What Is the New UK Spouse Visa Rule?

The UK Spouse Visa minimum income requirement in 2026 remains £29,000 per year. This threshold applies to most new spouse and partner visa applications submitted under the family immigration route.

Applicants are no longer required to show additional income for dependent children. Some individuals granted a spouse or partner visa before 11 April 2024 may continue to benefit from transitional arrangements and lower income thresholds.

UK Spouse Visa Income Requirement in 2026 (£29,000 Rule)

To qualify for a UK Spouse Visa in 2026, the sponsoring partner must normally earn at least £29,000 per year before tax.

This requirement applies to most new applications and is designed to ensure that couples can live in the UK without relying on public funds.

The requirement can be met through:

• Employment income
• Self-employment income
• Pension income
• Qualifying cash savings
• A combination of permitted income sources

All income must be legally earned and supported with UKVI-approved evidence.

Who Must Meet the £29,000 Requirement?

In most cases, the UK-based sponsoring partner must meet the financial requirement.

This applies to:

• British citizens sponsoring a spouse or partner
• Settled persons (ILR or permanent residence)
• Eligible applicants under the family visa route

The applicant does not normally need to meet the income requirement unless they are also working in the UK and combining income.

What Counts as Income for a UK Spouse Visa?

You can meet the financial requirement using the following:

• Employment income (salary or wages)
• Self-employment income (net profits)
• Pension income (UK or overseas)
• Cash savings (held for at least 6 months in most cases)
• Combination of eligible income sources

All income must be supported by documents such as payslips, bank statements, tax returns, or pension records.

Do Children Affect the Income Requirement?

No. Applicants do not need extra income for dependent children.

This is a key update under the current rules and means the requirement remains fixed at £29,000, regardless of family size.

Transitional Rules (Before 11 April 2024)

Some applicants may still be assessed under transitional arrangements if they applied for or were granted a visa before 11 April 2024.

Whether transitional rules apply depends on:

• The date of your initial visa application
• Your immigration route history
• Whether you are applying for an extension or settlement

Using Savings Instead of Income

In some cases, cash savings can be used instead of income or to supplement it.

UKVI requires that savings:

• Are held for at least 6 months (in most cases)
• Are in the applicant or sponsor’s name
• Are immediately accessible
• Are properly documented

Incorrect or incomplete evidence can lead to refusal or delays.

What Happens If You Do Not Meet the Requirement?

If you do not meet the financial requirement, your application may be refused unless:

• You qualify for an exemption
• Alternative financial categories apply
• Human rights considerations are relevant

Each case is assessed individually based on UKVI rules.

Need Help with Your UK Spouse Visa?

UK Spouse Visa applications are often refused due to financial evidence errors, missing documents, or incorrect interpretation of immigration rules.

Wembley Solicitors can review your circumstances, assess your eligibility, and guide you through the application process.

Call 020 3417 3700 for expert UK immigration advice.