Important Updates
Important Updates
September 4, 2025 | OmanOman: New Licensing Requirement for Select Roles 
September 5, 2025 | SingaporeFragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan Named 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs Winners
September 5, 2025 | United StatesPartner Archana Iyer Wins "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards
September 5, 2025 | United StatesTimes of India: A War on Fraud: USCIS to Train Special Armed Agents with Powers to Arrest Applicants and Lawyers
September 5, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: DHS Announces End of Temporary Protected Status for 2021 Venezuela Designation
September 4, 2025 | OmanOman: New Licensing Requirement for Select Roles 
September 5, 2025 | SingaporeFragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan Named 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs Winners
September 5, 2025 | United StatesPartner Archana Iyer Wins "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards
September 5, 2025 | United StatesTimes of India: A War on Fraud: USCIS to Train Special Armed Agents with Powers to Arrest Applicants and Lawyers
September 5, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: DHS Announces End of Temporary Protected Status for 2021 Venezuela Designation
September 4, 2025 | OmanOman: New Licensing Requirement for Select Roles 
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

UK Partner Visas: How to Meet the Financial Requirement

December 28, 2023

Abstract partnership

Country / Territory

  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Related contacts

Zarmina Mahmood - web porthole

Zarmina Mahmood

Senior Associate

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9473

Related offices

  • London

Related content

  • Pathways to British Citizenship

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Zarmina Mahmood - web porthole

Zarmina Mahmood

Senior Associate

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9473

Related offices

  • London

Related content

  • Pathways to British Citizenship

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Zarmina Mahmood - web porthole

Zarmina Mahmood

Senior Associate

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9473

Related offices

  • London

Related content

  • Pathways to British Citizenship

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Zarmina Mahmood

A partner visa is an immigration route that allows spouses, unmarried partners, fiancé(e)’s, proposed civil partners and civil partners of British citizens, Irish citizens, pre-settled holders under Appendix EU, Turkish Businessperson holders, Turkish worker visa holders, refugee status holders, humanitarian protection holders and permanent residents (sponsors) who are both present and settled to live in the United Kingdom.

However, there are various immigration conditions, including financial, accommodation, relationship and language requirements that must be met to qualify. One of the most critical aspects of the application process is the financial requirements piece, as the applicant must demonstrate that they can be adequately maintained in the UK without recourse to public funds.

There are two parts to this requirement: accommodation and a specified level of income or savings, and this blog explores the latter.

There is often a general misconception that meeting the financial requirements primarily hinges on a specific income threshold. While a minimum income through employment is indeed a commonly relied-upon, it is not the sole route. The financial requirements can be satisfied through various means, such as employment income, self-employment, non-employment, cash savings, pension income or through a combination of some of these.

Minimum income threshold

The minimum income threshold for a partner visa is £18,600 per annum. It must be demonstrated at each stage of the application: initial, extension and indefinite leave to remain.

This threshold increases if there are non-British children who are also applying for visas at the same time as the applicant’s parent or later. The threshold increases by £3,800 for the first child, and then by a further £2,400 per child for any additional children.

Each source of income category available to meet the minimum income requirements as per the immigration guidance which categorizes them in alphabetical letters is outlined below.

Categories A & B: Employment income

These categories relate to salaried and non-salaried employees and their variable income received from employment on the part of the sponsor and the applicant. It should be noted, however, that the applicant’s income cannot be considered under this section unless the applicant is already in the UK with permission to work and is applying to extend or switch visa categories.

Employment income typically needs to be evidenced over the past six months to a year depending on the fact pattern and the employment should be ongoing. Where the sponsor is overseas and returning to the UK, they must have a confirmed job offer starting within three months of their return.

Category C: Passive/non-employment income

Applicants can use passive income sources to meet the financial requirements. These include income received from property, investments, savings, specified government allowances and/or pay-outs from various schemes (such as maintenance payments resulting from divorce proceedings, study grants, insurance policies, legal settlements and royalties).

Category D: Cash savings

This tends to be the first choice for clients with sufficient means or self-employed clients, as this category requires the least documentary evidence, and the funds can be in the applicant and/or sponsor’s names regardless of where the application is submitted.

There is also flexibility for applicants to use a combination of income sources and cash savings, as this category can be combined with categories A and B. Any savings above the £16,000 threshold can contribute towards the income threshold required and make up any shortfalls. If there is £62,500 in savings, the amount can also be used as the sole means of meeting the financial requirement. The cash savings threshold is less at the indefinite leave to remain stage.

Category E: Pension income

Applicants can rely on their own (or their sponsor’s) gross annual income from any state pension (UK or foreign), occupation pension or private pension.

Unlike other categories where income or savings must be evidenced for six months to one year, the pension income must only become a source of income at least 28 days preceding the date of the application. This makes the process a bit simpler for pension-based applicants.

Categories F & G: Self-employment income, or income from a specified limited company in the UK

This category applies to those seeking reliance on income received in the capacity of sole traders or partners in a franchise and from a specified limited company in the UK.

For those who are self-employed, the most crucial aspect of this requirement is that the level of income that can be used is the gross taxable profits of the business in the last financial year. For individuals earning income from a specified limited company in the UK, the income that can be used is the salary/dividends received during the company’s accounting year for tax purposes. If applicants have earned income during two financial years and wish to use the average of the income received in both years, this is permissible.

This is the most document-heavy category under the rules where guidance and liaising with the sponsor’s accountant are often needed.

