FAMILY / UK VISA GUIDE
Partner & Spouse visa.
Build your everyday life, together.
Understand the relationship, financial and English requirements before preparing a family visa application.
General information · Sources checked 18 September 2026
THE ESSENTIALS
What you’ll need
to show.
An eligible partner
Your partner needs a qualifying UK status, such as British or Irish citizenship or settlement. Other qualifying statuses exist; check which applies.
A qualifying relationship
Show a recognised marriage or civil partnership, or that you meet the unmarried-partner rules. Both partners must intend to live together permanently in the UK.
Financial requirements
The usual minimum income requirement is £29,000 a year. Different rules can apply to earlier applications and certain benefits. Eligible savings may help; the evidence rules matter.
English and accommodation
Check the English language requirement or an applicable exemption, and show suitable accommodation is available.
GET ORGANISED
Start with
the right evidence.
This is a starting point, not a complete document list. What you need depends on your circumstances.
- Passports and evidence of your partner’s UK status.
- Relationship evidence, such as a marriage certificate and records of your shared life.
- Financial evidence suited to your income or savings category.
- English evidence, accommodation details and any required TB certificate or translations.
PLAN AHEAD
Costs & timing.
Budget for the application fee, any healthcare surcharge that applies and any optional services. Government charges are separate from adviser fees.
Processing times depend on the route, where you apply and your circumstances. Allow time to gather your documents; a published estimate is not a guaranteed decision date.
Check current fees and times on GOV.UK ↗GOOD QUESTIONS
A little more clarity.
Must unmarried partners have lived together?
Not always. The rules can cover a relationship of at least two years where there is a good reason you cannot live together. Evidence of the relationship is still needed.
Is a fiancé visa the same?
It is a separate basis within the family route, usually allowing six months to marry or form a civil partnership. Work and study are not allowed during that permission.
Can Dream Gate help with my application?
We’ll review your circumstances and immigration history before confirming whether we can help. If you need specialist advice, we’ll explain the appropriate next step before any work begins.
READ THE OFFICIAL GUIDANCE
Immigration rules change. These summaries are introductory information, not a complete assessment or a promise of an outcome.
Partner and spouse rules ↗Financial requirements ↗Information and evidence ↗English requirement ↗YOU DON’T NEED ALL THE ANSWERS YET.
Tell us about
your plans.
Start with a brief enquiry. We’ll discuss whether our support is the right fit and explain the next step.
support@dreamgateimmigration.com ↗Keep your first message brief. Please do not include passports, documents or sensitive personal information.