Nigerian applicants · United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Family visa (partner/spouse) for Nigerian citizens
Visa for partners of British citizens, settled persons, or certain other qualifying sponsors.
This page covers the Family visa (partner/spouse) specifically for Nigerian applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to Nigeria. The general eligibility criteria apply to everyone.
- Processing time
- 3 months – 6 months
- Government fees
- Application fee plus IHS £1,035/year per applicant. See GOV.UK.
- Typical duration
- Initial 2.5 years then extension to 5 years total; leads to settlement.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Bilateral context
- Commonwealth
Consular processing: Lagos / Abuja
Tourist entry vs. this route
Nigerian nationals require a visa for any entry into United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Family visa (partner/spouse) is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
Key figures for Nigerian applicants
Computed from our continuously re-verified, primary-sourced data. Indicative, not legal advice.
How long it takes
3 months – 6 months
GOV.UK publishes 12 weeks outside the UK and up to 6 months during peak periods for spouse/partner visas.
Verified 1 June 2026 · GOV.UK — Family visas →
Time to permanent residence
Arrival → ILR (5 years) → citizenship (6 years). Faster on Global Talent / Innovator Founder (3 years to ILR).
Leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), then British citizenship.
Visa overview
The Family route allows partners and children of British citizens, settled persons (ILR/EUSS settled status), and certain work-route holders to live in the UK. The financial minimum income requirement was raised to £29,000 in April 2024, with further increases previously planned.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Genuine and subsisting relationship with a qualifying sponsor.
- ✓Minimum income requirement (£29,000 from April 2024) or qualifying savings, unless exempt.
- ✓Adequate accommodation in the UK.
- ✓English at CEFR A1 at entry, A2 at extension, B1 at settlement.
Common blockers
- !Income falls below the minimum threshold and no qualifying savings route applies.
- !Relationship evidence insufficient to show genuine and subsisting.
Typical evidence
- ·Marriage or civil partnership certificate, or evidence of cohabitation for 2+ years.
- ·Payslips, employment contracts, or other income evidence.
- ·English-language test or exemption.
Application pathway
Verify sponsor eligibility
Confirm sponsor's status (British citizen, settled, or qualifying other) and ability to meet income or savings requirement.
Gather relationship evidence
Assemble evidence of a genuine relationship — messages, photos, joint finances, cohabitation records.
Submit application from abroad
Apply for entry clearance from outside the UK; pay fees and attend biometrics.
Arrive and extend at 2.5 years
After 2.5 years, extend for a further 2.5 years. At 5 years, apply for settlement if all requirements met.
Other United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland routes covered for Nigerian applicants
Skilled Worker visa
Work visa for non-UK workers with a job offer from a Home Office–licensed sponsor in an eligible occupation.
Health and Care Worker visa
Discounted Skilled Worker route for eligible NHS, adult social care, and allied health roles.
Global Talent visa
Unsponsored visa for leaders or potential leaders in academia, research, arts, culture, or digital technology.
Graduate visa
Post-study work visa for recent graduates of eligible UK higher education institutions.
Innovator Founder visa
Endorsement-based visa for founders launching an innovative, viable and scalable business in the UK.
Student visa
Study visa for international students enrolled with a licensed Student sponsor at eligible UK institutions.
Not sure United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is right for you? Compare similar routes
Other countries offer family routes that Nigerian nationals also apply to. See how they compare.
Frequently asked questions
Are Nigerian citizens eligible for the Family visa (partner/spouse)?+
Eligibility for the Family visa (partner/spouse) is set by UK Home Office and is not nationality-restricted beyond the general criteria, though Nigerian applicants may also have access to the following bilateral or treaty frameworks: Commonwealth. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do Nigerian applicants typically file the Family visa (partner/spouse)?+
Lagos / Abuja. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by UK Home Office — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do Nigerian applicants need a tourist visa for United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland as well?+
Nigerian nationals require a visa for any entry into United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Family visa (partner/spouse) is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
How long does the Family visa (partner/spouse) take to process from Nigeria?+
The typical published decision window is 3 months – 6 months. Nigerian applicants usually file via Lagos / Abuja, and consular-post backlogs can add to the wait. Source: GOV.UK — Family visas, verified 1 June 2026.
How long until permanent residence in United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland?+
Arrival → ILR (5 years) → citizenship (6 years). Faster on Global Talent / Innovator Founder (3 years to ILR). The route leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), then British citizenship. See GOV.UK — Citizenship and living in the UK for the qualifying-residence rules.
What is the minimum income for a UK spouse visa?+
As of April 2024, the minimum income requirement is £29,000 per year. The government had announced further increases but has reviewed the trajectory. Always check GOV.UK for the current figure.
Does the sponsor need to be a British citizen?+
No. Sponsors can be British citizens, those with Indefinite Leave to Remain, EUSS settled status holders, and (in some cases) people on specific work-route visas where dependant rights apply.