If you’re planning to live in the United Kingdom with your spouse or partner, you may need marriage visa UK help to get started.
The process can feel complex—from understanding UK marriage visa requirements to calculating UK marriage visa fees and finding the right solicitor for UK marriage visa application.
This guide explains the UK marriage visa cost, documents to prepare, timelines, mistakes to avoid, and when a marriage visa attorney can make the difference. It’s written for applicants who want practical steps, short paragraphs, and clear answers.
What is a UK Marriage Visa?
The UK Marriage Visa (Spouse Visa) allows the husband, wife, or civil partner of a British citizen or a person settled in the UK to live together in the UK. It falls under the Family route.
It’s designed for genuine, continuing relationships. Once granted, the initial permission typically lasts 2 years and 9 months if applying from outside the UK. It can be extended and later lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Who can apply for a Marriage Visa?
You can apply for a marriage visa if all of these are true:
- You’re legally married or in a civil partnership recognized by UK law.
- Your partner is a British citizen, has ILR, or has certain forms of settled status.
- You intend to live together permanently in the UK.
- You satisfy the financial, accommodation, and English language requirements.
- You meet any health requirements that apply to your country.
If you’re already in the UK, you may be able to switch to a spouse visa if your current visa allows it. If you’re overseas, you apply from your home country or country of lawful residence.
UK Marriage Visa Requirements
The UK marriage visa requirements focus on relationship genuineness, finances, accommodation, English ability, and health checks where relevant.
Relationship evidence
Show your relationship is genuine and subsisting:
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate.
- Photos together over time.
- Call logs, chat screenshots, travel tickets, and entry stamps.
- Joint accounts, shared bills, or tenancy agreements if applicable.
- Letters of support from friends or family (optional but helpful if consistent with evidence).
Organize evidence chronologically. Label everything. Aim for quality and relevance, not random volume.
Financial requirement
The minimum income threshold is £18,600 per year for the sponsoring partner.
If dependent children are applying, add:
- £3,800 for the first child, and
- £2,400 for each additional child.
You can meet the financial requirement using one or more of the following:
- Employment income (Category A or B).
- Self-employment (Category F or G with tax documents).
- Non-employment income (rental, dividends, pensions).
- Cash savings above £16,000, held for at least 6 months (specific calculation rules apply).
- Combination routes where permitted.
Make sure payslips, bank statements, and employment letters match on names, dates, and figures. Consistency is key.
Accommodation requirement
You must show adequate accommodation that won’t be overcrowded. Provide:
- Tenancy agreement or mortgage statement.
- Landlord letter if required.
- Evidence of property size/rooms if needed.
The Home Office checks whether living arrangements meet space standards and aren’t in breach of tenancy terms.
English language requirement
Most applicants must satisfy the English requirement by:
- Passing an approved test (e.g., A1 for initial application if outside the UK; higher levels for extensions).
- Holding a degree taught in English.
- Being from a majority English-speaking country.
Your test certificate should be current and from an approved provider.
Health requirement
Applicants from listed countries may need a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate taken at an approved clinic.
UK Marriage Visa Fees and Cost in 2025
Understanding the UK marriage visa cost helps you budget realistically.
Application Type Approximate 2025 Fee Spouse Visa (outside UK) £1,846 Spouse Visa (inside UK – switch/extend) £1,048 Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) £1,035 per year Biometric enrolment ~£19.20 Priority processing (optional) ~£573 extra
Expect a total package between £3,000–£3,500 when you include IHS and optional services. Add certified translation costs and, if you choose, solicitor or marriage visa attorney fees.
Typical solicitor costs
A solicitor for UK marriage visa application may charge £800–£2,000+ depending on complexity, dependants, and whether appeals are needed. Complex cases cost more but can prevent refusals and reapplications.
Step-by-step: Applying for Marriage Visa
1) Prepare documents early
Build a clear, labeled packet. Common items:
- Passports for both partners.
- Marriage certificate.
- Proof of relationship (photos, chats, travel).
- Financial evidence (payslips, bank statements, employment letters).
- Accommodation evidence.
