For most new UK partner or spouse visa applications, the minimum income requirement is £29,000 a year. Different rules can apply where the sponsor receives certain disability or carer benefits, or where transitional provisions apply to applicants who entered the partner route before 11 April 2024.
Self-employed applicants face additional evidential requirements. Under Category F, income is normally assessed using the last full financial year. Under Category G, the Home Office can use the average of the last two full financial years. The wider rules are explained in spouse visa UK financial requirement.
How self-employed income is assessed
For a sole trader or partner in a business, the Home Office looks at the relevant taxable profits rather than business turnover. Appendix FM-SE also requires evidence that the self-employment is continuing at the date of application.
This means a strong current trading period cannot simply replace a weaker completed financial year. Applicants should therefore check the relevant accounting period before applying. Problems with financial evidence are considered further in spouse visa refusals: a detailed guide.
| Income source | Main assessment approach | Typical evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Sole trader or partnership | Last full financial year, or two-year average | Tax returns, tax calculations, business accounts and bank evidence |
| Specified limited company director/shareholder | Relevant company financial year or years | CT600, company accounts, Companies House evidence, salary/dividend records |
| Employment | Usually six months with the same employer, or Category B rules where applicable | Payslips, bank statements and employer letter |
| Cash savings | Normally held for at least six months | Personal bank statements and source declaration |
| Property rental or other non-employment income | Income received during the relevant period | Agreements, statements and supporting records |
| Pension income | Current qualifying pension income | Pension statements or official confirmation |
Directors or employees of certain closely held UK limited companies are subject to the specific company evidence rules in Appendix FM-SE rather than the ordinary salaried-employment rules.
Combining different income sources
Self-employment can be combined with qualifying employment, pension and non-employment income where the relevant rules and assessment periods are satisfied. However, self-employment income cannot be combined with cash savings to meet the minimum income requirement.
Where savings can be used with qualifying non-self-employed income, only eligible cash savings above £16,000 count towards the shortfall. The rules use a multiplier of 2.5. For example, someone relying entirely on savings against the £29,000 requirement would generally need £88,500 in qualifying savings.
If you are changing immigration categories, switching visas from inside the UK explains how timing can affect an application. You must also satisfy separate requirements such as the spouse visa accommodation rules.
Presenting the application clearly
Arrange the financial evidence around the category being relied upon and explain the calculation clearly. A concise covering letter can help identify the income sources and supporting documents; see how to write an immigration cover letter that works.
Financial evidence does not replace the need for spouse visa relationship evidence. Applicants may also find family visa interviews explained, switching from fiancé visa to spouse visa and family visa applications in 2026 useful.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my partner’s income if they are abroad?
An applicant’s overseas employment income generally cannot be relied upon for an entry-clearance spouse application. A sponsoring partner returning to the UK may, however, be able to rely on qualifying overseas employment or self-employment together with specified evidence of future UK employment or continuing self-employment.
Does turnover count for a self-employed spouse visa application?
No. The relevant figure is the qualifying taxable profit calculated under Appendix FM-SE, not gross turnover.
What if I have not completed a full financial year?
You will normally be unable to rely on that self-employment under Category F or G until the required financial period exists. Other qualifying income routes may need to be considered.
Applicants considering alternatives can explore self sponsorship, the Skilled Worker visa, a sponsor licence application or, where relevant, ILR based on long residence. The official thresholds are available on the GOV.UK family visa pages.
If your income comes from several sources, speak to Garth Coates immigration solicitors before applying so the correct financial category and evidence can be identified.
