Bringing your spouse to live with you in the UK is absolutely possible, but it’s not as simple as booking a flight and waiting at the airport. The UK has a clear legal process you must follow, and while it may feel overwhelming, thousands of couples successfully reunite every year. With the right information, preparation, and documentation, you and your partner can too.
This guide breaks everything down in simple language, so you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare.
1. Start With the Right Visa Route: The UK Spouse Visa
If you’re legally married or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or someone who has Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), the UK Spouse Visa is the correct path for you.
You are qualified if:
- You’re legally married or in a civil partnership
- Your partner is British or settled in the UK
- You plan to live together permanently once the visa is granted
This visa falls under the Family Visa category and allows your spouse to live, work, and study in the UK.
2. Meet the Minimum Income Requirement (This Part Is Very Important)
Many applications fail here, so pay close attention.
To bring your spouse to the UK, the sponsoring partner must show they earn at least £29,000 per year (as of 2025).
You can meet this requirement through:
- Employment (salary)
- Self-employment income
- Pensions (in some cases)
- Cash savings of £88,500+ if income is below the required threshold
If you fall short on income and don’t have savings, you may need to:
- Increase your working hours
- Change jobs
- Use combined incomes (only in some situations)
But the rule is strict, and the Home Office rarely bends here.
3. Prove Your Relationship Is Genuine
This is the heart of your application. The UK wants to be sure your relationship isn’t “for papers.”
You must present strong evidence that includes:
- Marriage certificate or civil partnership document
- Photos together over the years (not just at the wedding)
- Chat logs, call history, emails
- Travel tickets showing visits to each other
- Joint accounts, shared bills, receipts, or proof of living together
Tip: Don’t submit staged photos or last-minute chats created just for the application. Authenticity is everything.
4. Secure Suitable Accommodation
You must show that you and your spouse will have a proper place to live once they arrive.
Accepted proofs include:
- Tenancy agreement
- Mortgage or property ownership documents
- A letter from your landlord confirming you’re allowed to live together
- Evidence that the property won’t be overcrowded under UK Housing laws
The accommodation doesn’t need to be fancy; it just needs to be legal and spacious enough for two adults.
5. English Language Requirement (A Simple But Crucial Step)
Your spouse must prove basic English ability.
Here’s what to know:
- They must take an A1 English test from a Home Office–approved test centre
- Results are valid for 2 years
- Nationals of majority English-speaking countries may be exempt
No approved test means no visa. So make sure this step is done early.
6. Apply Online & Complete Biometrics
The entire application starts on gov.uk.
Your spouse will need to:
- Fill the online application form
- Upload supporting document
- Pay the fees, including the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for NHS access
- Book and attend a biometrics appointment
(fingerprints and a digital photo)
Processing usually takes around 12 weeks, but you can pay more for priority service to speed things up.
7. After Approval: Arrival & What Happens Next
Once the visa is approved:
- Your spouse receives a 30-day entry clearance visa to enter the UK
- After arrival, they collect their Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
- They can work or study immediately
- After 5 years on the spouse visa, they can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
- After ILR, they can later apply for British citizenship
Your journey doesn’t end at arrival; it progresses toward long-term settlement.
Love Across Borders is very possible; the process can feel stressful, gathering documents, meeting income requirements, and preparing evidence, but it’s doable. Thousands of couples go through this every year and come out on the other side stronger.
If you follow the steps, prepare early, and stay organised, you and your spouse can start your life together in the UK smoothly and legally.
