July 16, 2026

How to Bring Your Spouse or Partner to the UK

If you’re a British citizen or settled in the UK and wish to bring your husband, wife, civil partner, or long-term partner to live with you — you’ll need to apply for a UK Spouse or Partner Visa.

It might sound complicated, but with the right guidance, it’s a smooth process. At GMS Immigration, we help families reunite with clarity, care, and confidence.

Who Can Apply for a UK Spouse or Partner Visa?

To be eligible:

  • You must be married, in a civil partnership, or have lived together in a relationship for at least 2 years.
  • Your sponsor (the UK-based partner) must be a British citizen, hold settled status, or refugee/humanitarian protection.
  • Both partners must be 18 or older.

What Documents Do You Need?

You’ll typically need:

  • Valid passports for both partners
  • Proof of your relationship (marriage certificate, photos, chats, etc.)
  • Proof you’ve lived together (if unmarried)
  • English language test certificate (A1 level or higher)
  • Financial documents (like payslips, bank statements)
  • UK accommodation proof (rental agreement or mortgage)

GMS Tip: Make sure your documents are well-organised — missing or unclear evidence can delay or even reject your application.

Financial Requirement in 2025

Your UK-based partner must earn at least £18,600 per year. If you’re also bringing children, this threshold increases.

Don’t meet the income? Some savings or exemptions may apply — talk to our team to understand your options.

UKVI Spouse Visa Guidance PDF

Visa Fees and Processing Time

  • Application fee: approx. £1,846 (outside UK)
  • Processing time: 3–6 months
  • NHS Surcharge: around £1,035 per year

Faster priority services are available at extra cost.

How GMS Immigration Can Help

Navigating visa applications can be overwhelming — but we’re here to make it easy.

As a UK-based, IAA-certified immigration agency, GMS Immigration provides:

  • Personalized support for every case
  • Help with preparing relationship evidence
  • Financial requirement assessments
  • Application review to avoid refusal