category A or B)
If your UK-based sponsor is employed, you must provide:
- Payslips (6 months for Category A or 12 months for Category B)
- Letter from employer (on company letterhead) including:
- Job title
- Start date and employment status
- Gross annual salary
- Confirmation that the employment is ongoing
- Bank statements showing net salary deposits matching the payslips
- Optional but helpful: P60 certificate (UK end-of-year tax form)
These documents demonstrate you meet the UK Spouse Visa financial requirements through consistent employment income.
Self-Employment (Category F or G)
For self-employed sponsors, proving the UK Spouse Visa financial requirements involves more paperwork, reflecting the complexity of business income.
You must submit:
- SA302 tax calculation from HMRC for the most recent full financial year
- Finalised business accounts, signed by a registered accountant (if operating a limited company)
- Proof of business registration with HMRC or Companies House
- Business bank statements confirming gross income
- Personal bank statements to show income transfers
- Invoices and client contracts (optional but strengthens the case)
You must prove that your income meets or exceeds the current UK Spouse Visa financial requirements for the relevant period.
Non-Employment Income (Rental, Dividends, Pensions)
If you’re using non-employment income to meet the UK Spouse Visa financial requirements, you need to show:
- Ownership documents (e.g. property deeds or share certificates)
- Rental agreements or dividend schedules
- 12 months of bank statements showing regular payments
- Pension letters and associated bank records, if using pension income
This income must be under your or your sponsor’s control and predictable for the foreseeable future.
Cash Savings Route (Category D)
If you do not meet the UK Spouse Visa financial requirements through income, cash savings can be used either to supplement income or fully meet the threshold.
As of 2025, to fully meet the £34,500 threshold through savings alone, you’ll need:
£102,000 = (£34,500 × 2.5) + £16,000
Required evidence:
- 6 months of personal bank statements showing the required funds were continuously held
- Proof of source of savings (sale of property, inheritance, divorce settlement, etc.)
- Documents showing legal transfer of large sums (e.g. sale contracts, wills, legal letters)
Savings must be held in cash, accessible, and in the name of the sponsor or applicant (or both). This is one of the most document-sensitive ways to meet the UK Spouse Visa financial requirements.
Mixed Sources of Income
You can combine different sources — such as employment and savings — to meet the total UK Spouse Visa financial requirements. When combining, ensure:
- Each category’s documentation is complete
- The calculation clearly shows how the combined total meets or exceeds the required income
Always include a summary calculation sheet to help the caseworker follow your financial logic.
Additional Documentation Tips
- Certified translations: Any non-English document must be professionally translated
- PDF format: Submit clear, labelled PDFs if applying online
- Document checklist: Include a detailed list of all documents being submitted
- Cover letter: A short, professional letter explaining your income sources, calculations, and how you meet the UK Spouse Visa financial requirements can reduce misunderstandings and delays
Exemptions from the Financial Requirement & Adequate Maintenance Route
Not every applicant is required to meet the standard UK Spouse Visa financial requirements. In specific cases, where the UK-based sponsor receives certain public benefits, the Home Office allows the applicant to satisfy a different test — known as the adequate maintenance route.
This exemption from the usual UK Spouse Visa financial requirements is tightly regulated. You cannot opt into this route unless you meet the qualifying conditions outlined in Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.
When Are You Exempt From UK Spouse Visa Financial Requirements?
The standard income threshold (e.g. £34,500 in 2025) under the UK Spouse Visa financial requirements does not apply if the sponsor is in receipt of one or more of the following qualifying benefits:
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Attendance Allowance
- Severe Disablement Allowance
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
If any of these apply, you will not need to meet the minimum income level required under the UK Spouse Visa financial requirements. Instead, you must prove that your household has adequate maintenance.
What Is Adequate Maintenance?
Adequate maintenance means that, after paying for essential housing costs such as rent or mortgage, your remaining income is equal to or greater than the equivalent amount a British family of your size would receive in Income Support.
