Spouse Visa Cost 2026: Full Breakdown

Overview of Spouse Visa Costs

The UK Spouse Visa is one of the most expensive family visa routes in the world. The total cost includes several separate fees, and many applicants are surprised by how quickly they add up.

This guide covers every cost for the initial application, the extension, and the journey to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). For costs across all UK visa routes, see our complete visa fees guide.

Initial Application Costs

When you first apply for a Spouse Visa, you will pay the following:

Application Fee: £1,846

This is the main fee paid to the Home Office. If you apply from outside the UK, the fee is £1,846. If you are switching from another visa inside the UK, the fee is £1,048.

Immigration Health Surcharge: £2,587.50

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) gives you access to the NHS for the duration of your visa. It costs £1,035 per year. For a 33-month initial Spouse Visa, the IHS is £2,587.50 (calculated at £1,035 x 2.5 years, rounded to cover the visa duration).

Biometric Enrolment

You must provide your fingerprints and a photograph. If applying from outside the UK, the biometric fee is included in the application fee at most visa application centres. If applying inside the UK, you attend a UKVCAS appointment. The standard UKVCAS appointment is free, but enhanced services cost extra.

English Language Test: £150-£200

You must prove your English at A1 level (speaking and listening) for the initial application. The most common test providers charge between £150 and £200. Some applicants are exempt if they are from a majority English-speaking country or hold a UK degree. See our English language tests guide for details.

Optional Costs

Immigration Solicitor: £1,500-£5,000

A solicitor is not required, but many people use one to ensure their application is prepared correctly. Fees vary widely depending on the solicitor and the complexity of your case. For a detailed breakdown, see our immigration solicitor costs guide.

Priority Processing

If you are applying from inside the UK, priority processing may be available for an additional fee. This can reduce the processing time significantly. Priority services typically cost £500 to £1,000 depending on the service level.

Document Translation

Any document not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation. Professional translation services typically charge £20-£50 per page. If you have many documents (such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and bank statements from abroad), this can add up.

TB Test Certificate

If you are applying from a country where tuberculosis screening is required, you must get a TB test from an approved clinic. This typically costs £50-£150 depending on the country.

Extension Costs (After 33 Months)

After your initial 33-month Spouse Visa, you must apply to extend for a further 30 months. The extension costs are:

• Application fee: £1,048 (applying from inside the UK).
• IHS: £2,587.50 (for 30 months, rounded up).
• English language test: You must prove A2 level English for the extension. Test fees are similar (£150-£200).
• Biometrics: Free at a standard UKVCAS appointment.

The extension total is approximately £3,800 without a solicitor.