This page has been reviewed and verified by Michael Gibbons, UK Solicitor and Regulated Immigration Advisor, to ensure accuracy under current UK immigration policy. Confirm your visa requirements via Our UK Visa Guidance.
Before inviting your family to live with you in the United Kingdom, you must demonstrate that you meet the minimum financial requirements set by the Home Office. These rules are in place to ensure that families can live in the UK without relying on public funds. This guide outlines the 2025 income thresholds, how they are calculated, and what sources of income can be used to meet them.
Minimum Income Requirement
To bring your spouse or partner to the UK under the Family Visa route, you must earn a minimum annual income of £18,600. This requirement increases if you are also sponsoring children who will live with you in the UK.
- £18,600 per year – for a partner or spouse only
- + £3,800 – for your first child
- + £2,400 – for each additional child
For example, if you are sponsoring your spouse and one child, your minimum income requirement would be £22,400 (£18,600 + £3,800). If you are sponsoring two children, you would need £24,800 (£18,600 + £3,800 + £2,400). The same rules apply whether your income is from employment or self-employment, as long as it is lawful and can be evidenced through documentation.
Applicants must prove their income through payslips, tax returns, or official employment letters. If you have savings, these can also be used to meet the requirement in certain cases. See Financial Requirements for a UK Parent Visa for more details on accepted evidence.
Can I Use My Partner’s Income?
Yes. If your partner is already living and working in the UK lawfully, their income may be combined with yours to meet the threshold. Both sources must be verifiable and meet Home Office documentation standards. Income from the following sources can count toward your total:
- Employment or self-employment
- Non-employment income such as dividends, pensions, or property rental
- Cash savings above £16,000 held for at least six months
For details on combining income and savings, review the Home Office’s Appendix FM financial guidance or seek professional immigration advice from a regulated advisor.
Third-Party Financial Support
In limited circumstances, a third party — such as a close relative — may act as a financial sponsor. However, this is only accepted when the Home Office is satisfied that the support is reliable, long-term, and verifiable. The sponsor must show that they have sufficient funds to support both themselves and your family without relying on public funds.
If the Home Office doubts that the sponsor can provide stable support, your application may be refused. It is strongly recommended to obtain legal advice before submitting an application based on third-party financial sponsorship.
Other Accepted Financial Evidence
You may also rely on other verifiable forms of income or savings to meet the minimum threshold. These include:
- Income from pensions (state or private)
- Maintenance payments or stipends
- Profits from self-employment or business ownership
- Investments or property rental income
Ensure all financial evidence is submitted in the correct format and within the required timeframe. Missing or incomplete documentation is one of the most common reasons for UK Visa Refusals.
Frequently Asked Question
Can I bring my family to the UK if I do not meet the income requirement?
If you do not meet the £18,600 minimum income threshold, you may still be eligible under exceptional circumstances, such as disability or humanitarian reasons. These cases are considered individually by the Home Office. For most applicants, however, meeting the financial requirement is mandatory for a successful family visa application.
Related Guidance
- What Are the Financial Requirements for a UK Parent Visa?
- What Are the Conditions for a UK Family Visa?
- How Long Does It Take to Process a UK Family Visa?
- UK Visa Fees 2025
About This Page
Author: UK Visa Applications Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Michael Gibbons, UK Solicitor and Regulated Immigration Advisor
Last Updated: October 2025