This comprehensive UK spouse visa document checklist covers every piece of evidence required for a successful 2026 application. From proof of relationship and financial documents to accommodation evidence and landlord letters, this guide ensures you have all the spouse visa documents needed to demonstrate your eligibility. A well-organised application with complete documentation significantly improves your chances of approval.
Spouse Visa UK Documents: Overview 2026
The spouse visa documents you submit form the foundation of your UK spouse visa application. Each document serves a specific purpose—proving your relationship is genuine, demonstrating financial stability, confirming adequate accommodation, and showing you meet the English language requirement. Missing or incomplete documents are among the most common reasons for spouse visa refusal.
Complete UK Spouse Visa Document Checklist
The main documents required for a UK spouse visa are: valid passports, marriage certificate, relationship evidence (photos, communication records), financial documents proving £29,000+ income, accommodation evidence (tenancy agreement or landlord letter), English language certificate (A1 level), and TB test certificate if applicable. All non-English documents need certified translations.
Use this comprehensive spouse visa document checklist to ensure you have everything needed for your application:
- Identity: Valid passport (applicant), passport/ID (sponsor)
- Marriage: Marriage certificate (translated if not in English)
- Relationship: Photos, communication records, travel evidence, joint accounts
- Financial: 6 months payslips, bank statements, employer letter (proving £29,000+)
- Accommodation: Tenancy agreement, mortgage statement, or landlord letter
- English: A1 SELT certificate or exemption evidence
- TB Test: If applying from a listed country
- Previous marriages: Divorce decree or death certificate if applicable
Proof of Relationship Documents
Proof of relationship for UK spouse visa includes your marriage certificate, photographs together from different occasions, communication records (phone bills, message screenshots), travel evidence, joint financial accounts or bills, and letters from family and friends confirming your relationship. This evidence must demonstrate a genuine and subsisting relationship.
The Home Office needs to be satisfied your relationship is genuine. Your evidence should tell the story of your relationship from how you met to your current life together:
Financial Evidence Requirements
The UK sponsor must prove a minimum annual income of £29,000 (2026 requirement) through employment income, self-employment, or a combination including savings. Required documents include 6 months of payslips, corresponding bank statements, and an employer letter. If using savings, you need £88,500 held for at least 6 months.
The financial requirement ensures couples can support themselves without recourse to public funds. Here's what you need:
- Payslips: Last 6 months showing consistent income of £29,000+/year
- Bank statements: 6 months showing salary deposits matching payslips
- Employer letter: Confirming role, salary, start date, and employment type
- Self-employed: Tax returns, SA302, business accounts, accountant letter
- Savings evidence: Bank statements showing £88,500+ held for 6 months
Accommodation Evidence & Landlord Letter for Spouse Visa
The accommodation requirement proves you have adequate housing that won't be overcrowded. Required documents include a tenancy agreement, mortgage statement, or landlord letter if living with family/friends. The property must meet basic health and safety standards and have sufficient space for the household.
You must demonstrate that adequate accommodation is available for the couple (and any dependents) without overcrowding. The type of evidence depends on your housing situation:
Landlord Letter for Spouse Visa
If you're living with family or friends, you'll need a landlord letter (also called an accommodation letter) from the property owner confirming they consent to the applicant living there and that there's adequate space. The letter should include:
[Property Owner's Full Name]
[Property Address]
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
I, [Owner Name], confirm that I am the owner/tenant of the property at [Full Address]. I give my consent for [Sponsor Name] and their spouse [Applicant Name] to reside at this address.
The property has [X] bedrooms and [X] reception rooms. Currently [X] people reside here: [list names and relationships]. There is adequate space for [Applicant Name] without overcrowding.
I enclose a copy of my [tenancy agreement/mortgage statement/property deeds] as proof of my right to offer this accommodation.
Yours faithfully,
[Signature and Printed Name]
English Language Evidence
You must prove English language proficiency at A1 level (CEFR) in speaking and listening. Evidence includes a certificate from an approved SELT test (like IELTS for UKVI), a degree taught in English with NARIC statement, or proof of exemption (nationals from majority English-speaking countries, over 65, or medical conditions).
The English language requirement ensures applicants can integrate into UK society. You can meet this requirement through:
- SELT certificate: A1 level from approved provider (IELTS for UKVI, Trinity, etc.)
- Degree in English: Academic qualification taught in English plus UK ENIC (formerly NARIC) statement
- Nationality exemption: Passport from majority English-speaking country
- Age exemption: If aged 65 or over at application date
- Medical exemption: Evidence of long-term physical or mental condition
Document Translation Requirements
Any document not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation. The translation must include: the translator's confirmation it's an accurate translation of the original, the date of translation, the translator's full name and signature, and the translator's contact details. Professional translation services are recommended.
- Financial documents must prove £29,000+ annual income (2026 requirement)
- Relationship evidence should include multiple types: photos, communication, joint accounts
- Accommodation evidence must show adequate space without overcrowding
- All non-English documents need certified translations
- Quality and variety of evidence matters more than quantity
For the official document requirements, see Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. For general supporting document guidance, see our UK visa supporting documents guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents are required for a UK spouse visa?
The main documents required are: valid passports (both partners), marriage certificate, relationship evidence (photos, communication records, travel evidence), financial documents proving £29,000+ income (payslips, bank statements, employer letter), accommodation evidence (tenancy agreement or landlord letter), English language certificate at A1 level, and TB test certificate if applicable.
How many months of bank statements do I need for spouse visa?
You need 6 months of bank statements for a UK spouse visa. These should cover the same period as your payslips and clearly show salary deposits that match your payslips. If relying on savings, you must show the required amount (£88,500 minimum) has been held for at least 6 months.
What is a landlord letter for spouse visa?
A landlord letter (or accommodation letter) is needed if you're living with family or friends rather than in your own rented or owned property. The property owner writes a letter confirming they consent to the applicant living there, describing the property size, current occupants, and confirming there's adequate space without overcrowding.
Do I need original documents for UK spouse visa?
You should provide original documents where possible, particularly for marriage certificates and passports. However, many documents can be submitted as copies—bank statements, payslips, and utility bills are typically accepted as electronic copies or printouts. Keep originals safe as they are usually returned after the decision.
How many photos should I submit for spouse visa?
Quality matters more than quantity. Submit 10-20 photographs from different times and occasions in your relationship: your wedding, holidays together, family gatherings, and everyday life. Photos should show the progression of your relationship over time. Don't submit hundreds of photos—select representative images that tell your story.
Do documents need to be translated for UK spouse visa?
Yes, any document not in English or Welsh must have a certified translation. The translation must include the translator's confirmation it's accurate, the translation date, and the translator's full name, signature, and contact details. Use a professional translation service for important documents like marriage certificates.
What accommodation evidence is needed for spouse visa?
Accommodation evidence depends on your situation: if renting, provide your tenancy agreement; if you own, provide mortgage statement or property deeds; if living with family, provide a landlord letter from the homeowner plus their proof of ownership/tenancy. The evidence must show the property won't be overcrowded with the applicant living there.
What is the financial requirement for UK spouse visa 2026?
The UK sponsor must demonstrate a minimum annual income of £29,000 (as of 2026). This can be from employment, self-employment, or a combination including savings. If using savings alone, you need at least £88,500 held for 6 months. The threshold is scheduled to increase to £38,700 in phases—check current requirements before applying.