What is the Spouse Visa income threshold in 2026?

The Spouse Visa income threshold in 2026 is £29,000 per year. This is the minimum income the UK-based sponsor must demonstrate to bring their partner to the UK.

Will the income threshold increase to £38,700?

The government announced a planned increase to £38,700, but this has been delayed. As of early 2026, the threshold remains at £29,000. The increase may be implemented later in 2026 or beyond, depending on government policy reviews.

Why did the income threshold increase from £18,600?

The government raised the threshold to reduce net migration and ensure that sponsors can financially support their partners without relying on public funds. The increase from £18,600 to £29,000 took effect in 2024 as part of broader immigration reforms.

Does the income threshold apply to extensions as well?

Yes. You must meet the income threshold both when you first apply for a Spouse Visa and when you apply to extend it. The threshold at the time of your extension application is the one that applies.

What if I earned enough when I applied but the threshold increases before my extension?

You must meet the threshold that is in force at the time of your extension application. If the threshold has increased, you will need to meet the new higher amount. This is an important reason to plan ahead financially.

Is the income threshold different for other visa types?

Yes. The Skilled Worker visa has its own salary threshold of £38,700 (with some exceptions). The Spouse Visa threshold is separate and currently set at £29,000. Different visa routes have different financial requirements.

Income Threshold 2026: £29,000 to £38,700

The UK Spouse Visa income threshold is £29,000 per year in 2026. The government has signalled a further increase to £38,700 but this has been delayed. This guide explains the current threshold, the history of changes, and how to prepare for potential future increases.

Current Income Threshold: £29,000

As of 2026, the minimum income threshold for a UK Spouse Visa is £29,000 per year, as set out on the GOV.UK proof of income page. This is the amount the UK-based sponsor must earn (or demonstrate through other qualifying sources) before their partner can be granted a visa.

This threshold applies to new applications and extensions alike. It replaced the long-standing £18,600 figure that had been in place since 2012. The increase was part of a broader set of immigration reforms announced by the government in late 2023 and implemented in stages through 2024.

For a full explanation of how to meet this requirement, including through savings and self-employment, see our Spouse Visa financial requirement guide.

The Planned Increase to £38,700

The government announced that the income threshold would eventually rise to £38,700, as confirmed in the visa regulations table on GOV.UK. This figure was chosen because it matches the median salary for skilled workers in the UK and aligns with the Skilled Worker visa salary threshold.

However, the increase to £38,700 has been subject to repeated delays. As of early 2026, the threshold remains at £29,000. The government has indicated that the increase may happen later in 2026 or may be phased in over time.

The delay is partly due to concerns about the impact on families. At £38,700, a significant proportion of UK workers would not earn enough to sponsor a spouse. Various organisations and MPs have raised concerns about the fairness of this level, particularly for people living outside London and the South East where salaries are lower.

For a detailed timeline of all changes, see our income threshold timeline guide.

History of the Income Threshold

Understanding how the threshold has changed over time helps explain where it may go next:

Before 2012: There was no fixed income threshold. The Home Office assessed whether the sponsor could support the family "adequately" without recourse to public funds, with no specific figure.
2012 to 2024: A fixed threshold of £18,600 was introduced following the Migration Advisory Committee's recommendation. Additional amounts applied for dependent children (£3,800 for the first child, £2,400 for each subsequent child).
April 2024: The threshold increased to £29,000 as the first stage of the planned rises. The additional amounts for children were removed, simplifying the system.
2025-2026: The £29,000 threshold remains in place. The planned increase to £38,700 has been delayed but not abandoned.

How the Threshold Affects Different People

The income threshold does not affect all applicants equally. Here is how it impacts different groups:

Young Couples

People in their 20s are less likely to earn £29,000. National statistics show that the median salary for workers aged 22-29 is below this figure in many parts of the UK. Young couples may need to rely on savings to make up the shortfall.

People Outside London

Average salaries in the North East, Wales, and Northern Ireland are lower than in London and the South East. The threshold effectively makes it harder for people in lower-wage regions to sponsor a spouse.

Self-Employed Sponsors

Self-employed people often have variable income. A good year followed by a poor year can cause problems. However, the Home Office allows you to use either the last full financial year or an average of the last two years, which can help smooth out fluctuations.

Sponsors with Savings

If you do not earn £29,000 but have significant savings, you can use them to meet the requirement. You need £16,000 plus 2.5 times the income shortfall. This means someone with no income would need £88,500 in savings held for at least 6 months.

What If the Threshold Increases During Your Application?

The threshold that applies to your application is the one in force on the date you submit it. If you submit your application while the threshold is £29,000, that is the figure the Home Office will assess you against, even if the threshold changes while your application is being processed.

However, this does not protect you for future applications. If you need to extend your Spouse Visa or apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, you will need to meet whatever threshold is in force at that time.

This is an important reason to plan ahead. If the threshold rises to £38,700 before your extension is due, you will need to earn that amount or have equivalent savings.

How to Prepare for a Higher Threshold

If you are concerned about a future increase, here are practical steps you can take:

Apply as soon as possible: If you currently meet the £29,000 threshold, submit your application before any increase takes effect.
Build savings: Even if your income is sufficient now, building savings gives you a safety net if the threshold rises before your extension.
Increase your income: Consider whether a promotion, new job, or additional work could help you reach a higher threshold.
Get professional advice: An immigration solicitor can review your financial situation and advise on the strongest way to present your case.

The Threshold and Other Visa Routes

The £29,000 threshold is specific to the Spouse Visa and family route. Other visa routes have their own financial requirements:

The Skilled Worker visa has a general salary threshold of £38,700 (with lower thresholds for some occupations).
Student visas require evidence of funds for tuition and living costs, not an income threshold.
Visitor visas require you to show you can support yourself during your stay, but there is no fixed figure.

For a full overview of all UK visa costs and financial requirements, see our complete UK visa fees guide.

Key Points to Remember

The income threshold is one of the most important parts of any Spouse Visa application. Getting it wrong is the most common reason for refusal. Make sure you:

Check the current threshold on the GOV.UK family visa page before you apply (it is £29,000 in 2026).
Gather all required documents well in advance.
Consider building savings as a backup if your income is close to the threshold.
Monitor government announcements about the planned increase to £38,700.
Seek professional help if your financial situation is complicated. See our Spouse Visa requirements guide for the full picture of what you need.