What documents do I need for a UK Spouse Visa?

You need identity documents (passports, birth certificates), proof of your relationship (marriage certificate, photos, communication evidence), financial evidence (payslips, bank statements, employer letter), English language certificate, accommodation evidence, and a TB test certificate if applicable.

How many months of bank statements do I need?

You need at least 6 months of bank statements showing the sponsor's salary being received. The statements must clearly show the amount, date, and source of each payment. They should cover the period up to the date of your application.

What relationship evidence should I provide?

Provide a combination of photos together (at different times and places), communication evidence (messages, call logs), evidence of visits, joint financial commitments (bills, leases), and letters from friends or family. Quality and variety are more important than quantity.

Do documents need to be translated?

Yes. Any document not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation. The translation must include the translator's credentials, contact details, and a declaration that it is an accurate translation of the original.

Should I send original documents or copies?

For applications from outside the UK, you typically submit original documents at the visa application centre. For applications inside the UK, you upload scans or copies. Always keep copies of everything you submit.

What happens if I forget a document?

Missing documents can lead to delays or refusal. The Home Office may contact you to request missing items, but they are not required to. It is best to submit a complete application from the start. Use this checklist to make sure you have everything.

Spouse Visa Documents: Complete Checklist

A Spouse Visa application requires a large number of documents covering your identity, relationship, finances, English ability, and accommodation. Missing documents are one of the top reasons for delays and refusals. This comprehensive checklist ensures you have everything ready before you apply.

Identity Documents

These documents prove who you are. Both the applicant and the sponsor need to provide identity documents.

Applicant

Valid passport (with at least one blank page).
Previous passports (if they contain relevant travel history or visa stamps).
Birth certificate.
National identity card (if applicable).
Two passport-sized photographs (meeting UK visa photo requirements).

Sponsor

British passport or proof of settled status (BRP, ILR documentation, or EU Settled Status confirmation).
Birth certificate (if British by birth).
Naturalisation certificate (if applicable).

Relationship Documents

You must prove your relationship is genuine and subsisting. Provide a variety of evidence from different time periods. For the full requirements, see our requirements guide.

Essential

Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate (with certified translation if not in English).
If unmarried partners: evidence of living together for at least 2 years (joint tenancy agreements, utility bills in both names, official correspondence to the same address).

Supporting Evidence

Photographs together at different times and places (include dates and locations if possible).
Communication evidence: screenshots of messages, call logs, video call records.
Evidence of visits: flight bookings, boarding passes, passport stamps.
Joint financial commitments: joint bank account statements, shared bills, joint insurance policies.
Letters from friends and family confirming the relationship.
Evidence of shared life events: holiday bookings together, attending events together.

Aim for evidence that covers the entire period of your relationship, not just recent months.

Financial Documents

Financial evidence is the most important part of your application. The financial requirement is £29,000 per year. The documents you need depend on how you are meeting it.

If Employed

At least 6 months of payslips from the sponsor's employer.
6 months of bank statements showing salary payments (all pages, even blank ones).
Employer letter confirming: job title, salary, start date, contract type (permanent/fixed-term), and whether the role is still current.
Most recent P60.
Contract of employment.

If Self-Employed

Most recent SA302 tax calculation from HMRC.
Corresponding tax year overview from HMRC.
Bank statements showing income received (12 months minimum).
If a company director: company accounts, evidence of salary and dividends, CT600.
Business bank statements (if income is received through a business account).

If Using Savings

Bank statements or savings account statements covering at least 6 months.
Every statement must show the balance never dropped below the required amount.
Evidence of the source of the savings (if requested).

For the savings calculation formula, see our financial requirement guide. For the current threshold amount, see our income threshold guide.

English Language Documents

SELT certificate at A1 level (speaking and listening) from an approved provider, or
Degree certificate plus academic transcript (if the degree was taught in English), or
Proof of nationality from a majority English-speaking country.

See our English language tests guide for the list of approved providers and exemptions.

Accommodation Documents

Tenancy agreement (if renting) showing the property is adequate for the family.
Mortgage statement (if you own the property).
Letter from the property owner confirming you have permission to live there (if staying with family or friends).
Council tax bill (showing the address).

Additional Documents

TB Test Certificate

Required if applying from a country on the Home Office TB screening list. Check GOV.UK.

Previous Visa Refusal Letters

If you have been refused a UK visa before, include the refusal letter. Being upfront about previous refusals is better than the Home Office discovering it themselves.

Divorce or Death Certificates

If either you or your sponsor has been previously married, provide divorce decrees or death certificates to prove the previous relationship has ended.

Change of Name Evidence

If either party has changed their name, provide the deed poll or other legal documentation.

Translation Requirements

All documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation. The translation must include:

The translator's name and contact details.
A statement that the translation is accurate.
The date of the translation.
The translator's qualifications or credentials.

Professional translation services typically charge £20-£50 per page. See our hidden costs guide for more on translation costs.

Tips for Document Preparation

Start gathering documents at least 3 months before your planned application date.
Keep copies of everything you submit (digital and physical).
Organise documents in clear sections with dividers or a table of contents.
Make sure names and dates match across all documents.
If in doubt about any document, consult an immigration solicitor.
For the full cost of your application, see our cost breakdown.