Looking ahead

The UK Home Secretary recently announced that the financial requirement for family applications will increase from £18,600 to 29,000 down from a proposed £38,700.

This change is expected to take effect in the spring of 2024, and Fragomen professionals are closely monitoring the situation for further updates.

Need to know more?

The financial requirements for a UK partner visa can be challenging, especially if any earned income or savings fall short of the minimum thresholds. However, with careful preparation, documentation, guidance on alternatives and adherence to the immigration rules, it is possible to meet these requirements.

Fragomen has extensive experience in all aspects of UK immigration law. For queries on partner visas, please contact Associate (Solicitor) Zarmina Mahmood at [email protected].

This blog was published on 28 December 2023, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.

Country / Territory

  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Related contacts

Zarmina Mahmood - web porthole

Zarmina Mahmood

Senior Associate

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9473

Related offices

  • London

Related content

  • Pathways to British Citizenship

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Zarmina Mahmood - web porthole

Zarmina Mahmood

Senior Associate

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9473

Related offices

  • London

Related content

  • Pathways to British Citizenship

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Zarmina Mahmood - web porthole

Zarmina Mahmood

Senior Associate

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9473

Related offices

  • London

Related content

  • Pathways to British Citizenship

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Awards

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan Named 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs Winners

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan were recognized at the 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Archana Iyer Wins "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards

Partner Archana Iyer won the "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: A War on Fraud: USCIS to Train Special Armed Agents with Powers to Arrest Applicants and Lawyers

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses how USCIS’s new rule could potentially increase enforcement and affect how applicants interact with the US immigration system.

Learn more

Blog post

Red Carpet or Red Tape? Indonesia’s Immigration Strategy After the Election

Assistant Business Immigration Manager Raga Rasuanta discusses Indonesia’s post-election immigration strategy and its shift toward balancing openness to global talent with increased regulatory scrutiny.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年8月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Names Leah Rogal Senior Director

Fragomen announces the appointment of Leah Rogal as Senior Director of its Center for Strategy and Applied Insights.

Learn more

Blog post

Moving to Saudi Arabia: How Orientation Programs Help Expats Adjust

Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar discusses how orientation programmes in Saudi Arabia help expatriates adapt to cultural differences, workplace norms and everyday challenges, easing their transition into a new environment.

Learn more

Blog post

Exploring Self-Sponsored Visa Pathways in the UAE

Manager Olga Astapova outlines options for individuals to obtain residency without employer sponsorship, highlighting legal routes and strategic considerations.

Learn more

Video

Ireland 2025 Submission Period Opens for Consultation on Occupation Lists | #MobilityMinute

Senior Manager Fatima Aydin discusses Ireland's 2025 public consultation on the occupations lists, and how stakeholders such as employers can provide input.

Learn more

Blog post

Swiss Immigration Quotas 2025: Mid-Year Update

Manager Mihaela Dumitru outlines Switzerland's evolving immigration policies and quota adjustments for 2025.

Learn more

Video

German Citizenship by Descent Explained

Learn how to apply for German citizenship by descent. Discover eligibility under Article 116 and Section 15, benefits of EU citizenship and the step-by-step application process.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Immigration: Huge Fall in Health and Care Worker Visas

Partner Siobhan Owers discussed how visa reforms are reducing available international staff and creating workforce challenges in the UK care sector.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan Named 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs Winners

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan were recognized at the 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Archana Iyer Wins "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards

Partner Archana Iyer won the "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: A War on Fraud: USCIS to Train Special Armed Agents with Powers to Arrest Applicants and Lawyers

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses how USCIS’s new rule could potentially increase enforcement and affect how applicants interact with the US immigration system.

Learn more

Blog post

Red Carpet or Red Tape? Indonesia’s Immigration Strategy After the Election

Assistant Business Immigration Manager Raga Rasuanta discusses Indonesia’s post-election immigration strategy and its shift toward balancing openness to global talent with increased regulatory scrutiny.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年8月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Names Leah Rogal Senior Director

Fragomen announces the appointment of Leah Rogal as Senior Director of its Center for Strategy and Applied Insights.

Learn more

Blog post

Moving to Saudi Arabia: How Orientation Programs Help Expats Adjust

Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar discusses how orientation programmes in Saudi Arabia help expatriates adapt to cultural differences, workplace norms and everyday challenges, easing their transition into a new environment.

Learn more

Blog post

Exploring Self-Sponsored Visa Pathways in the UAE

Manager Olga Astapova outlines options for individuals to obtain residency without employer sponsorship, highlighting legal routes and strategic considerations.

Learn more

Video

Ireland 2025 Submission Period Opens for Consultation on Occupation Lists | #MobilityMinute

Senior Manager Fatima Aydin discusses Ireland's 2025 public consultation on the occupations lists, and how stakeholders such as employers can provide input.

Learn more

Blog post

Swiss Immigration Quotas 2025: Mid-Year Update

Manager Mihaela Dumitru outlines Switzerland's evolving immigration policies and quota adjustments for 2025.

Learn more

Video

German Citizenship by Descent Explained

Learn how to apply for German citizenship by descent. Discover eligibility under Article 116 and Section 15, benefits of EU citizenship and the step-by-step application process.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Immigration: Huge Fall in Health and Care Worker Visas

Partner Siobhan Owers discussed how visa reforms are reducing available international staff and creating workforce challenges in the UK care sector.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.