This approach is still financial in nature, but it’s more tailored and flexible than the fixed thresholds imposed under the general UK Spouse Visa financial requirements.
Example of Adequate Maintenance Calculation
Let’s assume:
- You and your spouse have no children
- Weekly housing costs (rent, Council Tax) = £140
- Your total weekly income = £300
- Minimum requirement for a couple (based on Income Support rates) = £155
→ £300 – £140 = £160
Since £160 > £155 → you meet the adequate maintenance test
This method only applies if you’re exempt from standard UK Spouse Visa financial requirements due to qualifying benefits.
What Evidence Is Needed?
To prove adequate maintenance instead of the standard UK Spouse Visa financial requirements, you must submit:
- Official benefit award letters from the DWP (confirming type, amount, and regularity)
- Recent personal bank statements showing benefit payments
- Proof of housing costs (rent agreement or mortgage statement)
- Council Tax bills
- A detailed calculation showing:
- Weekly household income
- Weekly housing costs
- Comparison with the Income Support threshold
Providing this evidence allows the Home Office to verify that you meet the adequate maintenance standard in lieu of the fixed UK Spouse Visa financial requirements.
Can I Choose to Use Adequate Maintenance Instead of Income?
No. You can only rely on adequate maintenance if your UK sponsor is receiving one of the qualifying public benefits. If not, you must satisfy the full UK Spouse Visa financial requirements through income, self-employment, or savings.
This is not a discretionary or flexible option — if you do not qualify for the exemption, you must meet the financial thresholds in full.
Do I Still Need to Meet the English Language Requirement?
Yes. Even if you’re exempt from the UK Spouse Visa financial requirements, you are still required to satisfy the English language for Spouse Visa condition.
There are no exemptions from English language testing based on financial route alone, unless you are:
- Under 18 or over 65
- Have a documented and serious physical or mental health condition
- A national of a majority English-speaking country
English Language Requirement for Spouse Visa in 2025
The English language for Spouse Visa Requirement is a mandatory requirement under the UK immigration rules. Regardless of whether you meet the financial requirement or apply under adequate maintenance, you must prove that you can understand and communicate in English — unless you fall into a narrow exemption category.
Failure to meet this requirement is a guaranteed refusal, even if all other criteria are met.
Who Must Meet the English Language Requirement?
The requirement applies to applicants for:
- Initial Spouse or Partner Visas (outside or inside the UK)
- Extensions of stay on the Spouse/Partner route
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the 5-year route
Required English Levels (2025 Standards)
| Application Type | CEFR Level | Skills Tested |
| Initial Entry Clearance | A1 | Speaking & Listening |
| Extension (after 2.5 years) | A2 | Speaking & Listening |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain | B1 | Speaking & Listening |
CEFR = Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
The levels reflect progression — as you stay longer in the UK, your English proficiency must improve accordingly.
Retaking the Test
If you fail the SELT, you can retake the test as many times as needed — but it must be passed before you submit your visa application. Booking early is advised due to limited availability at test centres.
Why This Requirement Matters
Beyond fulfilling a legal obligation, the English language for Spouse Visa requirement is intended to ensure successful integration into UK life — whether in work, community engagement, or accessing services.
It also impacts future stages of your immigration journey. For example:
- To qualify for ILR, you’ll need to reach B1 level
- Without meeting this, you cannot settle permanently in the UK
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Combine Income From Two Jobs to Meet the UK Spouse Visa Financial Requirements?
Yes. If your UK sponsor has two jobs, their income can be combined to meet the UK Spouse Visa financial requirements — as long as you apply under the correct category and provide full evidence from both employers.
- Category A: If both jobs have been held for 6 months or more
- Category B: If one or both jobs are held for less than 6 months
You’ll need to submit:
- Payslips from both jobs
- Employer letters confirming salary, hours, and job status
- Bank statements showing income deposits
Combining income is acceptable, but accuracy is critical. If your documentation is inconsistent, the Home Office will refuse the application.
