UK Partner Visa Minimum Income Requirements

The UK Partner Visa enables a British citizen or person settled in the UK to bring their partner to live with them in the UK. It falls under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules and is designed to allow genuine couples to live together on a long-term basis, with a pathway to settlement and ultimately British citizenship.

The route applies to spouses, civil partners, and unmarried partners who can evidence that they have lived together in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years, as defined in Appendix FM. Applicants must also meet other mandatory requirements (such as relationship genuineness, suitability, and English language) alongside the financial requirement. This article focuses on the financial rules.

A central part of the application process is the minimum income requirement, which ensures that couples can support themselves without recourse to public funds. This financial threshold is one of the most scrutinised aspects of the application and a common reason for refusal where sponsors or applicants misunderstand or fail to evidence their income correctly.

What this article is about: This guide explains the UK Partner Visa minimum income requirement in full, including the latest income thresholds, who must meet them, what sources of income can be used, and what exemptions or alternative evidential routes may apply. It also covers common refusal reasons, documentation rules, and Home Office considerations in cases involving exceptional or compassionate circumstances.

The article is written to help both applicants and sponsors understand how to meet the financial requirement accurately, avoid procedural errors, and strengthen their chances of approval under the Immigration Rules.

Section A: Understanding the Partner Visa Minimum Income Requirement

The UK Partner Visa minimum income requirement is a central element of the financial eligibility criteria under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. Introduced in 2012, the policy aims to ensure that British citizens and settled persons sponsoring their partners have sufficient income to support themselves and their family members without relying on public funds. The rule reflects the UK Government’s position that family migration should not place a financial burden on the state. Applicants must therefore demonstrate, with documentary evidence, that their sponsor meets or exceeds the required financial threshold before a visa can be granted. For definitional scope and category rules, applicants should read this section together with the Home Office’s Appendix FM 1.7 – Financial Requirement guidance and Appendix FM-SE evidential rules.

1. What is the minimum income requirement?

As of April 2025, the Home Office has set the minimum income threshold at £29,000 per year for most Partner Visa applications made under Appendix FM. This is a significant increase from the previous £18,600 figure. The threshold applies to applications made by partners of British citizens, individuals who hold indefinite leave to remain or settled status, and those with refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK. The requirement is assessed on gross (pre-tax) income and is satisfied at the point of application.

Dependent children: Under the 2025 reforms, the previous additional amounts per child have been removed in favour of a single-family threshold. However, transitional arrangements apply to applicants who first applied under the rules before April 2025; they remain assessed under the earlier framework (i.e., £18,600 plus child add-ons) for as long as they stay on that transitional route. Where children are included on or after moving to the new framework, the single-family threshold applies as set out in current policy.

2. Who must meet the requirement?

In most cases, it is the UK-based sponsor who must demonstrate that they meet the minimum income requirement. The applicant’s overseas income is generally not counted unless they can prove that the same employment or self-employment will continue in the UK after relocation on terms that meet the rules. The sponsor must show sustainable, lawful income through permitted sources defined in Appendix FM-SE. In certain limited scenarios, joint income may be considered (for example, where both parties are already lawfully working in the UK or where qualifying cash savings are held jointly). Evidential standards are strict: if evidence is incomplete, inconsistent, or not presented in the format required by Appendix FM-SE, the application can be refused even if the sponsor’s actual income meets the threshold.

3. When the requirement applies

The financial requirement applies at three key stages of the partner route:

• Initial entry clearance or leave to remain: The sponsor must prove the threshold is already being met on the date the online application is submitted.
• Extension (after 2.5 years): The sponsor must again demonstrate that the minimum income requirement is met through current income and/or savings in line with Appendix FM-SE.
• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): At settlement, the same financial requirement applies unless the applicant is on a transitional route or falls under an exemption considered elsewhere in these rules and guidance.

Section Summary: The Partner Visa minimum income requirement is a legal benchmark under Appendix FM and associated guidance (notably Appendix FM 1.7 and FM-SE). From April 2025 the general threshold is £29,000 per year, now operating under a single-family threshold model for new cases, with transitional protection preserving the earlier £18,600 plus child add-ons for those who entered the route before April 2025. The requirement must be met at initial application, extension, and ILR stages, with strict documentary compliance essential to avoid refusal.

Section B: How to Meet the Financial Requirement

Meeting the UK Partner Visa minimum income requirement requires demonstrating lawful, consistent, and verifiable sources of income as defined under Appendix FM-SE of the Immigration Rules. The Home Office applies strict evidential standards, meaning even minor errors or omissions in documents can result in refusal. Applicants and sponsors must understand not only the permitted income sources that may be counted but also how to evidence them correctly and how different categories may be combined where allowed under Appendix FM 1.7 guidance.

