Spouse Visa Work Rights in the UK: What You Can Do
What you need to know
- •Spouse visa holders have unrestricted work rights in the UK.
- •You can work for any employer in any role with no hour limits.
- •Self-employment and setting up a company are both permitted.
- •No certificate of sponsorship or work permit is needed.
- •Employers verify your right to work via your BRP or eVisa.
UK spouse visa holders have full, unrestricted work rights. You can work in any job, be self-employed, or start a business. No additional work permit is needed. This guide covers your employment rights, how employers verify your status, and what to know about self-employment and tax.
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Your Right to Work
If you hold a UK spouse visa (also called a partner visa under Appendix FM), you have full and unrestricted work rights in the UK. This means:
- You can work in any job, in any sector
- There is no limit on working hours
- You do not need a sponsoring employer
- You can change jobs freely
- You can be employed or self-employed
- You can volunteer
These rights are set out in the Immigration Rules under Appendix FM. Your BRP (biometric residence permit) or eVisa will state your conditions of leave, confirming your right to work.
Proving Your Right to Work to Employers
All UK employers are legally required to check that employees have the right to work. For spouse visa holders, the employer should:
- Check your BRP and verify it is genuine, or use the online View and Prove service if you have an eVisa
- Confirm that your visa conditions allow work (which they do)
- Note the expiry date of your leave and schedule a follow-up check before it expires
If an employer is unsure about your work rights, direct them to the GOV.UK employer right to work check page. Some employers are unfamiliar with spouse visa work rights and may need reassurance.
If you experience problems with an employer refusing to accept your right to work, see our guide on workplace discrimination.
Self-Employment on a Spouse Visa
Spouse visa holders can be self-employed. This includes working as a freelancer, contractor, sole trader, or setting up a limited company. To start:
- Register as self-employed with HMRC if working as a sole trader
- Register a limited company with Companies House if going the company route
- Get a National Insurance number if you do not already have one (see our National Insurance number guide)
- File self-assessment tax returns annually
Self-employment income can also count toward the financial requirement when you apply to extend your spouse visa or apply for ILR. See our self-employment and spouse visa guide for details.
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Employment Rights and Protections
As a spouse visa holder working in the UK, you have the same employment rights as British citizens and settled persons. These include:
- The national minimum and living wage
- Protection against unfair dismissal
- Paid holiday entitlement
- Statutory sick pay, maternity, and paternity pay
- Protection from discrimination
- Health and safety protections
- Right to join a trade union
For more on your rights at work, see our guide on employment rights for visa holders.
Tax and National Insurance
Working in the UK means you are subject to UK tax rules. You will pay income tax and National Insurance contributions on your earnings, just like anyone else. Key points:
- Your employer will deduct tax and NI through PAYE if you are employed
- If self-employed, you must register with HMRC and file self-assessment returns
- NI contributions count toward your state pension — see our tax guide for visa holders
Working While Waiting for a Decision
If you are inside the UK and have applied to switch to a spouse visa from another category, you may have section 3C leave. This extends your previous leave conditions until a decision is made. If your previous visa allowed work, you can continue working. If it did not, you cannot start working until your spouse visa is granted.
If you applied from outside the UK, you cannot work in the UK until your visa is granted and you have physically entered the country with your visa.
Next Steps
If you have recently arrived on a spouse visa, your priorities should be getting a National Insurance number, opening a bank account, and registering with a GP. Once you have these basics sorted, you are free to start working or setting up your own business.
Related guides:
This guide is general information, not immigration advice. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an OISC-registered adviser or immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the latest rules.
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