What income does the UK sponsor need for a spouse visa?

From April 2025, the UK sponsor needs a minimum income of £29,000 per year to sponsor a spouse visa. This can come from employment, self-employment, pensions, or other non-employment income. Cash savings above £16,000 can also be used to make up a shortfall.

Can I use my savings instead of income to sponsor a spouse visa?

Yes. Cash savings above £16,000 can be used to meet or supplement the income requirement. The savings must have been held for at least 6 months in a bank or savings account. The formula is: required income minus your actual income, multiplied by 2.5, plus £16,000.

Can the applicant's income count towards the sponsor income requirement?

The applicant's overseas income generally does not count for initial applications from outside the UK. However, if the applicant is already in the UK with permission to work, their income can be combined with the sponsor's income. On extension applications, the applicant's UK income always counts.

What if the sponsor is self-employed?

Self-employed sponsors can use their income, but must provide additional evidence including tax returns (SA302), company or personal accounts, and bank statements showing the income received. The income is usually assessed over the last full financial year or the last two financial years.

Does Universal Credit or benefits count as sponsor income?

Most means-tested benefits do not count towards the income requirement. This includes Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, and Income Support. However, certain non-means-tested benefits such as Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, and Carer's Allowance can count.

Sponsor Income for Spouse Visa: How to Meet the Requirement

The UK sponsor must meet a minimum income requirement to bring a spouse to the UK. From April 2025, the threshold is £29,000. This guide explains what counts as income, how to use savings, self-employment income, and combined sources to reach the threshold.

The Income Threshold in 2026

The minimum income requirement for sponsoring a spouse visa stands at £29,000 per year from April 2025. The government originally announced plans to raise the threshold to £38,700, but the increase was implemented in stages, with the current threshold set at £29,000.

This threshold applies to the initial spouse visa application, extensions, and switching applications. The full rules are set out in Appendix FM-SE of the Immigration Rules. For a detailed analysis of the threshold changes, see our guide on the £29,000 income requirement.

Income from Employment

Employment income is the most straightforward way to meet the requirement. The Home Office looks at:

Category A: Salaried Employment (6 Months with Current Employer)

If the sponsor has been employed by the same employer for at least 6 months at the date of application, the Home Office looks at the gross annual salary. Evidence required:

At least 6 months' payslips from the current employer
A letter from the employer confirming salary, role, and length of employment
Corresponding bank statements showing salary payments

Category B: Variable or New Employment (12-Month Period)

If the sponsor has been with their employer for less than 6 months, or if income varies (overtime, commission, bonuses), the Home Office looks at the total income over the 12 months before the application date. The total must meet or exceed £29,000 and the current salary must also be at least £29,000 per year.

Evidence required includes 12 months' payslips, employer letter, and bank statements for the full period. For details on how this is assessed, see the financial requirement guide.

Self-Employment Income

Self-employed sponsors face additional evidence requirements. The Home Office typically looks at:

The last full financial year's self-assessment tax return (SA302) and tax year overview from HMRC
Company accounts (for directors of limited companies) or personal accounts (for sole traders)
Bank statements showing the income received
Evidence of ongoing contracts or business activity

If the last financial year's income does not meet the threshold, the Home Office may consider an average over the last 2 financial years. However, income must still be at least £29,000 per year on average.

Self-employment cases are more complex and more frequently refused. If your income is from self-employment, consider reviewing our guide on whether to use a solicitor.

Using Cash Savings

Cash savings above £16,000 can be used to meet or supplement the income requirement. The formula is:

(Required income - actual income) x 2.5 + £16,000 = savings needed

For example, if the sponsor earns £20,000 and the threshold is £29,000, the shortfall is £9,000. The savings needed would be: (£9,000 x 2.5) + £16,000 = £38,500.

The savings must have been held for at least 6 months before the application date. They can be in the sponsor's account, the applicant's account, or a joint account. Bank statements or a bank letter covering the 6-month period are required.

If you are relying entirely on savings (no income), you need: £29,000 x 2.5 + £16,000 = £88,500 in savings held for 6 months. See our guide on the higher income thresholds for how this changes if the threshold increases further.

Other Income Sources

Pensions

State pensions, private pensions, and workplace pensions all count towards the income requirement. Evidence includes pension statements and bank statements showing payments received.

Rental Income

Income from property rentals can count, provided you can evidence it with tenancy agreements, rental statements, and tax returns showing the income declared.

Non-Means-Tested Benefits

Certain disability and carer benefits count. These include Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Carer's Allowance, and Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit. Means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, and Income Support do not count.

Maternity, Paternity, and Adoption Pay

Statutory maternity pay, paternity pay, and adoption pay can count towards income. You will need evidence of the amounts received and confirmation of your return-to-work salary.

Combining Income Sources

You can combine different income sources to meet the threshold. For example, a sponsor earning £22,000 from employment with a pension of £8,000 per year would meet the £29,000 threshold. The adequate maintenance test considers the totality of your financial situation.

On extension and settlement applications, the applicant's income can also be combined with the sponsor's. This is a significant advantage at the extension stage, as many applicants will be working in the UK by then.

Common Mistakes

Bank statements not matching payslips. If your payslips show a salary of £2,400 per month but your bank statements show different amounts, the Home Office will query the discrepancy.
Savings not held for 6 months. A large deposit made 3 months before the application will not count.
Counting means-tested benefits. Universal Credit and similar benefits cannot be included.
Using gross income but providing net figures. The threshold is based on gross (pre-tax) income. Make sure your evidence shows gross amounts.

Next Steps

Calculate whether the sponsor's income meets the £29,000 threshold. Gather the relevant evidence (payslips, tax returns, bank statements, savings evidence) for the correct period. If the income is borderline, consider whether savings can bridge the gap.

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