If you want to bring a husband, wife or partner to the UK, or stay in the UK with them, you usually have to prove a minimum income. It is currently £29,000 a year before tax. This guide explains what counts, what does not, how savings can help, and what the options are if you fall short. The £29,000 requirement is in force now. A review of it has been published, but we have found no announced change.
Key points
- In force now: you and your partner usually need a combined gross income of at least £29,000 a year (UK family visa guide, updated 23 October 2026).
- Savings can make up a shortfall: £16,000 plus 2.5 times the gap between your income and £29,000 (Appendix FM).
- The £18,600 figure only applies if you first applied as a partner before 11 April 2024 and are extending with the same partner (UK family visa guide).
- If you do not meet it, you might still apply in limited situations, but the earliest settlement is after 10 years (UK family visa guide).
- Not decided: the Migration Advisory Committee reviewed the rule in June 2025. A minister said on 11 September 2026 there is no set date for the government response (written question 26596).
What is the minimum income requirement for a partner visa?
If you apply for a family visa as a partner, you and your partner usually need to prove that your combined income is at least £29,000 a year (UK family visa guide). The figure is gross, which means before tax and National Insurance. The rule is called the minimum income requirement. It applies to partners and spouses who apply under the family route.
When is it different?
- Disability or carer benefits: you do not need to meet the minimum income requirement if your partner gets benefits such as Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance or Carer’s Allowance. You still must show you can support yourselves without extra public funds (UK family visa guide).
- Extending an older visa: if you first applied as a partner before 11 April 2024 and are extending with the same partner, the income needed is £18,600, plus £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each extra child who is covered. The total never goes above £29,000 (UK family visa guide).
- Work or study visas: if your partner is on a work or student visa, you normally apply as their dependant, not under the family route (UK family visa guide). See our Skilled Worker guide.
What counts as income?
GOV.UK lists these as income (UK family visa guide):
- employment income before tax, shown by P60s or payslips (you can only use income earned in the UK)
- self-employment or director income in the UK, shown on a Self Assessment tax return
- cash savings above £16,000
- pensions
- non-work income such as rent or dividends
For employment, you should show 6 months of payslips, counting back from the day you apply, bank statements and a dated employer letter on headed paper (UK family visa guide). If you are self-employed, your income is based on the last 6 months or more. If you have recent maternity or paternity leave, or want to combine income sources, you have to follow extra guidance (UK family visa guide). The Home Office guidance describes two employment categories: Category A is 6 months or more with the current employer, and Category B covers shorter or variable income and has a different test (Home Office guidance on the minimum income requirement).
What does not count?
The guidance says the following do not count: financial help from third parties (apart from limited exceptions such as child maintenance and gifted savings that meet the rules), other people’s household income, loans and credit, most benefits including Universal Credit, child benefit and housing benefit, and equity in a property (Home Office guidance on the minimum income requirement).
Can savings replace income?
Yes, in part. Appendix FM says you can use savings above £16,000, and, where income falls short of £29,000, additional savings equal to 2.5 times the gap (Appendix FM). The savings must have been held for at least 6 months and be under your control (Home Office guidance on the minimum income requirement).
Worked example (illustration)
This is our arithmetic using the official rule, not a real case. A couple has a combined income of £25,000. The gap is £29,000 − £25,000 = £4,000. Multiply by 2.5 to get £10,000. Add the £16,000 base amount, and savings needed are £26,000. If their income were £27,000, the gap is £2,000 and the savings needed £21,000. Check the exact calculation for your stage (entry clearance, extension or settlement) in the Home Office guidance.
How much does a partner visa cost?
The fee is £2,064 per person from outside the UK, or £1,407 inside the UK. The healthcare surcharge for an adult is £2,587.50 for 2 years 6 months, £3,105 for 2 years 9 months and £5,175 for 5 years. Using the GOV.UK figures, a partner applying from outside the UK for 2 years 9 months would pay £2,064 + £3,105 = £5,169. The total is our arithmetic; GOV.UK gives the £3,105 surcharge for that period (UK family visa guide). See our fees and surcharge guide.
How long does a partner visa take?
About 12 weeks from outside the UK. From inside the UK, about 8 weeks if you meet the financial and English requirements, and about 12 months if you do not (UK family visa guide).
What to do now: step by step
- Work out your combined gross annual income from the sources that count. Employment income must be earned in the UK.
- Check the exceptions above: disability or carer benefits, or an extension under the £18,600 rule.
- If income is short, check whether your savings meet the calculation. Remember they must have been held for 6 months.
- Collect 6 months of payslips, matching bank statements and an employer letter. Self-employed people need Self Assessment returns.
- Prove your relationship and English. A1 English is needed on a first application unless you are exempt. You also need an email address and a TB test if you are from a listed country (UK family visa guide).
- Apply online and attend biometrics. Check the fee and surcharge first.
What if I cannot meet the requirement?
You may still apply, or extend your stay, if a British or Irish child, or a child who has lived in the UK for 7 years, would have to leave the UK and it would be unreasonable, or if it would breach your human rights (UK family visa guide). These are difficult cases, so consider a regulated adviser. If you do not meet the financial requirements, the earliest you can apply to settle is after 10 years in the UK (UK family visa guide).
Common mistakes
- Assuming overseas employment income counts. The GOV.UK guide says only UK-earned income can be used, with an Appendix FM exception for a partner returning to the UK with the applicant.
- Adding benefits such as Universal Credit or child benefit to income.
- Using savings held for less than 6 months.
- Using £18,600 when you did not first apply as a partner before 11 April 2024.
- Missing the dated employer letter, or giving fewer than 6 months of payslips.
- Applying as a family member when your partner is on a work visa. You may need to apply as a dependant.
Key dates
| Date | What happens | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 11 April 2024 | Date used to decide whether the £18,600 extension rule applies | In force |
| June 2025 | MAC review of family financial requirements published (GOV.UK) | Published |
| 11 September 2026 | Minister says no set date for a government response (written question) | Proposed, no date |
| No date | Earned settlement may change the 5-year family route. Family members of British citizens keep their current pathways (GOV.UK) | Announced, no start date |
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum income for a spouse visa in 2026?
£29,000 a year before tax, combined, for most partner applicants.
Can savings be used instead of income?
Partly. You can use savings above £16,000, and extra savings equal to 2.5 times any gap under £29,000. They must have been held for at least 6 months.
Does my partner’s income overseas count?
The GOV.UK guide says you can only use employment income earned in the UK. Appendix FM has an exception for a partner returning to the UK with the applicant, so check the rules for your case.
Can I use a gift from family?
Gifted savings can count if they meet the rules in the guidance. Other third-party support does not count.
Will the £29,000 figure change?
There has been a review, but we have not found a government decision or a date.
How long before I can apply for ILR?
5 years as a partner. If you do not meet the financial requirements, the earliest is 10 years.
Related Visa Tide guides
- UK visa fees and the healthcare surcharge
- Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker visas
- Earned settlement explained
- UK eVisa guide
This is general information, not immigration advice. Check GOV.UK or speak to an IAA-regulated adviser for your situation.
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Sources
- UK family visa – GOV.UK guide, updated 23 October 2026
- Appendix FM: family members – Immigration Rules, GOV.UK
- Appendix FM and Appendix HM: minimum income requirement guidance – Home Office guidance, GOV.UK
- Family visa financial requirements review – Migration Advisory Committee, GOV.UK
- Written question 26596 – UK Parliament
- Earned settlement news story – GOV.UK, 2 November 2026
All sources checked on 4 November 2026. Rules and fees change, so check the linked pages for the latest version.
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