Key takeaways
- For applications made on or after 11 April 2024, the usual combined income requirement is £29,000 a year.
- Some people on older extensions may have a lower figure, and savings can sometimes be used instead.
- The evidence is checked closely. A mismatch between payslips and bank statements is a common reason for delay or refusal.
- Exceptions exist, so a short check of your own facts is worth doing before you apply.
The UK spouse visa, officially the family visa for a partner, lets you live in the UK with a British, Irish or settled partner. One of its main tests is money: the Home Office wants to be sure you can be supported without relying on public funds.
The usual figure
For most new applications the combined income requirement is £29,000 a year. This is the figure we use on our UK spouse visa pages. Older cases, such as some extensions on an earlier route, can be assessed against a lower figure.
What the evidence has to show
- Employment income, shown through payslips, bank statements and an employer letter, for the period the rules require.
- Self-employment income, shown through accounts and tax records.
- Savings, where the rules allow them to make up the gap.
- Documents that agree with each other: a payslip that does not match the bank deposit is a red flag.
What to do next
- 1Work out your partner's gross annual income for the relevant period.
- 2Check whether your income type is accepted and how it must be evidenced.
- 3Gather matching payslips, bank statements and employer letters.
- 4If income is close to the line, ask whether savings or another route fits your case.
Not sure the numbers work?
A short call is enough to check whether your case is on track.
General information only, not advice for your situation. Rules, fees and thresholds change; we confirm what applies at your consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Is the UK spouse visa income requirement £29,000?
Can savings replace income?
Does the income have to be in the UK?
Are there exceptions?
Official sources
General information only, current at the date shown. It is not immigration advice for your circumstances. Information on this site is general guidance only and not legal, migration or investment advice. Rules, fees and occupation lists change frequently — always confirm current requirements with the relevant government authority before acting.
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Who will assist you
Sumit Kumar
Chartered Accountant & Australian Registered Migration Agent · MARN 1803385
I migrated from India to Melbourne as a skilled migrant in 2005 and became an Australian citizen in 2010, so I know first-hand what it takes to rebuild a career and a life in a new country — the paperwork and the waiting, and also the job search, the loneliness and the pressure of starting over far from home. Since 2013 I have advised individuals, families and businesses on migration and cross-border moves, combining migration casework with a Chartered Accountant's view of tax, funds and business structure.
