UK Spouse Visa Cost 2025

If you are planning to join your husband, wife, or partner in the UK, one of the first questions you may have is: "How much does a UK spouse visa cost?" The answer depends on whether you are applying from within or outside the UK, as well as any additional services you may require along the way.

In 2025, a UK Spouse visa costs £1,938 if applying from outside the UK, or £1,321 if applying from within the UK, plus IHS and solicitor fees. UK spouse visa application and IHS fee depend on where you apply from.

In this guide, we'll cover the mandatory spouse visa fees, potential additional costs, and what you can expect to pay, whether you apply from within or outside the UK.

Table of Contents

What is a UK Spouse Visa?

A UK Spouse visa, also known as a "Partner visa", allows a non-UK national to join or remain in the UK with their partner who is a British citizen or settled in the UK.

This visa allows the applicant to live, work, and study in the UK for an initial period, usually 2 years and 6 months if applying from inside the UK, or 2 years and 9 months if applying from abroad. After this period, you can apply for an extension and eventually for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

How Much Does a UK Spouse Visa Cost in 2025?

In 2025, a UK Spouse Visa costs £1,938 from outside the UK or £1,321 from within the UK, plus the IHS (£3,105 outside, £2,587.50 inside). The minimum total is £5,043 for overseas applications and £3,908.50 for in-country applications, excluding optional fees.

Applying from outside the UK

The Spouse visa application fee is £1,938 if applying from outside the UK, and the IHS is £3,105 for a 2-year and 9-month visa. A minimum cost of £5,043 (excluding optional extras).

Applying from inside the UK

The Spouse visa application fee is £1,321 if applying from inside the UK, and the IHS fee is £2,587.50 for a 2-year and 6-month visa. A minimum cost of £3,908.50 (excluding optional extras).

Mandatory Costs for a UK Spouse Visa

When applying for a UK Spouse visa, the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) are two main costs that every applicant must pay. These are unavoidable and must be included in your budget before submitting your application.

1. Spouse Visa Application Fee

The UK Spouse visa application fees in 2025 are £1,938 for those applying from outside the UK and £1,321 for in-country applications. Each applicant must pay the correct visa fee based on their location of application.

Please note that the application fee is non-refundable, even if your visa application is refused. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure your application is complete, accurate, and meets all requirements before submitting.

2. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

For adults aged 18 and over, the IHS fee in 2025 is £2,587.50 for a 2-year 6-month visa inside the UK and £3,105 for a 2-year 9-month visa from outside the UK.

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is another mandatory cost that grants you access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.

Is It Cheaper to Apply for a UK Spouse Visa Inside the UK?

Generally, yes. The UK spouse visa cost inside the UK is slightly lower because the application fee is £1,321, compared with £1,938 outside the UK. The IHS is also cheaper at £2,587.50 instead of £3,105. However, the difference may not be significant once you include optional costs like translations, English tests, or solicitor fees.

Do I Have to Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Every Time I Extend a Spouse Visa?

Yes. The IHS must be paid again each time you apply for a spouse visa extension or renewal. For a standard 2.5-year spouse visa, the IHS fee in 2025 is £3,105 if applying outside the UK and £2,587.50 if applying inside the UK. This charge ensures that you can use the NHS healthcare system while living in the UK.

Can UK Spouse Visa Fees Be Refunded If My Application Is Refused?

Unfortunately, the UK Spouse visa application fee is non-refundable, even if your application is refused. However, the Immigration Health Surcharge may be refunded if your application is rejected before a decision is made.

To avoid losing money on unsuccessful applications, many couples choose to work with UK immigration solicitors to get professional guidance and reduce the risk of refusal.

What Additional Costs Should I Expect When Applying for a UK Spouse Visa?

When applying for a UK Spouse visa, the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) are mandatory costs that everyone must pay. However, beyond these essential fees, there are several optional costs that many applicants encounter.

Additional costs when applying for a UK Spouse visa may include fees for English language test, document translations, priority service, and a solicitor.

Understanding these extra charges is important for budgeting and avoiding surprises during the application process.