1. Eligible income sources

The Immigration Rules allow income from specific sources to count towards meeting the £29,000 threshold. The main categories are:

• Employment income (salaried or non-salaried). The sponsor must have been employed for at least six months before applying (Category A) or, if less, show the average income over the past 12 months (Category B). Evidence includes payslips, bank statements showing salary deposits, a letter from the employer confirming employment details, and a P60 where applicable. Online payslips are acceptable if accompanied by an employer’s letter or electronic verification.
• Self-employment income (sole trader, partnership, or company director). The relevant financial year runs April–April. Sponsors must provide business accounts, HMRC SA302 tax returns, tax year overviews, and corresponding business bank statements. Category F (most recent financial year) or Category G (average of last two years) may apply depending on the case.
• Non-employment income such as rental income, dividends, or maintenance payments, provided the income is regular, lawful, and evidenced through ownership documents (title deeds, tenancy agreements, dividend vouchers) and bank statements showing receipt. Rental income must come from property legally owned and declared to HMRC.
• Pension income from the state, occupational, or private sources may count. Where the applicant is lawfully in the UK and already receiving pension income, this may also be considered if evidenced correctly.
• Cash savings may be used alone or in combination with other categories if held in the sponsor’s or couple’s name, in a regulated institution, and readily available. Further details are below.

Each category has specific evidential requirements under Appendix FM-SE. Documents must be dated within the required period, show the source and ownership of funds, and be provided in full. Partial or misdated evidence may lead to refusal even when the income level is sufficient.

2. Using cash savings

Sponsors may rely on cash savings to meet the income requirement either wholly or partly. To qualify, the savings must:

• Be held by the sponsor and/or applicant in their name(s)
• Be immediately accessible (not locked in long-term investments or property)
• Be held for at least six consecutive months before the date of application
• Be in a regulated financial institution

Savings may include funds from liquidated investments such as stocks, shares, or ISAs, provided they were converted to cash before the start of the six-month qualifying period and are traceable through transaction evidence.

The Home Office applies the formula:

(Total savings – £16,000) ÷ 2.5 = Income equivalent

For example, £66,000 – £16,000 = £50,000 ÷ 2.5 = £20,000. This means £20,000 of annual income can be derived from savings for the purpose of meeting the threshold. Sponsors relying solely on savings must hold £88,500 (£29,000 × 2.5 + £16,000) for six consecutive months. Funds must not dip below the qualifying amount during that period or the application risks refusal.

3. Combining income sources

Certain combinations of income categories are allowed if they align with Appendix FM-SE timeframes. Examples include:

• Employment income with non-employment or pension income
• Employment income with savings
• Self-employment income with savings (if financial periods coincide)

Different income years cannot usually be mixed (e.g., combining a previous tax year’s self-employment income with current employment income). Each income source must cover the same relevant period and meet the documentation rules for that category. Consistency across evidence is key; misaligned or overlapping periods are a frequent cause of refusal.

Section Summary: To meet the Partner Visa minimum income requirement, sponsors must prove earnings or savings from permitted sources under Appendix FM-SE. The Home Office applies strict evidential standards, requiring complete documentation within the correct timeframe. Savings can supplement or replace income, provided they exceed £16,000 and are held for at least six months. Income from multiple sources can be combined if periods align and evidence is compliant.

Section C: Exemptions & Alternative Evidence

The UK immigration system recognises that some sponsors may not be able to meet the minimum income requirement through employment or savings. In these circumstances, exemptions or alternative assessments may apply to ensure compliance with the UK’s human rights obligations, particularly under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which protects the right to family life. Understanding when these exemptions apply, and how to evidence them, is essential to avoiding refusal.

1. When the financial requirement does not apply

Certain sponsors are exempt from meeting the £29,000 threshold. Instead, they must satisfy the adequate maintenance test, which assesses whether the family can maintain themselves without public funds after housing costs are deducted. Sponsors qualify for this exemption if they are in receipt of any of the following benefits or allowances:

• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Attendance Allowance
• Carer’s Allowance
• Severe Disablement Allowance
• Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
• Bereavement Allowance or Widowed Parent’s Allowance
• Armed Forces Independence Payment
• Guaranteed Income Payment or Constant Attendance Allowance under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme

If a sponsor receives one of these benefits, they do not need to meet the standard income requirement. Instead, the Home Office assesses whether their income (after rent or mortgage) leaves sufficient funds for “adequate maintenance” in accordance with Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefit levels. Child benefit and other allowances received may be included in this calculation.

