Financial Requirement for UK Spouse Visas
Navigating the UK immigration system can be complex, particularly when it comes to meeting the financial requirements for a spouse visa. As of January 2025, the financial thresholds and documentation requirements remain a key consideration for applicants and sponsors alike.
In this guide, we’ll break down the essential information, including income thresholds, savings requirements, and other permissible sources of income, ensuring you have a clear understanding of what’s needed to bring your loved one to the UK.
What is the Financial Requirement?
The financial requirement is designed to ensure that a UK sponsor can support their non-UK spouse without relying on public funds. This minimum income threshold depends on when the application was submitted:
£29,000 per year: For applications submitted on or after 11 April 2024.
£18,600 per year: For applications submitted before 11 April 2024 (and applying with the same sponsor).
If dependent children are included in the application, additional income is required:
For one child: an additional £3,800.
For each subsequent child: an additional £2,400 per child.
Four Ways to Meet the Financial Requirement
There are four main ways to satisfy the financial requirement: through employment, self-employment, savings, or other sources of income. Here’s how each works:
1. Employment
Employment is the most straightforward route to meeting the financial requirement. The UK sponsor must demonstrate they have earned the required minimum income for at least six months prior to the application.
Evidence required includes:
Payslips for the last six months.
A letter from the employer confirming the sponsor’s role, salary, and employment duration.
Bank statements showing salary deposits.
If the sponsor has recently changed jobs, they must show proof of employment with a current annual salary that meets the threshold, alongside evidence of income from their previous employment over the past 12 months.
2. Self-Employment
For those who are self-employed or directors of limited companies, meeting the financial requirement involves additional documentation, including:
Tax returns filed with HMRC.
Business accounts prepared by a certified accountant.
Proof of trading, such as invoices or contracts.
Income from self-employment is calculated after deducting business expenses, and the complexity of these calculations often makes professional advice essential.
3. Savings
Cash savings can also be used to meet the financial requirement, either alone or in combination with income from employment. The amount required depends on whether you’re using savings solely or as a supplement:
Savings alone: A minimum of £88,500, held in a UK or foreign bank account for at least six months.
Combined with income: The calculation reduces the savings threshold by £16,000 but requires proof of a consistent shortfall in income.
If savings were derived from a property sale, they must be traceable to an account in the name of the sponsor or applicant and held for at least six months prior to sale.
4. Other Income
Other sources of income, such as pensions, rental income, or dividends, can also contribute to meeting the financial requirement. Each source has specific documentation requirements:
Pensions: Letters confirming the amount and bank statements showing deposits.
Rental Income: Tenancy agreements and bank statements showing payments.
Dividends: Evidence of ownership and payment vouchers.
While these sources can be combined with employment or savings, state benefits such as child benefit or housing assistance cannot count towards meeting the threshold.
Challenges and Considerations
Meeting the financial requirement can be challenging for some applicants, especially those with non-traditional income sources or fluctuating earnings. However, the flexibility to combine income sources, such as employment and savings, offers viable options for many.
Why Professional Guidance Matters
With detailed rules and frequent updates to immigration laws, seeking professional advice can make a significant difference. An immigration expert can help you identify the best route for your circumstances and ensure your application meets the Home Office’s evidentiary requirements.
Understanding the financial requirement for a UK spouse visa is essential for a smooth application process. Whether you’re relying on employment, self-employment, savings, or other income sources, careful preparation and documentation are key.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility or need assistance with your application, contact our team of immigration experts. Let us help you navigate the process and bring you closer to your loved one.
Please feel free to get in touch with us at PROVISAS for a personalised advice or to discuss your specific circumstances in detail.