Priority Service or Super Priority service

If you want your Spouse visa application processed faster, you can pay for priority or super priority services.

Immigration Lawyer Fees

Many couples choose to hire an immigration solicitor or lawyer to assist with their application. While hiring a professional adds to the overall UK Spouse visa cost, it can help ensure that your application is complete, accurate, and meets all the Home Office requirements. Solicitors can also save you time and reduce the stress of navigating the complex visa process.

Document Translations

If any of your supporting documents are not in English or Welsh, you will need to have them translated by a certified professional translator. This is a legal requirement, and poorly translated documents can lead to delays or even refusals. Translation services usually carry their own fee, so it's important to budget for this in advance.

English Language Test

Unless you are exempt, all applicants must pass an approved English language test. This ensures that you meet the language requirements for a UK Spouse visa. The test comes with its own fee, which varies depending on the provider and location.

Housing Report (Property Inspection)

In some cases, the Home Office may require a housing report or property inspection to verify that your accommodation is suitable and not overcrowded. This is an optional but sometimes necessary step that can add to your expenses, especially if professional inspection services are used.

What Is the Minimum Total Estimated Cost for a Single UK Spouse Visa Applicant?

The minimum total estimated cost for a single UK Spouse visa applicant is £5,038 if applying outside the UK, or £4,390.50 if applying inside the UK.

To give you a clearer picture, here's the minimum cost breakdown for one applicant:

• Applying from Outside the UK: £5,043 (application fee + IHS, excluding extras)
• Applying from Inside the UK: £3,908.50 (application fee + IHS, excluding extras)

Optional expenses, such as solicitor fees, document translations, English tests, or priority processing, can increase the total. Planning ahead for these costs ensures a smoother application process and helps avoid unexpected financial surprises.

How Much Is the UK Spouse Visa Priority Service?

For a UK Spouse Visa, the Priority Visa Service costs £500 for a decision within 5 working days, while the Super Priority Service costs £1,000 for a next-working-day decision. These fees are extra to the standard application fee and are non-refundable if the visa is refused.

How Much Do Solicitors Charge for a Spouse Visa Application?

At Wembley Solicitors, our immigration solicitors charge an affordable fixed fee from £1,000 to £1,200 plus VAT for a Spouse visa application.

We manage every legal aspect of your Spouse visa application until the Home Office reaches a decision, including eligibility assessment, document review, application preparation, submission, and responding to Home Office queries.

Is Hiring an Immigration Lawyer Worth the Cost?

Although not mandatory, many applicants choose to work with UK immigration solicitors. Legal support may increase your upfront expenses, but it can:

• Reduce the risk of refusal
• Ensure your application is complete and accurate
• Save time and stress

For many, the extra investment is worth it to avoid costly mistakes.

Summary of UK Spouse Visa Costs 2025

When applying for a UK Spouse Visa, the total cost depends on whether you apply from inside or outside the UK.

Mandatory Costs

• Application Fee
  • Outside the UK: £1,938
  • Inside the UK: £1,321
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
  • Outside the UK (2 years 9 months): £3,105
  • Inside the UK (2 years 6 months): £2,587.50
• Minimum total
  • Outside the UK: £5,043
  • Inside the UK: £3,908.50

Optional Costs

• Priority or Super Priority Services: £500-£1,000 for faster decisions
• Immigration Solicitor Fees: Typically, £1,000-£1,200 for full legal support
• Document Translations: If documents aren't in English/Welsh
• English Language Test Fees: Unless exempt
• Housing Report / Property Inspection: If required to prove suitable accommodation

Planning for both mandatory and optional costs ensures a smoother UK Spouse visa application process.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, the UK Spouse visa application costs a minimum of £4,000 to £5,000, and this figure rises if dependants or extra services are involved.

Careful planning and budgeting are essential before you apply. Many applicants also choose to work with immigration lawyers to avoid mistakes that could lead to refusals and additional costs.

If you need legal assistance with your Spouse visa application, call Wembley Solicitors at 020 3417 3700 today or fill in our enquiry form.

Our immigration solicitors in London can assist you and your partner with UK Spouse visa applications, whether applying from inside the UK or abroad.