2. Adequate maintenance test

Under the adequate maintenance test, the Home Office compares the household’s income after housing costs to the level of Income Support that a British family of the same size would receive. The formula applied is:

A – B ≥ C

Where:

• A = Total household net income (after tax and NI)
• B = Housing costs (rent or mortgage)
• C = Income Support level for an equivalent family unit

If the remainder (A – B) meets or exceeds C, the requirement is met. Applicants must provide complete evidence of all income, benefit entitlements, and housing costs, including tenancy agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, and benefit award letters.

3. Exceptional circumstances

Where neither the standard income requirement nor adequate maintenance test can be met, the Home Office may still grant the visa in exceptional circumstances. This applies where refusal would result in unjustifiably harsh consequences for the applicant, sponsor, or their children, breaching Article 8 ECHR. These cases fall under Appendix FM EX.1, which allows consideration of family life factors in line with the UK’s human rights obligations.

Examples include where the sponsor cannot work due to disability or caring responsibilities, where separation would affect a British child’s welfare, or where temporary hardship arises from redundancy or illness. In such cases, applicants should provide detailed evidence and written representations explaining their situation, supported by documentation such as medical reports, letters from professionals, or evidence of future employment.

However, discretion under Article 8 is rare and case-specific. Applicants should not rely on it as a substitute for meeting the financial requirement where it is realistically achievable.

Section Summary: Exemptions from the Partner Visa financial requirement apply only to sponsors receiving specific UK benefits or allowances, in which case the adequate maintenance test replaces the standard threshold. In other cases, exceptional circumstances under Appendix FM EX.1 may apply where refusal would cause unjustifiably harsh outcomes. These exemptions are narrow and require clear, well-evidenced documentation to succeed.

Section D: Financial Evidence & Application Process

Proving that the financial requirement is met involves more than simply earning the required amount — it depends on providing complete and compliant evidence as prescribed in Appendix FM-SE. The Home Office enforces these evidential rules strictly, and applications are often refused because of incomplete or incorrectly formatted documentation rather than an actual shortfall in income. Each income category has precise evidence requirements that must be met at the date of application.

1. Documents required

The documents needed vary according to the income category being relied upon. The main requirements include:

• Employment income: Six months of payslips (or 12 months if less than six months in current employment), corresponding bank statements showing salary deposits, a letter from the employer confirming employment, salary and duration, and the most recent P60 where applicable. Online payslips are accepted if accompanied by an employer letter or electronic authentication.
• Self-employment income: HMRC SA302 tax return, corresponding tax year overview, business accounts (if applicable), invoices, receipts, and business bank statements showing trading activity. An accountant’s letter confirming business operation may also be provided.
• Non-employment income: Ownership or entitlement evidence (such as tenancy agreements, dividend vouchers, or share certificates) and bank statements showing receipt of income over the qualifying period.
• Pension income: Pension statements showing entitlement and bank statements evidencing regular payments from the pension provider.
• Cash savings: Bank statements covering at least six consecutive months, demonstrating the total balance, account ownership, and traceable source of funds. Savings from liquidated investments must include transaction proof confirming conversion to cash before the start of the qualifying period.

All documents must be original or clearly verifiable copies showing the issuing source (such as employer, HMRC, or bank). For digital documents, the institution’s name, logo, and account holder details must be visible. Non-English documents must be translated by a qualified translator, with certification attached.

2. Common errors and refusal reasons

Refusals frequently arise from documentation errors rather than financial shortfall. Common mistakes include:

• Submitting incomplete or misaligned payslips and bank statements
• Failing to include an employer letter or providing one with incorrect details
• Using income outside the relevant assessment period
• Providing savings statements that do not cover a full six months
• Combining income categories incorrectly under Appendix FM-SE
• Failing to explain temporary income gaps (e.g., maternity leave, redundancy, or illness)

Even if the total income exceeds the threshold, failure to comply with evidential formatting rules under Appendix FM-SE can render the financial requirement legally unmet. Applicants should check all evidence against the official Home Office checklist before submission.

3. Application timing and decision process

Evidence must reflect the sponsor’s financial circumstances on the date of application — defined as the date the online form is submitted and the fee paid. For most income categories, the required period is the six months immediately preceding that date. The Home Office may verify evidence directly with employers, HMRC, or financial institutions, and inconsistencies often trigger additional checks or refusals.

