How much does a UK spouse visa cost in 2026?

The initial spouse visa application fee is approximately £1,846 (from outside the UK) or £1,048 (from inside the UK). On top of this, the Immigration Health Surcharge is £1,035 per year of leave granted. For a 2.5-year initial visa from abroad, the total upfront cost is approximately £4,434.

What is the total cost of the spouse visa over 5 years?

Over the full 5-year route (initial visa, extension, and ILR), the total cost including application fees, IHS, English tests, Life in the UK test, and biometrics is approximately £10,000 to £12,000. This does not include solicitor fees or priority processing charges.

Can I pay the spouse visa fees in instalments?

The application fee must be paid in full at the time of application. The Immigration Health Surcharge is also paid upfront for the full duration of the visa. There is no official instalment plan, though some applicants save over time before applying.

Is the Immigration Health Surcharge refundable?

The IHS is refundable if your application is refused, withdrawn, or if you leave the UK before the visa period covered by the surcharge ends. Refund claims are made through the Home Office online system.

Spouse Visa Cost 2026: Full Fee Breakdown

A UK spouse visa costs approximately £4,000-£5,000 for the initial application (including IHS), with total costs over the 5-year route reaching £10,000-£12,000. This guide provides a complete breakdown of every fee at each stage.

Initial Spouse Visa Costs

Applying from Outside the UK

Application fee: ~£1,846
Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 x 2.75 years = ~£2,846
English language test (A1): ~£150
TB test (if required): ~£50-£100
Total initial cost from abroad: approximately £4,900

Applying from Inside the UK (Switching)

Application fee: ~£1,048
Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 x 2.5 years = ~£2,588
English language test (if not already held): ~£150
Total initial cost in-country: approximately £3,786

Check the GOV.UK fee page for the latest figures, as fees are subject to change.

Extension Costs (At 2.5 Years)

The spouse visa extension is an in-country application:

Application fee: ~£1,048
Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 x 2.5 years = ~£2,588
Total extension cost: approximately £3,636

Settlement / ILR Costs (At 5 Years)

ILR application fee: ~£2,885
Life in the UK test: £50
English language test (B1, if not already held): ~£150
Total ILR cost: approximately £3,085

After ILR, there is no further Immigration Health Surcharge. You access the NHS as a permanent resident.

Total Cost: 5-Year Route Summary

Initial visa (from abroad): ~£4,900
Extension: ~£3,636
ILR: ~£3,085
Grand total: approximately £11,621

This does not include optional costs such as solicitor fees (£1,000-£5,000 per stage), priority processing, courier services, or translation costs. See the hidden costs guide for the full picture.

Optional Costs

Priority Processing

Priority and super-priority services are available for faster decisions. These add £500 to £1,000+ per application depending on the service level and location. See the priority service guide.

Solicitor Fees

If you use an immigration solicitor, expect to pay £1,000 to £5,000 per application stage. Whether this is worthwhile depends on the complexity of your case. See our DIY vs solicitor guide.

Translation and Certification

Documents not in English must be translated by a certified translator. Costs vary but typically range from £30 to £100 per document.

Budgeting Tips

Start saving early — the costs add up over the 5-year route
Factor in the extension and ILR costs when budgeting, not just the initial visa
The IHS is refundable if the application is refused, so the financial risk is partially mitigated
Consider whether priority processing is necessary or if standard processing is acceptable
Keep receipts and records of all immigration-related spending

Comparison with the 10-Year Route

The 10-year route costs significantly more because you need four applications plus ILR (compared to two applications plus ILR on the 5-year route). Total costs on the 10-year route can exceed £20,000.

Next Steps

Calculate the total cost for your specific situation. Check the latest fees on GOV.UK before applying. Budget for the full 5-year journey, not just the initial application.

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