UK Spouse Visa Financial (Minimum Income) Requirements 2025

Applying for a UK Spouse Visa is a detailed process with strict requirements, one of the most significant being the spouse visa financial requirement. Demonstrating that you meet this minimum income threshold is vital for a successful application. This guide outlines the financial requirements for UK Spouse Visa applicants in 2025, focusing on income sources, evidence requirements, and recent changes to the rules.

For personalised assistance with your application, reach out to our friendly team at Whytecroft Ford via our contact form.

What is the UK Spouse Visa Financial Requirement in 2025?

The UK Spouse Visa, which includes civil partner, and unmarried partner visas, is designed for partners of British citizens, settled persons, or those holding Pre-Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme. Applicants must prove they can support themselves and their families without public funds, as specified in Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.

As of 11 April 2024, the financial requirements are as follows:

• New Applicants after 11 April 2024:
  • Minimum income threshold: £29,000 gross annual income or £88,500 in cash savings.
  • The fixed threshold applies regardless of the number of dependent children.
• Applicants Granted Leave Before 11 April 2024:
  • Transitional arrangements apply, with the previous threshold of £18,600 per annum still in effect.
  • Additional child components: £3,800 for the first child, £2,400 for each subsequent child, up to £29,000.
• Applicants with new Partners after 11 April 2024:
  • The higher £29,000 threshold applies.

Sources of Income That Count Towards the Financial Requirement

1. Salaried or Non-Salaried Employment with Current Employer for at least Six months (Category A)

Applicants or sponsors working in the UK with the same employer for at least six months can use their gross annual salary to meet the requirement under Category A. The level of annual salary being relied on in the application must have been paid through the period of 6 months before the date of application. 

Salaried employment includes that paid at a minimum fixed rate (usually annual) which is usually subject to a contractual minimum number of hours to be worked. Non-salaried employment includes that paid at an hourly or other rate (and the number and/or pattern of hours required to be worked may vary) or paid an amount which varies according to the work undertaken.

The documentary evidence required to demonstrate income under Category A will include:

• Payslips: Covering the last six months before the application.
• Employer Letter: Confirming employment details, gross annual salary, job type, and contract type (permanent, fixed-term, or agency).
• Bank Statements: Showing the salary deposited into the account of the applicant, sponsor, or both jointly.

2. Variable Income or Employment of Less than Six Months (Category B)

Category B is applicable when the applicant’s partner (and/or the applicant, if they have permission to work in the UK) is in salaried or non-salaried employment at the time of the application but has not been with the same employer, or has not earned the income level relied upon in the application, for at least six months prior to the application date. This category is particularly useful for individuals who have been with their current employer for less than six months, or those with a variable income who prefer to apply under Category B rather than Category A.

To meet the financial requirement under Category B, two parts must be satisfied. First, if the applicant or their partner is currently in salaried employment but has not met the six-month threshold with the same employer or income level, the gross annual salary at the date of application can be counted. There is no required minimum period for this employment under Category B Income. 

When relying on employment income from both the applicant and their partner, the income must be calculated entirely under either Category A or Category B, as these categories cannot be combined.

Category B documentary evidence will include:

• Payslips: Covering the last 12 months.
• Employer Letter: Stating income details and employment duration.
• Bank Statements: Showing salary deposits.

3. Sponsor Returning to the UK with the Applicant (Category A or B)

British Partners returning to the UK with the applicant can combine their overseas income with evidence of a UK job offer. Accordingly, they must supply a UK Employment Offer Letter/Contract confirming gross annual salary and start date within three months of return, in addition to evidence of their past income under Category A or B.

4. Non-Employment Income (Category C)

Specified non-employment income which the applicant’s partner and/or the applicant have received in the 12 months prior to the date of application can be counted towards the financial requirement. Non-employment income from sources such as property rental, dividends or income from investments or savings can count towards Category C income. 

For instance, an applicant can rely on income generated from the couple’s property rentals to meet the financial requirements. This will be assessed based on the rental income received during the 12 months preceding the date of application. To support this, you must provide 12 months of bank statements clearly showing the rental income being deposited. Additionally, as of the application date, the property must be owned by the applicant, the sponsor/partner, or held jointly in their names.

The asset generating the income must be in the name of the applicant, their partner, or both jointly, and it must be held or owned as of the date of the application. While the asset does not need to have been owned for the full 12 months prior to the application, it must have produced income for at least part of those 12 months. For instance, if the asset has been owned for three months leading up to the application and has generated income during that time, the income from those three months can be counted towards meeting the financial requirement.

