• Get Your Free Verdict
  • UK Family Visa 2026 — Complete Guide

    Spouse/partner visa. £29,000/yr minimum income (MIR, rising to £38,700 in phases). IHS £1,035/yr. 5 years to ILR.

    Best For

    Spouses, partners, and dependants of residents or citizens

    Not Ideal For

    Applicants without a qualifying family relationship to a resident or citizen

    Known Issues

    MIR increased to £29,000 from April 2024. Higher threshold (£38,700) may apply to new applicants. Cannot use public funds. English requirement increases for extensions

    At a Glance

    Visa Duration
    33 months
    Processing Time
    60–180 days
    Min Income
    €33,495/annual
    Path to PR
    5 years
    Difficulty
    6/10 — Challenging
    Application Fee
    €2,178

    Eligibility Requirements

    RequirementDetails
    Age Range18+
    Profession RequiredNo
    Job Offer RequiredNo
    Sponsorship RequiredNo
    Language Requiredenglish (A1)
    License / Recognition RequiredNo
    Remote Income AllowedNo
    Business Activity RequiredNo
    Health Insurance RequiredYes
    Proof of Funds RequiredYes
    Can Apply From AbroadYes

    Financial Requirements

    ItemAmount
    Minimum Income€33,495/annual
    Minimum Salary€34,220/year
    Minimum Savings€1,499
    Application Fee€2,178
    Est. Total Relocation Cost€8,000

    Family & Rights

    RightDetails
    Family AllowedYes
    Spouse Can WorkYes
    Children AllowedYes
    Work Rightsfull
    Remote Work Rightsfull
    RenewableYes
    Time to Permanent Residency5 years
    Time to Citizenship6 years

    Related Pathways

    Cost of Living

    London
    Single (monthly)€3,977
    Family (monthly)€6,800
    Rent 1BR (center)€2,734
    Groceries€994
    Transport pass€239
    Manchester
    Single (monthly)€2,340
    Family (monthly)€4,200
    Rent 1BR (center)€1,287
    Groceries€585
    Transport pass€140
    Edinburgh
    Single (monthly)€2,340
    Family (monthly)€4,250
    Rent 1BR (center)€1,287
    Groceries€585
    Transport pass€140

    Find your best visa pathway

    Take our free 2-minute quiz and get matched with programmes that fit your profile.

    Free Verdict Reports — €10

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the Family Visa (Spouse/Partner)?

    Spouse/partner visa. £29,000/yr minimum income (MIR, rising to £38,700 in phases). IHS £1,035/yr. 5 years to ILR.

    Who is the Family Visa (Spouse/Partner) best for?

    This pathway is best suited for: Spouses, partners, and dependants of residents or citizens.

    Who should not apply for the Family Visa (Spouse/Partner)?

    This pathway is not ideal for: Applicants without a qualifying family relationship to a resident or citizen.

    What are the financial requirements for the Family Visa (Spouse/Partner)?

    Applicants need minimum income of €33,495/annual, minimum salary of €34,220/year, minimum savings of €1,499. Additional costs may include the application fee and relocation expenses.

    How long does it take to process the Family Visa (Spouse/Partner)?

    Processing typically takes 60 to 180 days. Times may vary based on nationality, completeness of documentation, and current processing volumes.

    Can I bring my family on the Family Visa (Spouse/Partner)?

    Yes, this pathway allows family members including dependents. Your spouse may also be eligible to work.

    Can the Family Visa (Spouse/Partner) lead to permanent residency or citizenship?

    Yes. Holders of this visa can work toward permanent residency in approximately 5 years and citizenship in approximately 6 years, subject to meeting residence and other conditions.

    What are the known issues with the Family Visa (Spouse/Partner)?

    Known issues and warnings: MIR increased to £29,000 from April 2024. Higher threshold (£38,700) may apply to new applicants. Cannot use public funds. English requirement increases for extensions. We recommend checking the official source for the latest updates.

    Are there alternative pathways to United Kingdom?

    Yes. United Kingdom offers 12 other immigration pathways. Compare all options on our United Kingdom country page.

    What is the cost of living in United Kingdom?

    Monthly costs for a single person in city center: London: €3,977/month; Manchester: €2,340/month; Edinburgh: €2,340/month. These include rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.

    Get Your Full Report

    Personalised visa pathways, cost breakdowns, and a step-by-step relocation plan.

    Get Your Free Verdict

    Official source: https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa