When did the £29,000 income requirement take effect?

The minimum income requirement increased to £29,000 from April 2025. Before that, it was £18,600 (which had been the threshold since 2012). The government announced staged increases towards £38,700, with £29,000 as the first step.

Can I use savings to meet the £29,000 requirement?

Yes. Cash savings above £16,000 can be used. The formula is: (£29,000 minus your income) x 2.5 + £16,000. If you have no income at all, you need £88,500 in savings held for at least 6 months. The savings can be in the sponsor's, applicant's, or joint account.

Is the £29,000 requirement based on gross or net income?

The requirement is based on gross (pre-tax) income. Your payslips should show your gross salary, and this is the figure the Home Office uses. Do not confuse your take-home pay (net) with the required threshold.

Will the income requirement increase to £38,700?

The government announced plans for staged increases, with £38,700 as the eventual target. However, as of early 2026, the threshold remains at £29,000 and further increases are subject to government review. No firm date has been set for the next increase.

Spouse Visa £29,000 Income Requirement: Complete Guide

The spouse visa income threshold is £29,000 from April 2025. This can be met through employment, self-employment, savings, pensions, or a combination. This guide covers every method of meeting the requirement and the evidence needed.

How the £29,000 Threshold Works

The UK-based sponsor (the British citizen or settled person) must demonstrate a minimum gross annual income of £29,000. This threshold applies at the initial spouse visa application, extensions, and ILR.

The threshold can be met through various income sources. The GOV.UK income proof page and Appendix FM-SE set out the detailed rules. See our comprehensive sponsor income guide for a full breakdown of every income category.

Meeting the Requirement Through Employment

The most common way to meet the threshold:

Category A (Same Employer, 6+ Months)

If the sponsor has been with the same employer for at least 6 months, the Home Office looks at the gross annual salary. Provide 6 months' payslips, an employer letter, and matching bank statements.

Category B (Variable or New Employment)

If the sponsor has been employed for less than 6 months, or income varies, the Home Office looks at income over the last 12 months. The total must be at least £29,000, and the current salary must also be at least £29,000. Provide 12 months' evidence.

Using Savings

Savings above £16,000 can supplement or replace income. The formula:

(£29,000 - actual income) x 2.5 + £16,000 = savings needed

Examples:

Income £25,000, shortfall £4,000: savings needed = (£4,000 x 2.5) + £16,000 = £26,000
Income £20,000, shortfall £9,000: savings needed = (£9,000 x 2.5) + £16,000 = £38,500
No income: savings needed = (£29,000 x 2.5) + £16,000 = £88,500

Savings must have been held for 6 months before the application date. They can be in the sponsor's account, the applicant's account, or a joint account.

Other Income Sources

Self-employment: Tax returns (SA302), accounts, and bank statements required. See the income guide.
Pensions: State, private, or workplace pensions all count.
Rental income: From owned properties, with tenancy agreements and tax returns.
Non-means-tested benefits: DLA, PIP, Carer's Allowance count. Universal Credit and Housing Benefit do not.

When the Applicant's Income Counts

On initial applications from outside the UK, the applicant's overseas income generally does not count. However:

If the applicant has permission to work in the UK (for example, already in the UK on another visa), their UK income can count
On extension applications, the applicant's UK income always counts
At ILR, both incomes count

This makes the extension stage easier for many couples, as both partners can contribute to meeting the threshold.

The Future: Will It Rise to £38,700?

The government announced in December 2023 that the threshold would rise to £38,700 in stages, aligning it with the median full-time salary. The first increase (to £29,000) took effect in April 2025.

As of early 2026, no date has been confirmed for the next increase. The government has said it will review the impact of the £29,000 threshold before proceeding. See our guide on the potential £38,700 threshold for analysis of what a further increase would mean.

What If You Cannot Meet the Requirement

If you cannot meet the £29,000 threshold through any combination of income and savings, you may still be able to apply on the 10-year route using Article 8 human rights grounds. This is a longer and more expensive route, but it provides a pathway when the standard requirements cannot be met.

Next Steps

Calculate whether the sponsor's income (and savings if applicable) meets the £29,000 threshold. Gather the relevant evidence for the appropriate income category. If the threshold is not met, consider savings, combining income sources, or the 10-year route.

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