The rules, answered · checked 7 November 2026
How much savings do you need for a UK spouse visa?
Quick answer
Savings alone need to reach £88,500. Savings above £16,000, held for at least six months, count after dividing by 2.5, so smaller savings can top up an income below £29,000.
What the rules say
Savings
Savings above £16,000 count towards the income rule after dividing by 2.5 (for entry and extension). So savings alone need to reach £88,500. The money must have been held for at least six months, in either partner’s name or both, with statements covering the six months and a declaration of where it came from. Savings and income can be combined, except with self-employment.
From GOV.UK: Immigration Rules, Appendix FM, checked 7 November 2026.
The income rule
First applications made on or after 11 April 2024 need £29,000 a year before tax, with no extra amount for children. It can come from the UK partner’s job, self-employment, a pension, rent or dividends, or savings. Before entry, the applying partner’s job abroad doesn’t count; their job in the UK counts if they already work here with permission. Different kinds of income can usually be added together.
From GOV.UK, 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:
- Statements for the savings
Information, not immigration advice. Whether your documents meet a rule is a judgement only a regulated adviser can make: have your bundle checked.