Cash savings held in overseas accounts can be used to meet the financial requirement for a UK Partner Visa, provided they comply with the Immigration Rules. This includes demonstrating ownership, control, legal source, and a minimum six-month holding period.
The Partner route includes those applying under the UK Spouse, Civil Partner, or Fiance visa categories.
In this post, we discuss how to rely on foreign cash savings to meet the financial requirement for a UK Partner Visa, what documentary evidence is required, and how to avoid common pitfalls when applying.
Can I Use Foreign Savings for a UK Partner Visa Application?
Yes. Cash savings held in a foreign bank account may be used to satisfy the financial requirement for a UK Partner Visa, provided the funds meet all Home Office UKVI criteria under the Immigration Rules.
The savings must:
- Be held solely or jointly by the applicant and/or their UK sponsor/partner
- Be in a personal current, deposit, or certain investment accounts
- Be held in a regulated financial institution in the country of operation
- Be in cash form or a defined cash-equivalent
- Be under the control of the applicant and/or the UK sponsor/partner for at least 6 consecutive months
- Be immediately accessible (even if penalties apply for withdrawal)
- Be legally sourced and declared in the application
Funds cannot be borrowed, frozen, or invested in property or shares unless already liquidated.
Given the strict evidential requirements and the Home Office’s cautious approach to financial evidence, seeking professional legal advice is strongly recommended to ensure your application is robust and compliant. For assistance with your UK Partner Visa application involving foreign savings, contact our experienced team at Whytecroft Ford today.
Can Foreign Savings Be in Another Currency?
Yes. Foreign savings held in non-GBP currencies must be converted using the www.oanda.com closing spot exchange rate on the application date. The exchange rate on that specific date must be used for consistency.
If savings are held in more than one currency, each is converted separately to GBP, then added together to give a total amount.
What Is the Required Foreign Savings Amount for a UK Partner Visa?
If no other income is being relied upon, the applicant must show a minimum of £88,500 (GBP) in cash savings. This is based on the Minimum Income Requirement (MIR) of £29,000 and calculated using the following formula under the Immigration Rules:
(Cash Savings – £16,000) ÷ 2.5 = £29,000
The first £16,000 is disregarded, as it is the threshold for income-related benefits in the UK, and 2.5 reflects the 2.5-year (or 30-month) period the applicant will have to make a further application.
As of April 2024, applications involving dependent children must meet the £29,000 threshold.
If some income is being relied on, only the shortfall needs to be covered by savings exceeding £16,000.
What Type of Evidence Is Required to Demonstrate Foreign Cash Savings?
The Home Office UKVI requires strict adherence to evidential requirements for demonstrating cash savings. The evidence required will depend on the circumstances. The following must be provided:
- personal bank statements showing that at least the level of cash savings relied upon in the application has been held in an account or accounts in the names of the person and their partner jointly throughout 6 months before the date of application
- a declaration by the account holder or holders of the source or sources of the cash savings
Documents not in English must be accompanied by certified English translations.
What Are the Common Mistakes to Avoid?
- Using funds held for less than 6 months
- Failing to prove legal ownership and control
- Having third-party account holders on the savings account
- Submitting statements from unregulated institutions
- Attempting to use non-cash assets such as property or shares not yet liquidated
How Whytecroft Ford Can Help
At Whytecroft Ford, we offer legal assistance for individuals and families relying on foreign cash savings in their UK Partner Visa applications.
Contact our experienced and friendly team on +44 208 757 5751 or submit an enquiry to discuss your UK Partner Visa matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, provided the funds are legally sourced, declared, and held under the applicant’s or sponsor’s control for 6 months before applying.
Yes, if the savings meet the 6-month holding period and are in a regulated personal account.
Yes, cash savings may originate from the sale of property abroad.
Each currency must be converted separately into GBP using the OANDA rate on the date of application.
