Quick Answer
A UK spouse or partner visa allows a person to live in the UK with a qualifying partner. The partner in the UK must usually be British, Irish, settled, have certain EU Settlement Scheme status, have protection status, or hold another eligible status under the family visa rules.
The application is not just about being in a genuine relationship. You usually also need to show the financial requirement, suitable accommodation, English language ability, identity documents and the correct relationship evidence.
This article is general guidance only and is not legal advice. Family visa rules are detailed and the right documents depend on your circumstances. Fees and rules can change, so always check the latest GOV.UK information before applying.
Who Can Apply as a Partner or Spouse?
You and your partner must both be 18 or over. The partner in the UK must usually have a qualifying immigration status, such as British citizenship, Irish citizenship, indefinite leave to remain, settled status, qualifying pre-settled status, refugee permission, humanitarian protection or permission as a stateless person.
You must also intend to live together permanently in the UK after the application is made.
You may be able to apply if you are in one of these relationship categories.
- A spouse in a marriage recognised in the UK
- A civil partner in a civil partnership recognised in the UK
- An unmarried partner who has lived with their partner for at least 2 years
- A partner in a relationship of at least 2 years where living together was not possible for good reasons
- A fiance, fiancee or proposed civil partner who will marry or enter a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months
UK Spouse and Partner Visa Costs
The current GOV.UK application fee for joining a partner, parent or child is £2,064 if applying from outside the UK and £1,407 if applying from inside the UK. The same fee is usually payable for each dependant added to the application.
Most applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, often called the IHS. For an adult, the current IHS is £3,105 for a 2 year and 9 month visa, or £2,587.50 for a 2 year and 6 month visa. For a child, the current IHS is £2,328 for 2 years and 9 months, or £1,940 for 2 years and 6 months.
If you apply from inside the UK, a super priority service may be available for an extra £1,000, although availability can change and it is not suitable for every application.
An adult applying from outside the UK as a partner may need to budget for the £2,064 application fee plus the £3,105 IHS. That is £5,169 before optional services, document costs, translations or legal advice.
Main Requirements to Check Before Applying
Most partner visa refusals happen because the evidence does not match the rules. Before applying, check each requirement carefully.
- Relationship requirement - You must show a genuine and subsisting relationship that fits the partner route.
- Financial requirement - Most new applicants must show combined income of at least £29,000 a year.
- English language requirement - Most applicants need to prove English, unless exempt.
- Accommodation requirement - You must show there will be suitable accommodation in the UK.
- Immigration status - If applying from inside the UK, you must check whether you are allowed to switch from your current visa.
- Suitability rules - Immigration history, criminality, deception and unpaid NHS debt can affect an application.
The £29,000 income rule is different in some cases. For example, different rules may apply if the UK partner receives certain disability or carer benefits, or if the applicant first applied as a partner before 11 April 2024 and is extending with the same partner.
Documents and Evidence You May Need
The exact documents depend on your route, income type and personal history. A strong application usually explains the relationship clearly and provides evidence that directly matches the rules.
- Valid passports and immigration documents
- Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate if relevant
- Evidence of living together, such as tenancy agreements, bills, bank letters or official correspondence
- Evidence of contact and commitment if you have not lived together
- Financial evidence, such as payslips, bank statements, employer letters, accounts or savings evidence
- Accommodation evidence, such as tenancy documents, mortgage evidence or a property inspection report if needed
- English language test or degree evidence, unless exempt
- Birth certificates and consent evidence for any children applying
- Translations for documents not in English or Welsh
Do not send random screenshots without context. It is usually better to provide organised evidence that shows the timeline of the relationship, living arrangements, financial links and ongoing commitment.
Processing Times and Settlement
GOV.UK says that if you apply outside the UK, you will usually get a decision within 12 weeks. If you apply inside the UK and meet the financial and English language requirements, you will usually get a decision within 8 weeks.
If you apply inside the UK but do not meet the financial and English language requirements, GOV.UK says it currently takes about 12 months to get a decision.
A partner visa granted from outside the UK usually lasts 2 years and 9 months. An extension or switch from inside the UK usually lasts 2 years and 6 months. The earliest you can usually apply for indefinite leave to remain is after 5 years continuously on the family visa partner route, unless you are on a longer 10-year route.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the wrong financial evidence - The evidence must usually cover the correct period and match the income category.
- Assuming a marriage certificate is enough - You still need to show the relationship is genuine and continuing.
- Ignoring accommodation evidence - The Home Office needs to understand where you will live in the UK.
- Applying from inside the UK when switching is not allowed - Some people must apply from outside the UK.
- Forgetting translations - Documents not in English or Welsh usually need certified translations.
- Leaving gaps in immigration history - Previous refusals, overstaying or complex history should be addressed carefully.
Need Advice Before Applying?
Tell us whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK, your partner's status, your relationship category, your income position and any deadline. We can help you understand the likely requirements and documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does a UK Spouse Visa Cost?
The current application fee is £2,064 if applying from outside the UK or £1,407 if applying from inside the UK. Most applicants also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.
How Much Is the Immigration Health Surcharge for a Spouse Visa?
For an adult, the current IHS is £3,105 for a 2 year and 9 month visa, or £2,587.50 for a 2 year and 6 month visa. The child rate is currently £2,328 for 2 years and 9 months, or £1,940 for 2 years and 6 months.
What Is the Minimum Income Requirement for a Spouse Visa?
Most new partner applicants must usually show combined income of at least £29,000 a year. Different rules may apply for some extensions or where the sponsor receives certain benefits.
Can I Apply as an Unmarried Partner?
Yes, if you can show that you meet the partner rules. This may include living together for at least 2 years, or proving a relationship of at least 2 years where you could not live together for good reasons.
How Long Does a Spouse Visa Take?
GOV.UK says applications from outside the UK usually take up to 12 weeks. Applications from inside the UK usually take up to 8 weeks if the financial and English language requirements are met.
Can I Switch to a Spouse Visa Inside the UK?
You may be able to switch inside the UK, but not from every visa category. Visitor visa holders and people with a visa for 6 months or less usually need to leave the UK and apply from overseas, unless a specific exception applies.
Can I Work on a Fiance Visa?
No. GOV.UK says a person applying as a fiance, fiancee or proposed civil partner cannot work or study in the UK during the engagement period. After marriage or civil partnership, they must apply to extend their stay.
When Can I Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain?
The earliest most people can apply for indefinite leave to remain is after 5 years continuously on the family visa partner route. Time on other visa routes or as a fiance, fiancee or proposed civil partner does not usually count toward the 5 years.