United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland · family
Family visa (partner/spouse)
Visa for partners of British citizens, settled persons, or certain other qualifying sponsors.
Last reviewed:
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.
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.
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
Step 1
Verify sponsor eligibility
Confirm sponsor's status (British citizen, settled, or qualifying other) and ability to meet income or savings requirement.
Step 2
Gather relationship evidence
Assemble evidence of a genuine relationship — messages, photos, joint finances, cohabitation records.
Step 3
Submit application from abroad
Apply for entry clearance from outside the UK; pay fees and attend biometrics.
Step 4
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.
Also explored by
Compare United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland with
Related routes
Frequently asked questions
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.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor →