Dreaming of living in the UK with your family? The UK dependent visa for spouses process helps UK citizens and certain visa holders bring their dependents to live with them in the UK. With this visa, you can bring your spouse or partner and children to the UK.
Who Can Apply for a UK Dependent Visa?
- Spouse/Civil partner/unmarried partner (2+ years proof of relationship)
- Children under 18 years of age
- Children over (only if already in the UK as dependents).
UK Dependent Visa Requirements for Spouse & Eligibility
- Evidence of a genuine relationship (Civil partnership certificate or marriage certificate)
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Proof of sufficient funds (must have minimum annual salary)
- Proof of intention to live with sponsor in the UK for the entire duration of your Visa
- The UK sponsor must have a valid visa (student visa or UK skilled visa)
Check Your UK Dependent Visa Eligibility today and avoid common mistakes that can delay your spouse dependent visa application.
UK Dependent Visa Documents Checklist
The complete list of documents required for a UK dependent visa spouse is given in the table below:
| Document | Requirement |
| A valid passport | Have at least 1 blank page |
| Proof of relationship | Birth certificate of children or marriage certificate |
| Proof of sufficient funds (varies based on the visa type of the primary applicant) | Bank statements |
| TB Test Certificate | If required (may vary depending on the country you are applying from) |
| Criminal Clearance Certificate | Proof of having a clear criminal record |
| Fee payment receipt | Proof of visa fee payment |
| Additional documents | Proof of applicant’s visa status |
How long does UK Dependent Visa for a Spouse Take – Step-by-Step Process
UK dependent visa requirements for spouses cover the rules, documents, and financial conditions a married partner must meet to apply for a UK dependent visa.
1. Relationship Requirements
You must be married to your UK partner/spouse. Your marriage must be legally valid and recognized in the UK, and you must provide evidence that your relationship is genuine and ongoing and that you intend to live together permanently in the UK.
2. Immigration Status of your Partner
Your partner/spouse must be present and settled in the UK; however, if you and your spouse are traveling together to the UK, they are considered to be present and settled for the Purpose of staying together in the country.
- A British or an Irish citizen,
- Settled in the UK,
- Someone with pre-settled status under the EUSS,
- Someone holding a Turkish businessperson or Turkish worker visa,
- Someone with refugee status or humanitarian protection.
3. Financial Requirements
Financial requirement is also referred to as the minimum income requirement (MIR). You must demonstrate that you, your partner (if a dependent child), can meet your financial requirement without relying on public funds.
- Earnings from employment for last six months;
- Earnings from employment for last twelve months, if the sponsor is not employed for six months with their current employer;
- Non-employment income
- Self-employment;
- Company directors;
- Pension;
- Rental income;
- Overseas employment of your spouse if you both are returning to the UK;
- Overseas self-employment or income from company earnings if you both are returning to the UK;
- Earnings before maternity pay;
- Gifts held as savings, money received after a sale, or assets such as property, bonds, shares, etc.
- Grants or stipends
You may combine certain income sources to meet the financial requirement, but not all types can be used together.
If you are applying from outside the country, your sponsor’s income should be taken into another account. On the other hand, if you are in the UK on another visa or spouse visa and working, you can combine your income/savings with your partner’s income/savings to meet the financial requirement.
The minimum funds required for a UK Family Visa are around £29,000 annually. You may also be required to pay an additional £285 for a partner, £315 for one child, and £200 for each additional child. The proof of funds for a UK family visa can be submitted through payslips, bank statements, or employment letters.
4. English Language Proficiency
If you want to move to the UK, you must complete the language proficiency test. To prove this to pass this IELTS, demonstrate your competence in the English language at least CEFR level A1 if it is your initial application or level A2 for your extension period.
5. Accommodation Requirements
You must prove that there will be adequate accommodation for you, your partner, and children in the UK. You must be rented or provided by family or friends or owned by your partner. It must not lead to overcrowding or contravene public health regulations.
6. Tuberculosis (TB) Test requirements (If needed)
Applicants from certain countries, including India, must take a TB test from a UK-approved clinic before applying for a UK visa. A certificate is required as proof that you are free from active TB and must be submitted with your visa application.
If you need more information about the UK dependent visa application process, get in touch with our team for personalized assistance and step-by-step support.
UK Spouse Visa Processing Time
A spouse visa can be applied for either from outside or inside the UK, depending on your situation. Most applicants apply from outside the UK to join their spouse, partner, or child, with an average processing time of around 12 weeks from the date of application submission, provided all required documents are correctly submitted, excluding additional fees. If applying from within the UK, you must already be in the country on an eligible visa that permits switching to a spouse visa, which is typically allowed only if your current visa is valid for more than six months and is not a visitor visa.
The application requirements are the same as those for those applying from outside the UK. However, time spent in the UK together and UK documentation helps accelerate your application
When applying from inside the country, the Home Office typically takes 8 weeks to decide on a UK dependent visa application. It costs £1,636 per person (5-year visa) to apply for a Spouse Visa inside the UK. When you apply from outside the country, it costs £1,420 per person (5-year visa) to apply for a Spouse Visa inside the UK.
Get expert guidance on how to apply for a UK spouse visa in 2026 and understand every stage of the visa process clearly.
Common Reasons for UK Dependent Visa Rejections
Some of the most common UK dependent visa rejection reasons for spouses:
- Incomplete Visa Applications
- Lack of evidence (relationship)
- Lack of sufficient funds required for the Visa
- Not having an accommodation in the UK
- Inaccuracy in your details given in the application form
- Having a criminal record in your home country
How can GreenTree Immigration help you?
If applying for the UK dependent visa for a spouse requires a meticulous and thorough approach, we at GreenTree Immigration can help you get the right documentation so that your initial application process has the highest chances of an approval rate. Guiding you in choosing the right immigration strategy, completing the visa documents checklist, assisting during application processing, forms, documentation & application filling, updates & follow-up, relocation and post-landing support in the UK.