If an application is refused, the decision notice will outline the reasons. Applicants may appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) on human rights grounds under Article 8 ECHR, or submit a new application once the financial criteria are met. Appeals are often lengthy and costly, making thorough preparation at the outset the most practical approach.

Meeting the financial requirement at one stage does not guarantee automatic approval at renewal or settlement. The sponsor must demonstrate compliance at each application point, ensuring continued eligibility under the same evidential standards.

Section Summary: The Home Office requires precise documentary compliance under Appendix FM-SE. Each income source has its own evidential checklist, and failure to provide complete documentation can lead to refusal even if the income level is sufficient. Evidence must cover the correct period, match declared figures, and be submitted in the proper format to ensure compliance and avoid delays or refusals.

FAQs

What is the UK Partner Visa minimum income in 2025?
As of April 2025, the minimum income requirement for a UK Partner Visa is £29,000 per year. This applies to most applications under Appendix FM, where the UK sponsor must demonstrate this level of income through permitted sources such as employment, self-employment, pensions, or savings. Applicants under transitional rules who applied before April 2025 remain subject to the old £18,600 threshold plus child add-ons.

Can I use my foreign income to meet the requirement?
In most cases, foreign income cannot be counted unless the applicant and sponsor can prove that the same job or self-employment will continue in the UK after relocation. Evidence such as a formal UK job offer or contract may be required. Without this, foreign earnings are disregarded.

How much savings do I need instead of income?
If relying solely on savings, the sponsor or couple must hold at least £88,500 for six consecutive months before applying. This is calculated as (£29,000 × 2.5 years) + £16,000. Partial reliance on savings is allowed if the savings offset any shortfall in income using the official formula: (total savings – £16,000) ÷ 2.5 = income equivalent.

What if I don’t meet the requirement due to maternity leave, redundancy, or illness?
Temporary income interruptions may be accepted if evidence shows the sponsor previously met the threshold and will resume work at the same or higher level. Supporting documents such as maternity pay statements, redundancy letters, or medical evidence are required. For long-term income disruption, applicants may rely on savings or exceptional circumstances.

Are there any exceptions for compassionate or human rights reasons?
Yes. The Home Office may exercise discretion under Article 8 ECHR where refusal would cause unjustifiably harsh consequences for the family, particularly where a British child is involved. These cases are considered under Appendix FM EX.1 but are assessed on strict evidence and are not guaranteed.

Can we combine income if one partner is self-employed and the other is employed?
Combination is possible only if both income periods align and can be evidenced consistently under Appendix FM-SE. For instance, the self-employed sponsor’s last financial year income can only be combined with the employed partner’s income from the same period if both categories’ evidential windows correspond.

How often does the Home Office update the income threshold?
The threshold is reviewed periodically to reflect changes in policy and economic conditions. The 2025 increase from £18,600 to £29,000 marked a significant realignment with skilled worker salary thresholds. Further adjustments may occur, and applicants should check the latest guidance before applying.

What happens if my application is refused for not meeting the requirement?
If refused, applicants receive a written notice explaining the reasons. Depending on circumstances, they may appeal to the First-tier Tribunal on human rights grounds or reapply once the financial requirement is met. Seeking professional immigration advice is often beneficial before reapplying.

Can I switch to a Partner Visa from another visa inside the UK?
Yes, if your current visa allows switching (for example, from a Skilled Worker or Student Visa). The full financial requirement still applies, and evidence must demonstrate compliance at the time of application.

Conclusion

The UK Partner Visa minimum income requirement remains one of the most critical aspects of a successful application. With the threshold now set at £29,000 per year, sponsors must carefully assess their income sources, ensure full compliance with Appendix FM and Appendix FM-SE, and prepare complete, verifiable documentation that meets the Home Office’s evidential standards.

The Home Office enforces these rules rigorously. Many refusals arise not from insufficient income but from missing or non-compliant documentation. Careful preparation, accurate calculations, and adherence to the evidential format specified in Appendix FM-SE are essential to avoid unnecessary refusal or delay.

For sponsors unable to meet the threshold through income or savings, the adequate maintenance test and exceptional circumstances route under Appendix FM EX.1 may provide limited alternatives. These apply only where refusal would breach human rights obligations under Article 8 ECHR and require strong supporting evidence.

Ultimately, success under the Partner Visa route depends on preparation and precision. By understanding the income categories, applying the correct evidence, and ensuring financial sustainability over the long term, couples can significantly improve their chances of Home Office approval and secure a clear path to settlement in the UK.

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