UK Spouse Visa Maintenance Funds

At UKBloom, we understand how overwhelming the UK immigration process can feel—especially when it comes to meeting financial requirements. One of the most common questions we receive is:

“How much money do I need to sponsor my partner on a UK spouse visa in 2025?”

This article breaks down the UK spouse visa maintenance funds requirement in 2025. Whether you’re applying from abroad or switching visas within the UK, we’ll help you understand what financial thresholds you need to meet, how income and savings can be combined, and what documents you’ll need to succeed in your application.

What Is the UK Spouse Visa?

A UK spouse visa (also known as a partner visa or family visa) allows a non-British partner to live in the UK with their British or settled partner. You can apply from outside the UK or within the country if you’re switching from another visa category.

To qualify, you must prove:

You’re in a genuine relationship (married or in a civil partnership)
You plan to live together permanently in the UK
You meet the financial requirement (maintenance funds)

The Financial Requirement for UK Spouse Visa (2025)

From 11 April 2024, the UK government increased the financial threshold for spouse visa applicants. These changes continue into 2025.

New Minimum Income Requirement (2025)

You must earn at least £29,000 per year (gross income) to sponsor your partner.

This requirement applies if:

You are sponsoring from inside or outside the UK
You are applying for your spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner
You do not have children applying with you (child requirement is separate)

Important: This is an increase from the previous threshold of £18,600, which had been in place for many years.

Who Needs to Meet This Financial Requirement?

The financial requirement applies if the UK-based partner (sponsor) is:

A British citizen
Holds Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), settled status, or permanent residence
Is from the EU and holds pre-settled status

The applicant (the non-UK partner) must also demonstrate financial readiness if relying on their own income (if already in the UK with permission to work).

How to Meet the Financial Requirement

There are three main ways to meet the UK spouse visa maintenance funds requirement:

1. Through Employment or Self-Employment

If you earn £29,000 or more per year, you can meet the requirement using:

Employment income (at least 6 months with the same employer)
Self-employment income (last full financial year)
Non-employment income (e.g., property rental, pensions)

2. Using Savings

If you do not meet the income threshold, you can use cash savings to make up the shortfall—or meet the entire requirement.

To meet the requirement through savings alone, you need:

£88,500 in cash savings held for at least 6 months

This figure is calculated based on:

(£29,000 × 2.5) + £16,000 = £88,500

The £16,000 threshold is deducted from the total.
Savings must be in the applicant’s or sponsor’s name, in a regulated institution.

3. Combining Income and Savings

If you earn less than £29,000, you can use savings to make up the difference.

Example:

Salary = £27,000
Shortfall = £2,000
Required savings = (£2,000 × 2.5) + £16,000 = £21,000

Key Rule: The formula for shortfall is:

(Income Shortfall × 2.5) + £16,000

Supporting Documents Required

To prove you meet the financial requirement, you must provide official documentation depending on your income type:

For Employment:

Payslips for the last 6 months
Employer letter confirming salary and role
Bank statements showing salary deposits

For Self-Employment:

Tax return (SA302) and HMRC statements
Business accounts
Invoices and payment evidence

For Savings:

Bank statements for the past 6 months
Proof that the funds have been held continuously
Source of the savings (if deposited recently)

Who Is Exempt From the Financial Requirement?

Some applicants may be exempt from meeting the £29,000 requirement if:

The UK sponsor receives certain disability or carer-related benefits, such as:
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Carer’s Allowance

In these cases, you must instead show “adequate maintenance”—a different calculation based on your household size and income.

Timeline for Financial Changes

Date	Minimum Income Requirement
Before 11 April 2024	£18,600
From 11 April 2024	£29,000
Expected in 2025	No further rise announced, but increases to £34,500 and £38,700 are planned in future years

Source: UK Government announcement

Real-World Example: Spouse Visa Income vs Savings

Scenario	Annual Income	Shortfall	Required Savings
A	£29,000	£0	£0
B	£27,000	£2,000	£21,000
C	£0 (no job)	£29,000	£88,500

Use the Spouse Visa Financial Calculator on our site to check your eligibility (Tool link will be added).

Internal Resources to Help You Apply

Visa Eligibility Calculator – Check if you qualify based on current requirements
Income and Savings Calculator – Instantly calculate shortfalls and required savings
Skilled Worker Visa Document Checklist – See what to include with your application
UK Visa Application Timeline Guide – Know how long your visa might take

FAQs About UK Spouse Visa Maintenance Funds

What happens if I don’t meet the income threshold?

If you cannot meet the £29,000 income requirement, you can use savings or consider delaying your application while improving your income. Alternatively, explore whether your case qualifies for “adequate maintenance.”

Can I use income from overseas?

Yes, overseas income can count if:

You’re returning to the UK with your partner
You have a confirmed job offer in the UK, meeting the threshold

Do I need to meet this requirement again for visa renewal?

Yes. Spouse visas are usually granted for 2.5 years, and you’ll need to show that you still meet the financial requirement when renewing (FLR(M) application).

What if we have children applying with us?

The £29,000 threshold only applies to partners. The child element has been removed as of 2024. However, you must still prove that you can financially support your dependents and may be asked for more evidence.

Is Universal Credit considered income?

No. Benefits like Universal Credit do not count toward meeting the £29,000 threshold. However, they may apply if you’re claiming an exemption for disability-related benefits.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a UK spouse visa in 2025 involves more than just paperwork—it’s about building a life together. The new £29,000 financial requirement may seem challenging, but with the right planning and documentation, it’s entirely achievable.

Whether you’re relying on income, savings, or a combination of both, UKBloom is here to guide you every step of the way.

Be sure to explore our full list of tools and resources to make your UK move smoother, smarter, and fully compliant.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Please refer to official UK government sources or seek legal support for specific guidance.