Spouse Visa · 9 min read
UK Spouse Visa Financial Requirement 2026: Categories A to F Explained
Every financial evidence category for the UK spouse visa explained with worked examples — salaried employment, self-employment, savings, and how to combine sources when income falls short.
The financial requirement for a UK spouse or partner visa is one of the most frequently misunderstood rules in UK immigration. Since April 2024, the threshold has been rising in three stages. As of April 2026, the minimum is £29,000 per year. This post explains each of the six categories through which that requirement can be met.
Current financial threshold
From 11 April 2026, the minimum income for a spouse or partner visa is £29,000 per year. This is the second stage of a three-stage increase — the threshold was £18,600 before April 2024, £29,000 from April 2024, and will rise to £38,700 in a further stage. Check GOV.UK for the current figure before applying.
The six financial requirement categories
| Category | What counts | Key rules |
|---|---|---|
| Category A — salaried employment | Current gross annual salary of the UK sponsor (or applicant if in the UK with work rights) | Must be employed for 6+ months at a qualifying salary. Payslips and employment letter required. |
| Category B — variable income | Income from the last 6 months must average the required threshold | Used where employment started less than 6 months ago or pay varies. Monthly payslips and bank statements required. |
| Category C — non-employment income | Rental income, dividends, trust income | Must have received this income for the full 12 months before application. Evidence of source required. |
| Category D — cash savings | Savings held for 6+ months | Formula: Required savings = £16,000 + (annual shortfall × 2.5). See below. |
| Category E — pension | UK state pension or occupational pension | Pension income assessed in the same way as employment income. |
| Category F/G — self-employment | Profit from self-employment or directorship | Must meet threshold in the last full financial year. Accounts, SA302, and bank statements required. |
Category D savings formula
If the sponsor cannot meet the threshold through income alone, savings can top up the shortfall. The formula is:
Required savings = £16,000 + (annual income shortfall × 2.5)
Example: If the threshold is £29,000 and the sponsor earns £20,000, the income shortfall is £9,000. Required savings would be £16,000 + (£9,000 × 2.5) = £38,500.
The savings must have been in the sponsor's account (or a joint account) for a continuous 6-month period before application. Savings that appeared shortly before application will not be accepted.
Can you combine categories?
Yes, with restrictions. Income from Categories A, B, C, and E can be combined. Savings under Category D can top up a shortfall from income categories. Self-employment income in Categories F and G cannot be combined with Categories A–E.
Child dependants
If child dependants are also joining the sponsor in the UK, additional income is required — currently £3,800 per year for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child. These figures are also subject to the staged increases.
Last verified: May 2026. The financial threshold has changed multiple times since April 2024 and further increases are expected. Always check GOV.UK for the current figure before applying.
VisaVault is a document preparation service, not an immigration adviser or solicitor. This article is based on current UKVI published guidance and is intended for general information only. Requirements change without notice. Always verify current requirements on GOV.UK before submitting your application.