Family visa: Partner or Spouse
United Kingdom
Last updated: December 24, 2025
2.5 years (renewable)
$2,475 - $2,475
12 weeks
High
About this Visa
The UK spouse visa lets you live permanently with your British partner. You can work anywhere, access free healthcare, bring your children, and eventually become a British citizen. It's open to all nationalities equally—no country is banned. This visa is for married couples, engaged couples, civil partners, or unmarried partners who've been together 2+ years. It's the main way non-UK citizens can settle in the UK with their British partner. It's active and accepting applications from all countries, including Bangladesh. After 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency. After 6 years total, you become eligible for British citizenship.
Key Benefits
- Work any job with no restrictions
- Free NHS healthcare
- Bring spouse and children under 18
- Travel in and out of UK freely
- After 5 years: permanent residency
- After 6 years: eligible for British citizenship
- After permanent residency: access to state benefits
- Study at UK universities or colleges
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be 18 or older
- Must be legally married, civil partners, engaged and free to marry, or living together 2+ years
- Partner must be British, have UK permanent residency, EU settled status, or refugee status
- Must speak basic English (CEFR Level A1 equivalent to 6 months learning)
- Must have genuine, subsisting relationship (not for immigration purposes only)
- No serious criminal record
- Must have adequate accommodation for both partners
- Must meet financial requirement: £29,000/year income or equivalent savings
- Cannot be siblings or parent-child
- Relationship must not be entered into primarily for immigration benefits
Financial Requirement
UK partner must earn £29,000/year (~$39,000 USD). If less, need savings: (shortfall × 2.5) + £16,000. Add £3,800 for first child, then £2,400 per additional child.
Documents
- PassportCurrent passport and all from last 10 years
- Marriage/Civil Partnership CertificateProof of legal relationship or 2+ years living together
- Relationship PhotosMany photos together over time showing relationship development
- Joint BillsCouncil tax, electricity, water, internet showing you live together
- Communication RecordsText messages, emails, call logs showing regular contact
- Financial DocumentsLast 6 months payslips, bank statements, or tax returns
- Accommodation ProofTenancy agreement, mortgage documents, or council tax bill
- English Language TestCertificate showing basic English level (CEFR A1) unless 65+ or native speaker
- TB Test CertificateRequired if lived in 50+ specific countries 6+ months before applying (includes Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nigeria)
- Police ClearanceRequired if lived outside home country 6+ months in past 10 years
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.