- English language certificate.
- TB test certificate if required.
- Previous immigration history if relevant.
2) Complete the online form
Use the official online portal. Select the Family route for joining a partner or spouse. Be accurate and consistent with all names, dates, and addresses.
3) Pay your fees
Pay UK marriage visa fees and the IHS online. Save your receipts. Keep screenshots as backup.
4) Book biometrics
Attend the visa application centre for fingerprints and a photo. Show up with your appointment confirmation and ID.
5) Submit supporting evidence
Upload documents via the portal or submit them as instructed by your local centre. Follow file size and format rules.
6) Wait for a decision
Standard decisions are commonly 8–12 weeks from outside the UK, and around 8 weeks inside. Priority options can be faster but cost more.
What happens after approval?
You receive a 30-day entry vignette if outside the UK. Travel to the UK and collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days from a designated Post Office.
Your visa allows you to work and study. You must live with your partner and continue to meet conditions. Keep records updated for your future extension.
Extending and settling
You typically apply to extend after 2 years and 9 months with fresh evidence. After 5 years on the spouse route, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if you meet all rules. After ILR, you may be eligible for British citizenship.
Detailed documents checklist (expanded)
Use this expanded list to reduce back-and-forth with caseworkers.
Identity and status
- Passport for applicant and sponsor.
- Sponsor’s proof of British citizenship or settled status (passport, BRP, share code if applicable).
- Previous visas, entry stamps, and immigration history.
Relationship proof
- Marriage/civil partnership certificate.
- Photos across different dates and settings.
- Travel itineraries and boarding passes.
- Screenshots of chats and call logs (sampled, relevant).
- Joint leases, council tax bills, bank accounts, utility bills.
- Letters to the same address if you’ve lived together.
Financial evidence (employment)
- Payslips (usually last 6 months for Category A, or 12 months if Category B/variable income).
- Bank statements showing salary deposits.
- Employer letter with job title, salary, hours, and start date.
- P60 if available.
Financial evidence (self-employment)
- Tax return (SA302), accountant letter, company accounts.
- Business bank statements.
- Invoices and contracts if relevant.
Savings route
- Bank statements for at least 6 consecutive months.
- Evidence funds are under your control.
- Calculation sheet showing how savings meet the threshold.
Accommodation
- Tenancy agreement or mortgage statement.
- Landlord/agent letter permitting occupancy by you and dependants.
- Property inspection report if requested.
English language
- Approved test certificate at the correct level.
- Or NARIC/ECCTIS confirmation if using a degree taught in English.
- Or evidence of majority English-speaking nationality.
Health
- TB test certificate if your country requires it.
Organize everything with a contents page. Label files clearly (e.g., “Payslips_Jan–Jun_2025.pdf”). Consistency reduces delays.
Understanding financial evidence in depth
The financial requirement trips many applicants. Here’s how to avoid issues.
- Category A (salaried employment): 6 months with the same employer at or above the threshold.
- Category B (variable income or short employment history): use a 12-month calculation method.
- Self-employment: provide the full tax-year evidence; timing matters—plan applications around tax cycles.
- Savings: only savings above £16,000 count; they must be held for 6 months and be immediately accessible.
- Combination: some categories can be combined (e.g., salary + savings) to meet the threshold.
Numbers in payslips and bank statements must align. Employment letters should list salary, hours, and permanence.
Choosing a solicitor or marriage visa attorney
A solicitor for UK marriage visa application can be invaluable if:
- Your income is complex (multiple jobs or self-employment).
- You’ve had a previous refusal.
- Documents are in different languages needing certified translation.
- There are gaps in communication or cohabitation evidence.
- Time is tight and you want a professional to assemble the pack.
What to ask before hiring
- Experience with spouse visas and recent success rates.
- Turnaround time and who prepares the bundle.
- Fixed fee vs hourly billing and what’s included.
- Draft review process and how many revisions are covered.
How a solicitor helps your case
- Audits your evidence against the rules.
- Fixes inconsistencies before submission.
- Drafts a covering letter mapping evidence to each requirement.
- Liaises with you during any Home Office queries.
