A UK spouse visa (a family visa as a partner) lets you live in the UK with a British or settled husband, wife or partner. As of October 2026 you and your partner usually need a combined income of at least £29,000 a year, and the application costs £2,064 from outside the UK or £1,407 from inside, plus the healthcare surcharge.
The family visa covers spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners and fiancés, as well as children and other relatives. This guide focuses on partners, because that's what most people searching for a spouse visa need.
Everything here comes from GOV.UK's family visa guide. The rules change, so treat it as a plain-English map and check the official page before you apply.
Who can apply as a partner
You need a family visa to live with a family member in the UK for more than 6 months. As a partner you'll need to prove your relationship, and that you:
- have a good knowledge of English
- meet the financial requirements
- intend to live together in the UK
GOV.UK says if you can't provide this proof you may still be able to apply in some circumstances, so don't assume a missing piece rules you out.
The £29,000 income rule
GOV.UK says that if you apply as a partner, you and your partner usually need to prove a combined income of at least £29,000 a year. This is the minimum income requirement. It's different if you're extending a visa you first got under older rules, including if you first applied as a fiancé or proposed civil partner.
Income that can count includes UK employment, self-employment or director income shown on a Self Assessment return, cash savings above £16,000, pensions, and non-work income such as rent or dividends. You don't need to meet a minimum income if your partner gets certain disability or carer's benefits.
The detail people miss: GOV.UK has extra guidance if you or your partner have taken maternity or paternity leave in the last 6 months, or if you want to combine different income sources. If your income dipped during parental leave, read that guidance before you apply. My guide to statutory maternity pay explains what that pay looks like on paper.
Fees and surcharge, as of October 2026
| Cost | From outside the UK | From inside the UK |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee, joining your partner | £2,064 | £1,407 |
| Each dependant added | £2,064 each | £1,407 each |
| Healthcare surcharge, adult, 2 years and 6 months | £2,587.50 | £2,587.50 |
| Healthcare surcharge, adult, 2 years and 9 months | £3,105 | £3,105 |
| Healthcare surcharge, child, 2 years and 9 months | £2,328 | £2,328 |
| Super priority decision | Not available | Extra £1,000 where offered |
GOV.UK lists the surcharge by length of stay, and the partner route is usually granted in shorter periods with an extension before settlement, so expect to pay fees more than once. A fee waiver may be possible in limited situations, for example if you can't afford a place to live or essential living costs.
Evidence that strengthens the application
GOV.UK says you'll need to prove your relationship and your income. In practice that means documents showing you've lived together or plan to, and evidence for each income source in the form GOV.UK's financial guidance asks for. Keep originals organised by requirement so nothing's missed.
How long it takes
GOV.UK says if you apply outside the UK you'll usually get a decision within 12 weeks. If you apply inside the UK and meet the financial and English requirements, it's usually within 8 weeks. Applications that don't meet those requirements can take longer.
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How to apply, step by step
- Check which family visa category fits you: spouse or civil partner, unmarried partner, or fiancé.
- Gather proof of your relationship and of living together, or planning to.
- Work out how you'll meet the £29,000 requirement and gather evidence for each income source.
- Book an approved English test if you need one.
- Apply online, pay the fee and surcharge, and give your biometric information.
- Plan for the extension before your first visa ends.
Common reasons applications go wrong
- Using income evidence that doesn't match GOV.UK's rules for that type of income, especially self-employment or company income.
- Counting savings that don't meet the threshold, since only cash savings above £16,000 count.
- Forgetting that the surcharge is paid upfront for the whole stay.
- Missing the extension date at the end of the first grant of leave.
- Leaving out proof that you live together, or intend to.
Settling in the UK
GOV.UK says the earliest you can apply to settle, known as indefinite leave to remain, is after 5 years living in the UK continuously on a family visa as a partner. Time on other visas doesn't count towards that. You'll also need to show knowledge of English and that you can support yourselves without relying on public funds.
If your partner works for a UK employer, they'll need a right to work check when you start a new job, and your visa shows your right to work.
My verdict
Start with the income rule. It's the requirement that decides most spouse visa plans, and the evidence for self-employment, savings or mixed income takes time to pull together. Budget for the surcharge as well as the fee, and for doing it again at extension. If anything in your situation is unusual, such as recent parental leave or income from a limited company, use GOV.UK's detailed guidance or a regulated immigration adviser before you apply, not after a refusal.
Frequently asked questions
How much income do you need for a UK spouse visa?
As of October 2026, you and your partner usually need a combined income of at least £29,000 a year. Different rules apply to some extensions under older rules.
How much does a UK spouse visa cost?
£2,064 from outside the UK or £1,407 from inside, plus the healthcare surcharge, which is £3,105 per adult for a stay of 2 years and 9 months.
How long does a UK spouse visa take?
Usually within 12 weeks from outside the UK, or 8 weeks from inside if you meet the financial and English requirements.
Can savings be used for a spouse visa?
Yes. GOV.UK lists cash savings above £16,000 among the sources that can count towards the financial requirement.
When can a spouse apply for settlement?
After 5 years living in the UK continuously on a family visa as a partner, if you meet the other requirements.