Can My Spouse’s Overseas Income Count Towards the UK Spouse Visa Financial Requirements?
Only in specific circumstances. If you’re applying from abroad and your UK sponsor is relocating back to the UK with you, their overseas employment can be considered if they have:
- A confirmed job offer in the UK starting within 3 months of arrival
- Sufficient evidence of the job (contract, salary, employer letter)
However, in all other cases, only income earned in the UK by the sponsor will count toward the UK Spouse Visa financial requirements.
I’m Self-Employed — How Do I Meet the UK Spouse Visa Financial Requirements?
Self-employed individuals can meet the UK Spouse Visa financial requirements under Category F or G, using earnings from the most recently completed financial year.
Required evidence includes:
- SA302 tax calculations and tax overview from HMRC
- Finalised accounts (if a limited company)
- Invoices, client contracts, and payment records
- Personal and business bank statements
The self-employment route is documentation-heavy. Submitting incomplete or unverified financials is a common reason for rejection under the UK Spouse Visa financial requirements.
What If I’ve Just Started a New Job?
If your sponsor has been with their employer for less than 6 months, you must apply under Category B, which requires:
- Proof that your current income, if held for 12 months, would meet the threshold
- AND proof that total income in the last 12 months meets the required amount
This route is strict and requires careful documentation. It’s not enough to earn the right salary now — your income history must also support the claim.
Can I Use Cash Savings Instead of Income?
Yes, but only if you meet the required savings level. For 2025, to fully meet the UK Spouse Visa financial requirements using savings alone, you must have:
- £102,000 in savings (calculated as £34,500 × 2.5 + £16,000 buffer)
These savings must:
- Be held for at least 6 consecutive months
- Be in cash (not stocks, crypto, or property value)
- Be held in the name of the applicant, sponsor, or both
- Be backed by evidence showing the source of funds
Cash savings can also be used to make up for a shortfall in income, following a strict formula outlined in the Immigration Rules.
I Don’t Meet the Financial Threshold — Can I Still Apply?
If you do not meet the UK Spouse Visa financial requirements through income or savings, you can only apply if:
- Your sponsor receives qualifying public benefits, allowing you to use the adequate maintenance route
- There are exceptional circumstances, where refusing the visa would breach your rights under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights
Both options are complex and discretionary. Professional legal advice is highly recommended in these cases.
Do I Still Have to Prove English Language Skills?
Yes. The English language for Spouse Visa requirement is separate from the financial criteria. Even if you meet the UK Spouse Visa financial requirements through employment or savings, your application will still be refused if you fail to meet the English language standard.
You must:
- Pass an approved SELT test at the required level (A1, A2, or B1)
- Or provide a UK degree or Ecctis-certified foreign qualification
- Or be exempt due to age, disability, or nationality
My Financial Situation Changed After I Applied — Will I Be Refused?
No — as long as you met the UK Spouse Visa financial requirements on the date of application, subsequent job loss or income drop won’t affect your pending application.
However, if you’re applying for further leave or Indefinite Leave to Remain, your situation will be reassessed, and you must meet the threshold again — along with the English language for Spouse Visa level required for that stage.
Can I Use My Partner’s Income?
In entry clearance applications made outside the UK, the applicant’s income generally does not count towards the UK Spouse Visa financial requirements.
However, if the applicant is already in the UK with valid permission to work (e.g. on a Skilled Worker or Student visa), their income can be used — provided it’s supported by payslips, employer letters, and bank statements.
Even if the applicant contributes financially, they must still meet the English language requirement for Spouse Visa.
Need Help Meeting the UK Spouse Visa Financial Requirements?
At Axis Solicitors, we specialise in helping couples navigate the complexities of UK immigration law. Whether you’re unsure about income thresholds, combining savings and earnings, or proving financial eligibility—our expert solicitors are here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today for a personalised consultation and give your application the strongest chance of success.
