The financial requirement is the part of a UK spouse or partner visa that trips most people up. Since 11 April 2024 the bar is £29,000. This 2026 guide explains exactly how to meet it — through income, savings or a mix — and at which stages it applies.
How much is the requirement?
For applications made on or after 11 April 2024, the sponsor must show a minimum gross income of £29,000 a year. This replaced the old £18,600 threshold that had stood since 2012. Planned further rises (to around £34,500 and then £38,700) are currently paused pending a review by the Migration Advisory Committee — so £29,000 is the figure for now.
When does it apply?
The requirement is tested at every stage of the partner route: the initial application (entry clearance or switching in the UK), the extension after the first 30 months, and the final indefinite leave to remain application. You must satisfy it each time.
How to meet it
- Employment income — salaried or non-salaried work (your own, or combined with your partner’s if they’re in the UK with permission to work);
- Self-employment or company director income;
- Cash savings — using the formula (annual shortfall × 2.5) + £16,000, held for at least 6 months. Relying on savings alone means £88,500;
- Pension and certain other non-employment income.
You can combine most of these sources. If your sponsor receives certain disability or carer benefits, an “adequate maintenance” test applies instead of the £29,000 figure.
Evidence
Expect to provide payslips, bank statements, an employer letter, and (for savings) 6 months of statements. Getting the documents right matters as much as the maths — mismatched figures are a common refusal reason. A good fiancé(e) or spouse application also needs to meet the English requirement.
Frequently asked questions
What is the spouse visa financial requirement in 2026?
A minimum gross income of £29,000 a year for the sponsor, in place since 11 April 2024.
Can I use savings instead of income?
Yes — the formula is (annual shortfall × 2.5) + £16,000, held for at least 6 months. Relying on savings alone means about £88,500.
Does the requirement apply at extension and ILR?
Yes — it’s tested at the initial application, the extension after 30 months, and the ILR application.
Are further increases coming?
Planned rises to around £34,500 and £38,700 are paused pending a Migration Advisory Committee review, so £29,000 applies for now.
What income counts?
Employment, self-employment, pension and certain non-employment income — and you can combine most sources.
What if my sponsor receives certain benefits?
If the sponsor gets certain disability or carer benefits, an “adequate maintenance” test applies instead of the £29,000 income figure.