5. Cash Savings (Category D)

Cash savings above £16,000 can be used to meet the financial requirement. The savings must be held in the name of the applicant, sponsor, or both jointly for at least six months before the application.

Savings must be held in cash in a personal bank or savings account under the name of the applicant, or their partner, or held jointly by the couple. The funds can originate from any legitimate source, such as earnings from employment or a gift from a family member, as long as the source of the savings is declared. 

The applicant and/or their partner must confirm that the funds are under their control, not borrowed, and have been maintained in their account for a minimum of six months prior to the date of application. The account can be a current, deposit, or investment account provided by a financial institution regulated by the appropriate authority in the country where it operates, with current and deposit accounts being the most commonly identifiable types.

Cash savings are calculated using the following formula:
(Amount of cash savings – £16,000) ÷ (the period of the grant of leave: 2.5 years) = must equal at least £29,000

New applicants relying solely on cash savings will therefore need to prove £88,500 in cash savings: (£29,000 x 2.5 + £16,000 = £88,500).

The evidence required to demonstrate Cash Savings will include:

• Bank Statements: Showing the required level of savings over six months.
• Signed Declaration: Confirming the source of savings.

6. Pension Income (Category E)

The gross annual income from any State (UK Basic State Pension and Additional or Second State Pension, HM Forces Pension or foreign), occupational or private pension received by the applicant’s partner or the applicant can be counted towards the financial requirement under Category E. The annual pension income may be counted where the pension has become a source of income at least 28 days prior to the application.

Specified evidence required to demonstrate pension income will include:

• Official Pension Documentation: From the Department for Work and Pensions or equivalent authority.
• Bank Statements: Showing pension payments during the last 12 months.

7. Self-Employment and Specified Limited Company Income or Director Income (Categories F and G)

Applicants who are self-employed or company directors can use income from their business to meet the threshold, either:

• Category F: Income from the last full financial year.
• Category G: Average income from the last two financial years.

Evidence Required:

• Tax Returns: SA300/SA302 for sole traders; CT600 for limited companies.
• Business Bank Statements: Covering the relevant period.
• Audited/Unaudited Accounts: Matching the declared income.

The financial year differs based on the applicant’s circumstances:

• Self-Employment: The UK fiscal year runs from 6 April to 5 April the following year. Applicants must align their financial documents, such as self-assessment tax returns (SA300/SA302), with this period.
• Specified Limited Companies: The financial year corresponds to the Company Tax return CT600, reflecting the company’s 12-month accounting year, which may differ from the UK fiscal year.

Combining Sources to meet the Minimum Income Requirements

Combining income sources to meet the UK Spouse Visa financial requirement is possible but must adhere to specific rules. For example, income from Category A (salaried or non-salaried employment) can be combined with other income sources like Category C (non-employment income), Category D (cash savings), and Category E (pension income). Additionally, Category A can be combined with income from Category F (self-employment) or Category G (income from a specified limited company), but only if all sources of income fall within the same financial year. Similarly, Category B (employment with variable income) can also be combined with Categories C and E, as well as with cash savings under Category D, except when assessing income at Stage 2 of Category B, which looks at the past 12 months of earnings.

However, not all combinations are permitted. For instance, income from Category A cannot be combined with Category B, meaning both the applicant and their partner’s employment income can only be used together if they fall under the same category. Moreover, cash savings (Category D) cannot be combined with income from self-employment (Category F) or income as a director or employee of a specified limited company (Category G). Understanding these restrictions ensures that applicants present their financial information correctly to meet the visa requirements.

Important Considerations for Financial Evidence

1. Third-Party Support

Income or savings must be under the applicant or sponsor’s control. Third-party promises of support cannot usually count. However, gifts of cash savings are acceptable if they meet the six-month holding rule.

2. Bank Statements Format

Bank accounts must be with regulated financial institutions and electronic statements must be authenticated by the issuing bank.

3. Foreign Income/Savings Currency Conversion

All foreign income or savings must be converted to GBP using the OANDA exchange rate on the date of application.

4. The 28-Day Rule

Evidence must be dated no earlier than 28 days before the application date.

How Whytecroft Ford Can Help

Navigating the financial requirements for a UK Spouse Visa can be challenging. At Whytecroft Ford, we offer:

• Tailored Guidance: Ensuring your income calculations and evidence comply with Appendix FM requirements.
• Document Verification: Avoiding errors that could result in application refusal.
• Expertise in Complex Cases: From combining income sources to addressing evidence gaps.

Contact us today at +44 208 757 5751 or via our online contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions