This comprehensive guide explains the spouse visa UK financial requirements for 2026, including the current £29,000 income threshold, the savings formula calculation (2.5x multiplier), exemptions, and how to prepare your bank statements and financial evidence. Whether you're relying on employment income, self-employment, savings, or a combination, this guide covers everything you need to meet the UK spouse visa income requirements.
Spouse Visa UK Financial Requirements Overview 2026
The spouse visa UK financial requirements ensure that UK sponsors can support their partner without recourse to public funds. The current minimum income threshold is £29,000 per year, a significant increase from the previous £18,600 requirement. This guide explains how to meet the financial requirement through employment income, self-employment, savings, or a combination of sources.
UK Spouse Visa Income Threshold 2026
The current UK spouse visa income requirement is £29,000 per year gross income (before tax). This threshold increased from £18,600 in April 2024. The requirement is the same regardless of whether you have dependent children. If using savings alone, you need £88,500 held for at least 6 months.
The financial requirement changed significantly in April 2024. Here's how the thresholds have evolved:
Is the £29,000 Before or After Tax?
The £29,000 income requirement is gross income (before tax). This means your total annual salary before any deductions for income tax, National Insurance, or pension contributions. If your employment contract states a salary of £29,000 or more, you meet the income threshold—it doesn't matter what your take-home pay is after deductions.
Spouse Visa Savings Formula: The 2.5x Calculation
The spouse visa savings formula works as follows: subtract £16,000 from your total savings, then divide by 2.5 to calculate the annual income equivalent. To meet the £29,000 requirement using savings alone, you need: (£29,000 × 2.5) + £16,000 = £88,500. Savings must be held for at least 6 months before application.
Savings Calculator: Step-by-Step Examples
Here's how to calculate whether your savings meet the financial requirement:
Formula: (Total Savings - £16,000) ÷ 2.5 = Annual Income Equivalent
Example 1: Using savings alone
Savings: £88,500
(£88,500 - £16,000) ÷ 2.5 = £29,000 ✓
Example 2: Combining income + savings
Income: £24,000 | Shortfall: £5,000
Savings needed: (£5,000 × 2.5) + £16,000 = £28,500
Example 3: Surplus savings
Savings: £50,000
(£50,000 - £16,000) ÷ 2.5 = £13,600 income equivalent
Minimum additional income needed: £29,000 - £13,600 = £15,400
What Counts as Savings?
- Cash savings: Money in bank accounts (UK or overseas) held for 6+ months
- Joint accounts: Full amount counts if you have unrestricted access
- Property/stock sale proceeds: With proof of sale and funds transfer
- Gifts: Must be held for 6 months with documentation of source
- Inheritance: With probate documents and bank evidence
Acceptable Income Sources
The Home Office accepts various income sources to meet the spouse visa UK financial requirements. You can combine different sources to reach the £29,000 threshold:
UK Spouse Visa Financial Requirement Exemptions
Certain applicants are exempt from the financial requirement. This includes sponsors receiving specific disability benefits (such as DLA, PIP, or Attendance Allowance) or Carer's Allowance. Exempt applicants must still show they can adequately maintain and accommodate their partner without recourse to public funds, but don't need to meet the £29,000 threshold.
The following benefits can provide an exemption from the minimum income requirement:
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer's Allowance
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Severe Disablement Allowance
UK Spouse Visa Bank Statement Requirements
Bank statements must cover 6 months and clearly show salary deposits matching your payslips. Statements should be dated within 28 days of your application, show your name and account number, and include all transactions. If using savings, statements must show the required amount has been held continuously for at least 6 months.
Your bank statements are crucial evidence for the spouse visa supporting documents. They must include:
- Account holder's name matching application
- Account number and sort code
- Bank name, address, and logo
- Statement date (within 28 days of application)
- Clear salary deposits matching payslip amounts
- Continuous 6-month period covered
- Opening and closing balances visible
Electronic statements are accepted if they meet all requirements. If your bank doesn't provide printed statements, request a letter from your bank confirming the authenticity of electronic statements. For foreign currency accounts, use the OANDA exchange rate and include proof of conversion.
- Minimum income is £29,000 gross (before tax) as of 2026
- Savings formula: (Savings - £16,000) ÷ 2.5 = income equivalent
- £88,500 savings required if not using employment income
- Bank statements must cover 6 months and be dated within 28 days
- Exemptions exist for those receiving certain disability benefits
For detailed guidance on what documents to provide, see our UK spouse visa document checklist. For official guidance, consult Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the spouse visa UK financial requirement in 2026?
The current spouse visa UK financial requirement is £29,000 per year gross income. This is the minimum annual income the UK sponsor must demonstrate. The threshold applies regardless of whether dependent children are included in the application. The government has announced plans to increase this to £38,700 in the future.
Is the £29,000 before or after tax?
The £29,000 is gross income—before tax, National Insurance, and any other deductions. Your employment contract salary is what counts, not your take-home pay. If your contract shows £29,000 or more annual salary, you meet the income requirement regardless of deductions.
How does the spouse visa savings formula work?
The savings formula is: (Total Savings - £16,000) ÷ 2.5 = Annual Income Equivalent. The 2.5 represents the initial visa duration. To meet the full £29,000 requirement through savings alone, you need £88,500: that's (£29,000 × 2.5) + £16,000. Savings must be held for at least 6 months before application.
Are there exemptions from the financial requirement?
Yes, sponsors receiving certain disability benefits or Carer's Allowance are exempt from the £29,000 threshold. Qualifying benefits include DLA, PIP, Attendance Allowance, and Severe Disablement Allowance. Exempt applicants must still show they can adequately maintain their partner without recourse to means-tested public funds.
Can I combine income and savings to meet the requirement?
Yes, you can combine employment income with savings. Calculate your income shortfall (£29,000 minus your annual income), then calculate the savings needed: (shortfall × 2.5) + £16,000. For example, if you earn £24,000, your shortfall is £5,000, so you need savings of £28,500 to supplement your income.
How many months of bank statements do I need?
You need 6 months of consecutive bank statements. For employment income, these should show salary deposits matching your payslips. For savings, they must show the required amount has been held continuously for the full 6 months. Statements should be dated within 28 days of your application submission.
What happened to the old £18,600 threshold?
The £18,600 threshold was replaced by £29,000 in April 2024. The old threshold is now obsolete. All new spouse visa applications must meet the £29,000 requirement. The government initially planned to increase this to £38,700 but has delayed the full increase—always check the current threshold before applying.
Can the applicant's income count towards the requirement?
Yes, but only if the applicant is already in the UK with permission to work. Their UK employment income can be combined with the sponsor's income. Income from employment outside the UK generally cannot be counted, unless the applicant will continue to receive it after moving to the UK (e.g., remote work for a foreign employer).