The UK fiancé(e) visa lets you come to the UK to marry your British or settled partner, then switch to a spouse visa. It’s a 6-month, non-working visa with a financial requirement. Here’s how it works in 2026: who qualifies, the money you need, the cost, and the route to settling together.
What is the fiancé(e) visa?
It’s a 6-month visa for the fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner of a British citizen or someone with settled status, allowing you to enter the UK to get married or form a civil partnership. After the ceremony you switch — from inside the UK — to a spouse visa.
Key requirements
- You’re both 18+, have met in person, and are in a genuine relationship intending to marry within 6 months.
- Financial requirement: your partner must show income of at least £29,000 a year (or £88,500 in savings, or a combination).
- English language: level A1 on an approved SELT test.
- Suitable accommodation and evidence of your wedding plans.
Cost
The application fee is £1,938 from outside the UK. Importantly, the Immigration Health Surcharge is not charged on the 6-month fiancé visa — but you’ll pay it when you switch to the spouse visa.
What you can (and can’t) do
You cannot work or claim public funds on a fiancé visa — it’s purely to come and marry. Once married, your spouse visa allows work and counts towards settlement.
After you marry: switching to a spouse visa
The fiancé visa is one of the few routes you can switch from inside the UK. After the wedding you apply for the spouse visa (paying its fee and the IHS), then build towards ILR and eventually citizenship.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK fiancé visa?
A 6-month visa for the fiancé(e) of a British or settled person to come to the UK to marry, then switch to a spouse visa.
What is the financial requirement for a fiancé visa?
£29,000 a year, or £88,500 in savings, or a combination of income and savings.
Can I work on a fiancé visa?
No — you can’t work or claim public funds. You can work once you switch to a spouse visa after marrying.
How long is the fiancé visa valid?
6 months — you must marry within that time, then apply to switch to a spouse visa from inside the UK.
How much does the fiancé visa cost?
£1,938 to apply from outside the UK. The IHS isn’t charged on the fiancé visa itself but applies when you switch to the spouse visa.
What English level do I need for a fiancé visa?
Level A1 on an approved Secure English Language Test.
