UK Spouse Visa Document Checklist

Need help with your Spouse visa application? Our UK Spouse Visa Document Checklist 2025 outlines all the essential documents for a successful application.

When applying for a UK Spouse visa, you must submit various supporting documents, including your passport, marriage certificate, proof of income and more.

Missing or incorrect documents can result in a Spouse Visa refusal. Contact us if you're unsure about the required documents for your Spouse visa application.

Table of Contents

What is a UK Spouse visa?

The UK Spouse Visa is a category of family visa that permits individuals married to a British citizen or a settled person in the UK to live and work in the UK.

Spouse Visa holders are generally permitted to work and study in the UK without restrictions.

The Spouse Visa is granted for an initial period of 2.5 years when applied for within the UK, or 2 years and 9 months when applied for from outside the UK.

After this initial period, you must extend your spouse visa for another 2.5 years before it expires to continue living and working in the UK legally.

If you have resided in the UK for at least five years under a valid UK Spouse visa (5-year route), you may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain. This 5-year period starts from the date the initial spouse visa was granted under the 5-year route.

What documents are required for a UK Spouse visa?

When applying for a UK spouse visa, it is important to have all the necessary documents in order. Missing or incomplete paperwork can result in delays or even a rejected application.

You will need to provide:

1. Your valid passport or travel document.
2. Marriage or civil partnership certificate.
3. Proof of partner's nationality (e.g., passport or citizenship document).
4. Evidence of partner's UK immigration status or residency.
5. Evidence of a genuine relationship.
6. Evidence that you meet the financial requirements.
7. Proof of adequate accommodation.
8. An English language test certificate (unless exempt).
9. Proof of any dependent family members (if applicable).
10. Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applicable).
11. Additional supporting documents depending on your circumstances.

Ensure all documents are translated into English if needed and are submitted in the correct format.

Documents your partner needs to provide for a Spouse visa

Your UK partner (sponsor) will need to provide the following documents:

• Proof of nationality (e.g., passport or citizenship document).
• Evidence of UK immigration status or residency.
• Evidence of finances (e.g., payslips, bank statements).
• Proof of adequate accommodation (e.g., rent agreement or mortgage documents).

Documents to prove Spouse visa financial requirements

To qualify for a Partner/Spouse Visa in the UK, your partner must meet the minimum income requirement of £29,000 gross per year, which increased from £18,600 on April 11, 2024.

To meet the minimum income requirement, your partner can provide:

• Payslips from the last 6 months.
• Employer's letter confirming employment and salary.
• Bank statements showing the income.

If your partner doesn't meet the income requirement, savings of at least £88,500 can be used to meet the UK Spouse visa financial requirements.

Evidence of your genuine and subsisting relationship

When applying for a UK spouse visa, you must prove that your relationship with a British citizen or settled person is genuine and subsisting.

Here's a list of acceptable documentation to demonstrate the genuineness of your relationship:

• A valid marriage certificate.
• Recent photographs of you and your partner together.
• Communication records such as WhatsApp chats, emails, and phone call logs.
• Evidence of trips taken together, such as flight itineraries, hotel bookings, or travel photos.
• Birth certificates of any children you have together (if applicable).
• Additional documents to establish the credibility of your relationship.

Evidence of adequate accommodation

Here's a list of acceptable documentation to demonstrate that you have suitable living arrangements:

• Tenancy agreement showing that you are renting a property.
• Mortgage documents as proof of ownership
• Recent utility bills (e.g., electricity, water, gas) that display your name and the property address.
• A current council tax bill indicating your residency at the address.
• A property inception report confirming that the accommodation meets health and safety standards.
• Demonstrate that the property has sufficient living space for the couple to live comfortably.

Evidence of your knowledge of the English language

When applying for a UK Spouse Visa, you must demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English at least at the A1 level on the CEFR scale.

To prove your knowledge of the English language for an ILR application, you can provide one of the following:

• English language test certificate (the A1 level on the CEFR scale).
• UK degree taught in English.
• Degree from an English-speaking country (UK NARIC approved).
• Nationality of an English-speaking country.

Exemptions may apply to applicants over 65 or with specific medical conditions.

How can our solicitors help with your Spouse visa application?

Contact Moeen & Co. Solicitors for Assistance

If you need professional help and advice, contact us at Moeen & Co. Solicitors. Call us on 0203 959 7755 to book a consultation. Let us guide you through the Spouse visa application process smoothly and efficiently.

FAQs about the documents needed for a UK Spouse visa

Applying for a UK Spouse visa? Here's a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to guide you through the essential documents you need for your application.