- Guides you on extensions and ILR planning.
Timeline planning and travel logistics
Map your timeline to avoid overstays or gaps:
- If outside the UK, don’t make non-refundable travel plans before a decision.
- If inside the UK, apply before your current visa expires.
- Keep contact details current for appointment notices.
- Plan for the BRP collection window after arrival.
Priority services can speed things up, but they don’t guarantee approval. Strong evidence does.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Mismatched data: Names, dates, and addresses must match across forms and documents.
- Out-of-date English test: Make sure the test and provider are on the current approved list.
- Insufficient bank evidence: Provide continuous statements covering the required months.
- Random relationship dumps: Curate meaningful, dated items rather than hundreds of unlabelled screenshots.
- Ignoring accommodation rules: Overcrowding can cause refusals—clarify permitted occupants.
- Missing translations: Provide certified translations for non-English documents.
After a refusal: your options
If refused, read the decision letter carefully. Identify the reasons. Options may include:
- Administrative review where relevant.
- Fresh application with stronger evidence.
- Appeal in limited circumstances.
A marriage visa attorney can assess the best route and help you fix gaps. Don’t rush a re-submission without addressing the refusal points.
Switching to a spouse visa inside the UK
If permitted by your current visa, you may switch to a spouse visa without leaving the UK. The fee is generally £1,048 plus IHS. Processing is often faster than out-of-country applications, but evidence standards are identical.
Adding children as dependants
Children can be included if they are eligible dependants and you meet the higher financial threshold. Provide birth certificates, custody documents where relevant, and accommodation that fits the family size.
Life on a spouse visa: rights and responsibilities
You can work and study freely. Keep your relationship genuine and ongoing. Update addresses with authorities when you move. Maintain records—these help at extension and ILR stage.
Planning for extension and ILR
About 28–30 months after entry, prepare your extension with new financial and relationship evidence. Keep a checklist year-round to make the process smoother.
After 5 years on the spouse route (with continuous residence and meeting all rules), you may apply for ILR. You may then consider citizenship if eligible.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a marriage visa attorney?
Not required by law, but many applicants use a solicitor for error-proofing and case management.
Can I apply for a marriage visa after a visitor visa?
Visitor visas don’t typically allow switching in-country to a spouse visa. Most applicants must return overseas to apply, unless they hold a visa that permits switching.
Can my solicitor submit documents for me?
Yes. Many solicitors upload and organize your bundle via the portal and provide a covering letter.
How fast is priority processing?
It varies by country and capacity. Expect faster decisions than standard, but availability and timelines change.
What if my income is slightly below the threshold?
Explore savings routes, combine income categories where allowed, or delay until you meet the requirement. Submitting below-threshold evidence risks refusal.
Do I need to pay UK marriage visa fees again for an extension?
Yes. Extensions have their own application fee and IHS charges.
What happens if my relationship ends during the visa period?
You must notify the Home Office. You may need to switch routes or leave the UK.
Is cohabitation before marriage mandatory?
No. You must prove a genuine, subsisting relationship, which can be shown in multiple ways.
Practical budgeting for the UK marriage visa cost
Create a budget that includes:
- Application fee and IHS for the full period.
- Translations and document certification.
- Travel to the visa centre and courier costs if needed.
- Optional priority fee.
- Solicitor fees if you choose professional support.
Budgeting prevents last-minute compromises that weaken evidence.
Action plan: make your application strong
- Start with a master checklist.
- Draft a relationship timeline with dates, trips, and milestones.
- Choose the correct financial category and gather the exact documents it requires.
- Label every file with date and purpose.
- Consider a solicitor for UK marriage visa application if your case isn’t straightforward.
Final thoughts
If you need marriage visa UK help, focus on the fundamentals: eligibility, strong evidence, and consistent documentation. Understand the UK marriage visa fees, plan for the UK marriage visa cost, and follow the UK marriage visa requirements precisely.
When in doubt, consult a qualified marriage visa attorney or solicitor. Solid preparation now saves months later—helping you join your partner in the UK with confidence and a clear path to settlement.
