United Kingdom: Family Visa (Spouse/Partner) 2026

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

At a Glance

Visa Type
Family Reunion
Region
Europe
Visa Duration
33 months
Processing Time
2–6 months
Min Income (annual)
Min Investment
Application Fee
€1,472
Path to PR / Citizenship
PR · 6y to citizenship
Difficulty
6.5/10 — Difficult

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility Requirements
RequirementDetails
Age Range18+
Education Required
Job Offer RequiredNo
Sponsor RequiredNo
Remote Income AllowedNo
Family Accompaniment AllowedYes
Language RequirementEnglish (A1)

Application Process

  1. 1
    Confirm eligibility
    Verify you meet the age, education, and financial requirements above. Use our free eligibility quiz to score your fit against United Kingdom's Family Visa (Spouse/Partner).
  2. 2
    Gather documents
    Passport, recent photos, criminal record check, proof of accommodation, financial statements, health insurance, and any sponsor or employer letter.
  3. 3
    Submit application
    File the application with the relevant United Kingdom immigration authority — usually online or at the consulate in your home country.
  4. 4
    Pay fees & attend appointment
    Pay the application fee (€1,472). Some applicants are required to attend a biometrics or interview appointment.
  5. 5
    Wait for decision
    Typical processing: 2–6 months. Decision is communicated by email or via the official portal.

Cost & Financial Requirements

Financial Requirements
ItemAmount
Minimum Annual Salary
Minimum Monthly Income€2,791
Minimum Investment
Application Fee€1,472

Family & Long-term Rights

Family & Rights
RightDetails
Family AllowedYes
RenewableYes
Path to PRYes
Path to CitizenshipYes
Years to Citizenship6
Dual Citizenship AllowedYes
Spouse Work RightsYes

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?

Spouses, partners, and dependants of residents or citizens

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

Processing typically takes 2–6 months. Times may vary based on nationality, completeness of documentation, and current processing volumes.

What does the Family Visa (Spouse/Partner) cost?

The application fee is €1,472. Total relocation cost depends on living costs, insurance, and document attestation.

Does the Family Visa (Spouse/Partner) lead to permanent residency?

Yes — this pathway has a path to PR.

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Official source: https://www.gov.uk/immigration

Last verified: 2026-03-05

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