The rules, answered · checked 7 November 2026
What evidence does a self-employed sponsor need for a spouse visa?
Quick answer
The self assessment tax return and SA302 (or tax calculation) for the last full financial year, twelve months of personal and business bank statements, proof the business is still trading, and accounts, VAT registration or a franchise agreement.
What the rules say
Evidence for self-employment
For self-employment or a limited company: the self assessment tax return and the SA302 or tax calculation, twelve months of personal and business bank statements, evidence that the business is still trading (such as invoices or contracts from the last three months), and accounts, VAT registration or a franchise agreement. Self-employment can’t be combined with savings.
From GOV.UK: Immigration Rules, Appendix FM-SE, checked 7 November 2026.
The 28-day rule
The most recent payslip and bank statement must be dated no earlier than 28 days before the application is made. Evidence must cover the right period up to that point: six months for a job held six months or more, twelve months for a job under six months old, and for self-employment the last full financial year.
From GOV.UK: Immigration Rules, Appendix FM-SE, checked 7 November 2026.
On your tracker
Answer seven questions and the tracker lists these, where they apply to you, with the dates each must fall between and every requirement to tick:
- Tax returns for the last full financial year
- Business and personal bank statements
- Proof the business is still trading
Information, not immigration advice. Whether your documents meet a rule is a judgement only a regulated adviser can make: have your bundle checked.