UK Spouse Visa Financial Requirement Calculator
Calculate Your Financial Requirements
Use this calculator to determine if you meet the minimum financial requirements for a UK spouse visa application.
How the UK Spouse Visa Financial Requirement Works
Minimum Income Threshold
The minimum gross annual income requirement for a UK spouse visa is currently:
| Family Size | Minimum Income Required |
|---|---|
| Sponsor + Partner (no children) | £29,000 |
| + 1 non-British child | £32,900 |
| + 2 non-British children | £36,800 |
| + 3 non-British children | £40,700 |
| Each additional child | +£3,900 |
Meeting the Requirement Through Savings
If your income doesn’t meet the threshold, you may be able to use savings to make up the shortfall. The formula is:
- You need £16,000 in savings as a base amount
- Any savings above £16,000 can count towards the income requirement
- £2.50 in savings equals £1 of annual income shortfall
Acceptable Sources of Income
- Employment income (salary, wages, commission, bonus, overtime)
- Self-employment income (averaged over specified periods)
- Property rental income
- Dividends from shares
- Interest from savings or investments
- Pension income
Important: This calculator provides an estimate only. Individual circumstances vary, and you should seek professional immigration advice for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What income sources are accepted for the spouse visa financial requirement?
Accepted income sources include employment income, self-employment profits, property rental income, pension income, and dividends. Benefits and most forms of unearned income are not usually accepted.
How long must the sponsor meet the income requirement?
For employment income, the sponsor must have been earning the required amount for at least 6 months before the application. For self-employment, the requirement must be met in the most recent full financial year.
Can we combine both income and savings to meet the requirement?
Yes, you can combine income and savings. Any savings above £16,000 can be used to make up for income shortfall, with £2.50 in savings counting as £1 of annual income.
Do British children count towards the financial requirement?
No, British children or children who are already settled in the UK do not increase the financial requirement. Only non-British children who will be applying for a visa count towards the calculation.
What happens if we don’t meet the financial requirement?
If you don’t meet the financial requirement, your spouse visa application will likely be refused. You would need to reapply once you meet the threshold or explore alternative visa routes.
Are there any exceptions to the financial requirement?
Limited exceptions exist, such as if the sponsor receives certain disability benefits or if there are exceptional circumstances. However, these exceptions are very rare and require strong evidence.
How long must savings have been held?
Savings must have been held for at least 6 months before the application date. The money must be in cash savings, not investments or property.
Can the applicant’s income count towards the requirement?
The applicant’s income from overseas employment can only count if they have a confirmed job offer in the UK starting within 3 months of their arrival, or if they are already in the UK with permission to work.
Required Documentation
For Employment Income
- 6 months of payslips
- Employment contract or letter from employer
- 6 months of bank statements showing salary payments
- P60 for the most recent tax year
For Self-Employment Income
- SA302 tax calculations and tax year overview
- Accountant’s report (if applicable)
- Business bank statements
- Evidence of ongoing business activity
For Savings
- 6 months of bank statements
- Letter from bank confirming account holder and balance
- Evidence of source of savings (if recently deposited)
References
- UK Visas and Immigration. (2024). Immigration Rules Appendix FM-SE: Family members – specified evidence. HM Government.
- Home Office. (2024). Family life (as a partner or parent) and exceptional circumstances. Policy guidance version 19.0.
- UK Visas and Immigration. (2024). Immigration Rules Part 8: Family members. HC 395.
- Home Office. (2024). Family Immigration: Appendix FM 1.7 Financial requirements. Guidance for caseworkers.
- UK Government. (2024). Apply for a UK family visa. GOV.UK official guidance.
- Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association. (2024). Family Immigration Rules: Financial Requirements. ILPA Guidance Notes.